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MATH1561: Single Mathematics A

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Open
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • A level Mathematics at Grade A or better, or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Calculus I (Maths Hons) (MATH1081), Calculus (MATH1061), Linear Algebra I (Maths Hons) (MATH1091), Linear Algebra I (MATH1071), Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (MATH1551) may not be taken with or after this module.

Aims

  • This module has been designed to supply mathematics relevant to students of the physical sciences.

Content

  • Basic functions and elementary calculus: including standard functions and their inverses, the Binomial Theorem, basic methods for differentiation and integration.
  • Complex numbers: including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, complex conjugate, modulus, argument, Argand diagram, de Moivre's theorem, circular and hyperbolic functions.
  • Single variable calculus: including discussion of real numbers, rationals and irrationals, limits, continuity,
  • differentiability, mean value theorem, L'Hopital's rule, summation of series, convergence, Taylor's theorem.
  • Matrices and determinants: including determinants, rules for manipulation, transpose, adjoint and inverse matrices, Gaussian elimination, eigenvalues and eigenvectors,
  • Groups, axioms, non-abelian groups

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 in Mathematics.
  • 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 algebra.
  • Calculus.
  • Complex numbers.
  • Taylor's Theorem.
  • Linear equations and matrices.
  • Groups

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 the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Initial diagnostic testing fills in gaps related to the wide variety of syllabuses available at Mathematics A-level.
  • 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 opportunity 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures633 per week for 21 weeks1 Hour63 
Tutorials9Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 (Term 1) and 13, 15, 17, 19 (Term 2), plus 1 revision tutorial in Easter term.1 Hour9Yes
Drop-In Classes18Weekly in weeks 2-10 and 12-20.1 Hour18 
Preparation and Reading110 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
On Campus Written Examination2 hours100
Component: Continuous AssessmentComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment100

Formative Assessment

Formative assignments in some weeks, plus a 40 minute collection paper at the beginning of Epiphany term.

More information

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