| Unit name | Introductory Mathematics for Physics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS10009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Rademacker |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Units you must take before you take this one None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Units you must take alongside this one None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Mathematics is the language by which we describe, explore and communicate the physical world. Its immutable capacity for proof allows us to make predictions based on our models and has facilitated scientific discovery. As such it forms the foundation of the physics degree and is used continuously and constantly throughout. In this unit you will learn how to write a mathematical descriptions of physics problems, how to interpret this mathematical model, and how to look for solutions. This will deepen your understanding of how to use mathematics to understand real-world problems. The problem-solving skills you will develop are widely transferrable and will be used throughout your degree.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
You will use the material covered in this unit throughout your degree and will constantly refer to the content taught. This unit will ensure that all students have the same set of basic knowledge, provide practice and training in the mathematics needed to complete the first-year physics units, and lay the foundations for mathematics and mathematical physics units in subsequent years.
What will you learn on this unit?
You will be introduced to the mathematics you need to provide a solid foundation for the initial stages of your physics degree. The mathematical concepts will be introduced in a physics context to help you recognise why they are useful. This will be done through selected case studies where you will see the mathematics applied directly and learn how it may be adapted to other examples. You will be introduced to fundamental tools in mathematics including:
• Trigonometric and hyperbolic functions
• Vectors
• Complex numbers
• Series expansions, limits and convergence
• Functions and graph sketching
• Differential calculus
• Integral Calculus
• Solution of linear ordinary differential equations
• Taylor and Maclaurin series
• Fourier series
• Introduction to formal logic and mathematical proof
You will develop the mathematical skills and practice using the mathematical tools needed for first-year Physics.
Your learning: How will this unit change what you know, how you think and what you can do?
This unit will help you think creatively, make connections between physics and mathematics, and apply your mathematical knowledge to solve real world problems. You will gain confidence in tackling physics problems.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
You will experience the course content through a variety of media; provided online videos, course notes, live demonstrations and discussions in problem classes; as well as carefully curated content from other providers. You will gain practical experience of the mathematics through guided enquiry exercises using principles of programmed learning - guided exercises which give regular structured feedback to help you follow the steps, supported by examples classes showing worked examples and model solutions. You will have regular tutorials where your work will be marked, and you can discuss mathematical problem solving.
Your self-directed activities will be supported by regular classes and online learning.
How you will be assessed (requirements for the award of credit)
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The formative feedback on your progress is provided in biweekly (fortnightly) tutorials sessions which give you feedback on written work, including exam style questions, where you can interact and discuss problems with other students. In the weekly example classes, you can discuss problems with other students; this discussion time will be followed by a presentation showing worked examples and Q&A session.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Fortnightly online tests will reinforce your knowledge at each stage of the unit. The online tests provide feedback, and you can retake some of these tests to improve your understanding of the key concepts. These online tests contribute 40% to the unit mark and should give you confidence that you have mastered the key concepts in the unit.
There is an end of unit examination in January that contributes 60% of the unit mark.
When assessment does not go to plan
If you do not pass the unit, you may have the opportunity to take the re-sit exam in the next available assessment period. * Re-sit assessment will consist of a written examination. You should contact the Senior Tutor if you think your assessment might not be going to plan, and you can discuss it with your personal tutor for support. If you feel exceptional circumstances have affected your examinations, contact the Senior Tutor before the advertised cut-off date. •subject to passing a minimum overall number of credits for the year.
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Assessments required for credit
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS10009).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
