Module FOUD01B7: Decision Maths

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD01B7: Decision Maths

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to Decision maths
• To support the development of key skills in logical thinking and problem solving

Content

• Simple ideas of Algorithm
• Sorting Algorithm
• Graphs and network-definitions and Planar Graphs
• Bipartite Graphs and Matchings
• Shortest paths in networks (Dijkstra's algorithm)
• Minimum tour (Postman problem)
• Spanning trees (Prim's and Kruskal's algorithm)
• Travelling salesperson problem
• Critical Path Analysis

Learning Outcomes

• 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

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts b
• 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant methods
• 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary

• 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)

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 at the 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Class 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