KL3011 - Foundation Algebra and Statistics

You will learn through a combination of lectures, exercise classes/seminars and directed learning. Lectures will introduce the main concepts required and provide suitable examples. Smaller group exercise classes/seminars will allow you to obtain help with specific algebraic or statistical problems.

The assessment consists of one time-limited coursework, involving problem solving and statistical data analysis. Revision materials (e.g. past exam papers, revision guides and specimen questions) will be provided on Blackboard for you to help you prepare for the assessment. Revision sessions will be arranged before the assessment to introduce and explain the revision materials in detail.

You will be supported through lectures and exercise classes/seminars which will provide you with a formal teaching environment for core learning. In particular, exercise classes/seminars will provide you with opportunities for one-to-one interactions. Outside formal scheduled teaching, you will be able to contact the module team (module tutor, module demonstrator when assigned) either via email or the open door policy operated throughout the programme. Further academic support will be provided through technology-enhanced resources via the e-learning portal. You will also have the opportunity to give your feedback formally through periodic staff-student committees and directly to the module tutor at the end of the module delivery.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Evaluate, simplify, factorise and manipulate a variety of algebraic expressions and sketch linear and quadratic functions and solve linear and quadratic equations.
MLO2. Use logarithms, exponents and statistical techniques appropriately.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3. Reproduce logical mathematical and statistical arguments and communicate mathematical and statistical concepts at a fundamental level.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Understand the need to work to and meet prescribed deadlines.
MLO5. Demonstrate time and resource management with support.

Summative Assessments

Summative assessment is by one time-limited coursework to test concepts and method at an appropriate level, for students with varied backgrounds in Mathematics and Statistics.

CW - Time-limited assessment (100%), involving problem solving and statistical data analysis (max 12 pages long). Some tasks in the assessment make use of the students number to create individual answers (for instance, the calculation of the mean and variance of a sample data, which contains the student number).
Module Learning Outcomes addressed: MLO1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Feedback will be made available within 20 working days.

Formative Assessments

Students are given sheets of questions each week which are completed and discussed in weekly exercise classes/seminars with the module tutor/module demonstrator.

1. Problem-solving/computer-based workshops
Module Learning Outcomes addressed: MLO1, 2, 3

Feedback will take several forms, including verbal feedback during exercise classes/seminars, individual verbal and written comments on the coursework assessments delivered in class and via blackboard as well as collective feedback on the cohort performance.

None

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Problem solving through algebra and statistical analyses are important tools for technical professions. The introductory module aims to provide elementary algebra and statistics necessary to embark on a mathematics or physics degree. Students will learn through a combination of lectures, exercise classes/seminars and directed learning. Lectures will introduce the main concepts required and provide suitable examples. Smaller group exercise classes/seminars will allow students to solve various algebraic or statistical problems.