| Unit name | Mathematical and Data Modelling 1 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMT10001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Berdeni |
| 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) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
This unit gives students the opportunity to learn some of the skills of mathematical modelling and data analysis in the real world. By working in groups and by 'doing' rather than 'listening', individual students will develop skills that enable them to translate the experience of learning and practising mathematics into communicating the results of their findings to a wider, and possibly lay, clientele. The unit aims to introduce the principles of mathematical modelling and the design process through lectures and small group projects.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Mathematical and Data Modelling 1 (MDM1) is the first part of the core stream of units within the Engineering Mathematics degree where you take the technical skills that you have been developing in other units and learn how to apply them to real problems. The knowledge and skills you gain from these projects will prepare you for the more advanced problems you will work on (including real world problems) in the Mathematical and Data Modelling stream of units and in other projects.
An overview of content
The bulk of MDM1 involves working together in groups to solve problems. There will be supplementary skills-building activities, mostly running at the beginning of the unit.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be better equipped to tackle complex unseen projects as part of a team. They will be better able to identify what a project requires, obtain information necessary for solving the project, perform the technical analysis, present the results, and reflect on their experiences.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Construct, analyse and refine simple mathematical models.
2. Work effectively as part of a small group to solve a practical mathematical modelling problem and demonstrate awareness of the benefits and importance of inclusivity in teamwork.
3. Communicate mathematical results effectively through group reports and presentations.
Teaching will be delivered through a mixture of tutorials, workshops and lectures. The core activity will be in the form of group modelling projects on topics of interest to academia or industry.
The assessment consists of two group projects and several short exercises during the organised workshops and lab sessions.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
For the first group project, each group submits a written report, and receives detailed written feedback.
Students will receive formative feedback on worksheets completed in workshops and labs.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The first project includes a group oral presentation, which counts towards 20% of the unit mark. (Learning outcome 3)
The second project is assessed through a written group report, which counts towards 80% of the unit mark. (All learning outcomes)
Students’ individual contributions will be measured via peer evaluation.
All students will be required to complete an individual (confidential) self-evaluation following completion of the project, reflecting critically on the entire process, including their own individual contribution, and that of their peers.
In cases where there are problems, academic staff will discuss the issues with the entire group and/or individually as appropriate.
When assessment does not go to plan
If a student does not pass the unit overall and has failed any individual piece of coursework assessment, then re-assessment of this component will take the same form as the original summative assessment.
If a student does not pass the unit overall and has failed at least one of the group projects but not all of the group projects, then re-assessment of this component will take the form of an individual modelling project that includes a reflective component on group work.
If a student does not pass the unit overall and has failed all of the group projects, then re-assessment is only possible as part of a supplementary year.
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. SEMT10001).
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.
