| Unit name | Discovering Foundation Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATH10020 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jayne Stansfield |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
MATH10021 Essential Foundation Mathematics |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
This Essential Foundation Mathematics unit will help you to begin to develop the mathematical skills that you need to become a successful scientist, engineer or mathematician. Mathematics is often described as the language of science and engineering; it is the tool kit that you will use continuously to explain and define concepts and theories or to solve problems. You will learn not only about the mathematical methods themselves, but also develop the confidence to apply them.
How does this fit into your programme of study?
Your ability and confidence in mathematics will support your progress in the core Foundation Chemistry or Foundation Physics units. It is impossible to understand or explain many of the concepts and applications that you will cover in these units clearly and succinctly without using mathematics.
This Foundation Mathematics unit is appropriate if you have only a limited knowledge of understanding of mathematics beyond GCSE level. It will help you to refresh your understanding of some fundamental concepts before introducing you to new, more advanced topics. You will then extend your experience of mathematics to prepare you fully for your preferred undergraduate degree programme by taking a further unit, Essential Foundation Mathematics, in the second teaching block.
You will need to pass the unit at the first attempt in order to progress to an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Bristol.
An overview of content
The unit will cover
How you will, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Irrespective of your previous experience of mathematics and whether you embrace or shy away from it, this unit will help you to be become a confident and proficient mathematician, who is able to apply their knowledge and understanding of mathematics in science and engineering.
Learning Outcomes
Learning by Knowing
Learning by Doing
Learning by Being
Each week, you will engage in two, two-hour seminars. Each seminar will start with some lecture-style content to introduce the topic. That will then be followed by either a group workshop to work through problems collectively and receive feedback on your work, or a group discovery session to explore applications of the concepts.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Each week, you will attempt a formative problem sheet to help you to explore and develop your understanding in the topic. Feedback will be given in the weekly workshop sessions. These formative assessments are essential to your success in the unit and thus the Foundation Year overall, and you will be expected to complete all of them.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Mid-way through the unit, you will complete a discovery challenge, which is worth 25% of the overall mark for the unit. The timing of the discovery challenge will be sequenced to avoid other significant coursework assessments in the Foundation Year. This challenge will build on the discovery classes that you have participated in each week, where you have learned how to apply your knowledge of mathematics in new and varied contexts. It will allow you to practice using and presenting mathematics to explain concepts.
You will also complete an end-of-unit open-book examination, which will be worth 75% of the overall mark for the unit. This will test your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental mathematical principles that you have covered.
When assessment does not go to plan:
If you are not able to complete the summative discovery challenge because of validated extenuating circumstances, you will usually be given another opportunity to complete the assessment during the course of the unit. If you miss the end-of-unit examination because of validated extenuating circumstances, you will usually be offered a supplementary assessment during the August assessment period. This would, however, delay confirmation of your progression onto your chosen degree programme.
You will be required to pass the unit at the first attempt in order to progress to an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Bristol. However, you will be permitted a second attempt as a capped resit during the August assessment period if you fail the unit and do not immediately qualify for a Certificate of Higher Education.
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. MATH10020).
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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
