This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module MATH1551: Maths for Engineers & Scientists
Department: Mathematical Sciences
MATH1551: Maths for Engineers & Scientists
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2025/2026 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- Normally, A level Mathematics at grade A or better, or equivalent.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- Calculus (Maths Hons) (MATH1081), Calculus I (MATH1061), Linear Algebra I (Maths Hons) (MATH1091), Linear Algebra I (MATH1071), Single Mathematics A (MATH1561), Single Mathematics B (MATH1571), COMP1021 (Mathematics for Computer Science) may not be taken with or after this module.
Aims
- This module is designed to supply mathematics relevant to students of Engineering and other sciences.
Content
- Introductory review.
- Complex numbers.
- Differentiation.
- Vectors.
- Partial differentiation.
- Integration.
- Linear algebra.
- Ordinary differential equations.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- By the end of the module students will: be able to solve a range of predictable or less predictable problems for Engineers and Scientists.
- have an awareness of the basic concepts of theoretical mathematics in these areas.
- have a broad knowledge and basic understanding of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas:
- Elementary functions.
- Calculus.
- Complex numbers.
- Vectors.
- Partial differentiation.
- Linear algebra.
- Ordinary differential equations.
Subject-specific Skills
Key Skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and theapplication of the theory to practical examples.
- Tutorials provide the practice and support in applying the methods to relevant situations as well as active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
- Weekly written or electronic assignments (some summative and some formative) provide an incentive for students to consolidate the learning of material as the module progresses (there are no higher level modules in the department of Mathematical Sciences which build on this module). It serves as a guide in the correct development of students' knowledge and skills, as well as an aid in developing their awareness of standards required.
- The end-of-year written examination provides a substantial complementary assessment of the achievement of the student.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 60 | 3 per week in weeks 1-10, 11-14, 16-20, 21 | 1 Hour | 60 | |
| Tutorials | 9 | Fortnightly in weeks 3-9, 14-20, and one in week 21 | 1 Hour | 9 | Yes |
| Revision Classes | 2 | In induction week, and in week 1 | 2 Hours | 4 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 127 | ||||
| Total | 200 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 70% | On Campus Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Continuous Assessment | 30% | Assignment | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Formative assignments in some weeks plus a 40 minute collection paper at the beginning of Epiphany term.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.