Engineering Precalculus (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

- Sets of numbers and number systems
- Real functions
- Polynomials equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic equations;
- Trigonometry for right triangles
- Complex numbers
- Vectors and matrices

Objective

After completing the course the student can:
- solve equations, including radical, exponential and logarithmic equations
- use determinants and matrices
- apply dot and cross products
- perform basic operations on complex numbers
- use relevant mathematical terms and notation correctly

Content

- Sets of numbers and number systems
- Real functions
- Polynomials equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic equations
- Trigonometry for right triangles
- Complex numbers
- Vectors and matrices

Materials

1. Precalculus (3rd edition), Fred Safier, SCHAUM’S outlines.
2. Engineering Mathematics (6th edition), K.A. Stroud [MACMILLAN PRESS LTD]
3. Formula book: Technical formulas

Teaching methods

Teacher-directed classroom activities, group work and independent work; project work, reports, task-based (homework)

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

The contents of the course give understanding of the basic mathematics and help students to solve equations, including radical, exponential and logarithmic equations and use determinants and matrices (e.g. for solving linear simultaneous equations), apply dot and cross products (e.g. in games, physics and electrical engineering applications), moreover the students can use relevant mathematical denotation correctly
The students will team up for a project work and writing reports on some current and relevant aspect of basic math, which gives everyone an opportunity to understand the topic; all students will develop their mathematical proficiency.
Task-based assessment supports learning and is continuous throughout the course. Studying in an international group develops students’ ability to intercultural communication and multicultural collaboration

Student workload

Classroom activities: Classroom activities participation 50 h
Homework: Working on homework sets 1-6 30 h
Project work: Research, presentation material, presentation 20h
Final exam: Preparing for the final exam 25 h

Evaluation methods and criteria

Assessment Method
1. 30% of the homework is MANDATORY and students can get points if they do more than 50%.

2. Points distributed as follow:
i. First Exam = 20 points
ii. Second Exam = 20 points
iii. Homework =10 points
Total = 50 points

Failed (0)

Fail in the final exam and not doing the assignments.
Collect (0--20) points and doing less than 30% of the assignments.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Collect (20--32) points in the exams and doing more 50% of the assignments.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Collect (32--44) points in the exams and doing at least 75% of the assignments

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Collect (44--50) points in the exam and doing at least 85% of the assignments.

Qualifications

High school mathematics courses (higher or subsidiary level)
OR
Primary+secondary school and vocational school maths curriculum AND course: Introduction to Mathematics and Physics
OR
equivalent skills

Further information

All practical information on timetables, project work, grading etc., as well as links to web materials are provided in ITS Learning