Module FOUN0767: Numerical Skills for Health Professionals

Department: Foundation Year

FOUN0767: Numerical Skills for Health Professionals

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Foundations of Statistics, Maths and Statistics for teachers

Aims

• To introduce and develop a bank of mathematical skills, which students can apply in a range of medical sciences - contexts.
• To introduce and develop understanding of basic statistical principles to provide a foundation for future study.
• To develop students' learning skills.
• To develop a problem solving approach.
• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in mathematics and statistics.

Content

• Number: Arithmetic (+,-,x,/) directed whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
• Efficient accurate use of a calculator.
• Ratio, proportion (direct and inverse and using graphs).
• Percentages.
• Estimation, approximation and accuracy.
• Index notation (integer indices).
• Standard Index notation (a x 10m).
• Introduction to logarithms and applications to log plots.
• Calculations using scientific formulae.
• Algebraic formulae, evaluation of terms.
• Formulation and solution of algebraic equations in one unknown.
• Use of brackets, collecting terms etc, algebraic expansion, elementary factorisations.
• Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns.
• Quadratic Equations.
• Graphs: Cartesian coordinates, linear graphs, the equation y=mx + c.
• Graphs from formulae, graph plotting, Rate of Change.
• Exponential growth and decay.
• Measures of location - Mean and mode for raw data and frequency distribution
• Measures of Spread - Range, Quartiles, Inter-quartile range, Variance, standard deviation for raw data, frequency distribution.
• Correlation - Scatter diagrams +ve, -ve, or lack of correlation, line of best fit (by eye) through (x,y), interpolation and extrapolation.
• Tests - Normal distribution.
• Probability - Range 0-1, Probabilities of equally likely events, Probability as a limit to relative frequency, Simple Addition and Multiplication of probabilities as appropriate, Tree diagrams.Venn diagrams, Applications to sensitivity and specificity.
• Introduction to calculus.
• Application to pharmaceutical calculations.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of directed whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentage and their use (SK1)
• Understanding of estimation and approximation and conventions associated with this (SK2)
• Understanding of a range of tests for direct and inverse proportion including graphical methods (SK3)
• Knowledge of a range of algebraic techniques as listed in the syllabus (SK4)
• Knowledge of simple indices, logarithms and Standard index form.(SK5)
• Knowledge of some probability diagrams including Tree diagrams, Venn diagrams. (SK6)
• Understanding of the distinctions and implications of using different forms of sampling, tabulation and visual representation (SK7)
• Knowledge of calculations required for measures of central location, spread, correlation and significance testing (SK8)
• Understanding of implications and appropriateness of use of different statistical measures (SK9)
• Knowledge of probability, calculations including the definitions and importance of sensitivity and specificity in medical test selection (SK10)

• use a calculator appropriately in relation to problems faced. (SSS1)
• confidently manipulate items listed on the attached syllabus in a range of contexts.(SSS2)
• construct accurate graphs from data or calculation and analyse by interpolation or extrapolation and rate of change calculations. (SSS3)
• carry out a range of statistical procedures as listed on the attached syllabus. (SSS4)

• be able to communicate effectively in writing. (KS1)
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills. (KS2)
• have improved their own learning and performance. (KS3)
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data (KS4)

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 exercises during seminar sessions and students' own time.
• Short in-class test covering aspects of the previous week’s work will be set usually on a weekly basis. These tutor marked tests allow rapid feedback and build confidence. Whilst the marks accumulate towards the overall portfolio mark, the tests 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 invigilated tests.
• Small coursework tasks developing or consolidating the previous week’s work will be set on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Like the tests, these tutor marked tasks allow rapid feedback and build confidence. Additionally, they ensure that students master specific skills to an appropriate level prior to their requirement in more complex tasks or other modules. As an example, the first task usually involves the plotting of three graphs. Tutor feedback from this task ensures that students are ready to draw further graphs in Biology or Chemistry.
• Manipulative skills and ability to recall, select and apply mathematics and statistics will be assessed by the two invigilated tests in addition to the portfolio of tasks and in-class tests.
• The Portfolio covers SSK 1-10, SSS1-4, KS 2-4
• The Invigilated Test cover SSK 1-11, SSS1-4, KS2-4
• 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 - Portfolio

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. Portfolio tests and 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 invigilated tests. *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

■ 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