Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module FOUN0557: Decision Maths

Department: Foundation Year

FOUN0557: Decision Maths

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide the opportunity for students to engage in logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking and applications
  • To introduce and develop a knowledge of matrices and their applications

Content

  • Sorting Algorithms
  • Bipartate Graphs and matchings
  • Shortest paths in networks (Dijkstra's algorithm)
  • Spanning trees (Prim's and Kruska's algorithm and travelling salesperson problem)
  • Minimum tour (postman problem)
  • Critical Path Analysis
  • Matrices (nxm): addition, subtraction, multiplication, determinant, transpose, inverse, simultaneous equations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will be able to solve a range of predictable problems in Discrete Mathematics.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will have acquired the skills to be able to:
  • apply mathematics to a variety of problems
  • use matrices in a number of mathematical situations
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will be able to:
  • apply number in the tackling of numerical problems
  • demonstrate problem solving skills.
  • Class test 1 covers SSK1, SSS1, SS2, KS1, KS2
  • Class tests 2-5 cover SSK1, SSS1, KS1, KS2
  • Examination covers SSK1, SSS1, SS2, KS1, KS2

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.
  • Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured worksheets during tutorials and students' own time.
  • Ability to recall, select and use knowledge will be tested by a series of five invigilated tests and an end of module invigilated exam.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 11 weekly 2 hours 22
Seminars 11 weekly 1 hour 11
Student preparation and reading time 67

Summative Assessment

Component: Portfolio of tests Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Test 1 20% resit
Test 2 20% resit
Test 3 20% resit
Test 4 20% resit
Test 5 20% resit
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 75%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100% resit

Formative Assessment:

Weekly exercises.


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