Engineering Precalculus (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

• Real numbers
• Basic arithmetic operations and the order of operations
• Algebraic expressions
• First and second order of polynomial equations and inequalities
• Simultaneous linear equations
• Radical functions and equations
• Exponential and logarithmic functions and equations
• Angles and angular units
• Right triangle and trigonometry
• Trigonometric functions and the unit circle
• Trigonometric equations
• The sine and cosine rules
• Basic concepts of vector algebra and modelling with vectors
• Scalar product and cross product of two vectors
• Basics of matrix algebra, determinant, inverse of a square matrix
• Field-specific content

Objective

After completing the course, the student
• can handle mathematical expressions and formulas within the engineering framework.
• understands the principles of solving equations and can solve equations encountered within technical applications.
• understands the basics of vector algebra and can apply vectors for modelling and solving technical problems.
• understands the basics concepts of geometry and trigonometry, and can apply them in modelling and problem solving.
• understands the concept of function and knows basic properties of functions.
• can apply functions for modelling and solving technical problems.
• understands the basic concepts of matrix algebra.
• can apply simultaneous equations for modelling and solving technical problems.
• can apply correct mathematical notations within the engineering framework.

Content

• Real numbers
• Basic arithmetic operations and the order of operations
• Algebraic expressions
• First and second order of polynomial equations and inequalities
• Simultaneous linear equations
• Radical functions and equations
• Exponential and logarithmic functions and equations
• Angles and angular units
• Right triangle and trigonometry
• Trigonometric functions and the unit circle
• Trigonometric equations
• The sine and cosine rules
• Basic concepts of vector algebra and modelling with vectors
• Scalar product and cross product of two vectors
• Basics of matrix algebra, determinant, inverse of a square matrix
• Field-specific content

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)

Exam schedules

Assessment Schedule

Midterm Exam – Part 1: February 2026
First Retake: March 2026

Midterm Exam – Part 2: April 2026
First Retake: (Date listed as 2026 — please verify and update if needed)

Final Retake Exam (for both parts): May 2026
Exact times for all exams will be published in the official schedule.

Important:
Homework and exercises must be submitted by the specified deadlines. Late submissions will not be accepted, and there are no options to make up or retake missed tasks

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.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Collect (25--35) points in the exams and doing more 50% of the assignments.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Collect (35--45) points in the exams and doing at least 75% of the assignments

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Collect (45--50) points in the exam and doing at least 85% of the assignments

Qualifications

Introduction to mathematical sciences or corresponding skills.

Further information

All practical information on timetables, project work, grading etc., as well as links to web materials are provided in ITS Learning.
The use of AI is allowed only for self-learning purposes. Using AI to solve assignments is not allowed.