Module FOUD0601: CORE FOUNDATION MATHS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0601: CORE FOUNDATION MATHS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Core Foundation Maths for Scientists

Aims

• To improve confidence in algebraic manipulation through the study of mathematical techniques and development of investigative skills.
• To introduce and develop a knowledge of logarithms and their uses.
• To introduce and develop a knowledge of trigonometry.
• To introduce and develop understanding of a range of standard techniques for differentiation and integration.
• To include trigonometric and logarithmic functions.

Content

• Quadratic equations, factorisation, graphs, quadratic formula.
• Trigonometry, sine, cosine, tangent.
• Sequences and Series , Arithmetic, geometric, use of sigma notation.
• Indices and Logarithms: laws, solution of equations.
• Reduction of a given relation to linear form, graphical determination of constants.
• Rate of change, increasing/decreasing functions, maxima and minima.
• Differentiation of: algebraic polynomials ,composite functions (chain rule), sum, product or quotient of two functions, trigonometric and exponential functions.
• Evaluation of integrals by using standard forms or partial fractions.
• Second derivatives of standard functions.
• Binomial expansion of (a+b)(to the power n) for positive integer n.
• Factor theorem.
• Percentage use, Simple and compound interest.
• Linear equations, Substitution and transposition of formulae
• Pythagoras' theorem
• Standard Index form

Learning Outcomes

• use logarithms to solve problems and to predict relationships from graphs.
• differentiate and integrate a number of different types of functions.

• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• recall, select and use knowledge of appropriate integration and differentiation techniques as needed in a variety of contexts.
• confidently manipulate a range of algebraic expressions and use a range of techniques as required in problems appropriate to the syllabus.

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• communicate effectively in writing.
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data.
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Assignment 1 will assess: SK1, SK2, SS2, KS2, KS3
• Assignment 2 will assess: SK3, SS1, SS2, KS2, KS3
• Assignment 3 will assess: SK3, SS1, SS2, KS2, KS3
• Assignment 4 will assess: SK1, SK2, SK3, SS1, SS2, KS1, KS2, KS3
• Test will assess: SK1, SK2, SK3, SS1, SS2, KS2, KS3

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and seminars.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercise during seminar and tutorial sessions and students own time.
• Small coursework tasks testing, developing or consolidating the previous week’s work will be set usually on a weekly basis. These tutor marked tasks allow rapid feedback and build confidence. Whilst the marks accumulate towards the overall portfolio mark, the tasks also perform a formative role enabling students to reflect on their own performance, identify areas of weakness, and practice some of the skills and techniques which will be required in the longer in-class tests and end-of-module test. Additionally, they ensure that students master specific skills to an appropriate level prior to their requirement in more complex tasks. As an example, an early task on differentiation might require students to differentiate four functions. Tutor feedback from this task ensures that students are ready to build on these skills when moving onto integration.
• Logarithms and prediction of relationships from graphs will be consolidated and assessed within a portfolio task.
• Ability to recall, select and use knowledge will be tested by three short class tests and an end of module invigilated test in addition to the portfolio of tasks. The class tests will focus on selected subsets of the content. In addition to their summative role, these tests also serve a formative function helping to prepare students for the end of module test which will test a wider area of content
• In addition to obtaining an overall weighted mark of 50% or above, students must obtain a mark of 50% or above for the following element/s - Invigilated test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given self-testing units on a weekly basis in the form of worksheets with answers and/or DUO quizzes. Coursework tasks with a rapid marking turnaround fulfill a formative as well as summative role (See Section 14). Students have access to two or more mock papers and answers to help prepare for the class tests and the exam.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University