Course Catalogue

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This course will introduce and develop concepts in Algebra, Geometry and Discrete Mathematics such as complex numbers, vectors, with an emphasis on applications to subjects like Chemistry, Computing Science, Life Sciences and Social Sciences.

The course will be delivered in 2 sections, to allow for a range of combinations with other subjects.

One section of the class will meet Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri from 4-5.

The other will meet Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 11-12.

In weeks 2-11 of the course, 4 out of the 5 weekly meetings of the class will be lectures; the other meeting will alternate between tutorial labs and example classes.

SQA Higher Mathematics at C or above or equivalent.

Mathematics 1R, Mathematics 1S, Mathematics 1X, Mathematics 1Y, Mathematics 1 (but not the Mathematics 1 exit route).

Written exams: Final exam 120 minutes (designed to complete in 30) making up 60%.

Set exercises: quizzes (10%), e-assignments (10%), feedback exercises (10%), Group activities (10%).

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Reassessments are not possible for the feedback exercise, group activities, workshops or eAssignments.

Mathematics 1G aims to build upon algebra skills from SQA Higher Mathematics with a focus on complex numbers, vector and matrix algebra, counting, and sequences and series; increase students' competence and confidence in abstracting the essentials of problems across subjects such as Computer Science, Biochemistry and Economics, formulating them mathematically and obtaining clearly communicated solutions by appropriate methods.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1) relate algebraic and geometric perspectives on vectors using these viewpoints to solve problems in two and three-dimensional geometry;

2) solve combinatorial problems using combinations and permutations;

3) relate algebraic and geometric perspectives on complex numbers using these viewpoints to solve equations;

4) manipulate matrices and relate these to solutions of systems of linear equations;

5) use Σ notation to represent and compute series;

6) use discrete mathematics and networks to solve problems in decision making;

7) use the mathematical tools developed in this course to model and solve problems from cognate disciplines both individually and in small groups.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.