Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module FOUD0847: Foundation Mathematics A1

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0847: Foundation Mathematics A1

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Not available in 2020/21 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to how to deal with numbers
  • To introduce students to algebra
  • To support the development of key skills in logical thinking and problem solving.

Content

  • Use of numbers
  • Algebra including algebraic fractions
  • Solving equations
  • Simple functions and graphs
  • Arithmetic sequences and series and applications
  • Geometry and introduction to trigonometry
  • Maths application

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the programme students will have:
  • 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
  • 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods (N/A)
  • 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the programme students will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts
  • 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant research methods (N/A)
  • 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the programme students will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
  • 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
  • 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
  • 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence (N/A)
  • 5. Demonstrate the appropriate achievement in relevant assessment methods

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 seminars 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 tasks 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lecture 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Seminar 10 Weekly 1 hours 10
Preparation & Reading 70

Summative Assessment

Component: Test Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Test 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: Test Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Test 1 hour 100% Yes
Component: Weekly portfolio Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio of weekly tasks Various 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

The weekly portfolio 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.


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