Module Directory

This module covers the mathematical skills needed to proceed to any degree course within Computer Science. The syllabus covers the mathematics of basic arithmetic, algebra and graphs, finite summations and series, converting between and using different number systems and differentiation.

The associated work in classes and lab sessions develops the skills used to solve relevant problems, with classwork and online assignments being set and full solutions provided as part of the feedback process.

The aims of this module are:

• To ensure that students from a wide range of educational backgrounds understand core mathematical skills needed within the study of Computer Science.


• To develop the ability to acquire knowledge and skills from lectures, classwork exercises, and mathematical software and apply theory to a range of weekly tasks.


• To develop students' ability to use these skills in their subsequent degree courses.4. To equip students with the mathematical techniques needed to solve problems involving topics from the syllabus and to structure their solutions and conclusions clearly.


• To give students the ability to display functions graphically and interpret graphs.


• To give students an understanding of differentiation and how to use this to analyse graphs of functions.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Understand and use basic arithmetic and algebra.


2. Understand different number systems and the ability to work within different systems as well as convert between them.


3. Ability to plot basic graphs and understand shifts in graphs.


4. Ability to evaluate finite summations and series and predict convergence/divergence of series.


5. Understand and use differentiation and partial differentiation to find the gradient of functions of one or two variables.


6. Analyse functions by interpreting results from differentiation.


7. Understand the syntax of propositional logic, draw truth tables and analyse logical statements.


8. Understand trigonometric functions and solve simple trigonometric equations.


9. Systematically enumerate sets and lists of objects using combinatorial methods such as the multiplication rule, the over-counting principle, combinations and permutations.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, you will have been offered opportunities:

1. To improve your mathematical fluency, intuition and critical thinking skills in a broad range of both concrete and abstract contexts.


2. To develop your fluency with mathematical computer syntax by working extensively with software such as Numbas.


3. To improve your understanding of how mathematics and computer science overlap in the real world.


4. To take responsibility for setting your own targets and managing your own time.

Syllabus

• Basic arithmetic and algebra.


• Number systems: Working in and converting between decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal, and q-ary, systems.


• Graphical representation of functions shifts in graphs and graphical solution of equations.
  Finite summations and series.


• Calculus: differentiation of linear and polynomial functions, partial differentiation of functions of two variables, turning points, applications of differentiation.


• Basics of trigonometry.


• Basics of combinatorics, including combinations and permutations.


• Propositional logic, truth tables and Boolean algebra.


• Practical application of mathematics to computer science-related problems.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 1-hour lecture per week.
• One 2-hour class per week.
• One 1-hour lab session per week.

There are two weeks of revision lectures and classes in the Summer Term.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competencies to study at the undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience.

 All lecture notes and exercises are placed on Moodle for easy student access. Listen Again is also used as part of learning support in which students can review the recordings at a later date.