BI1MA17-Mathematics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Faustina Hwang
Email: f.hwang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module, you will develop the mathematical knowledge and skills that are fundamental to becoming a biomedical engineer. Topics include algebra, complex numbers, statistics, calculus, vectors, and matrices, and they are taught with engineering examples to help highlight how the topics are relevant for your degree. You will also learn MATLAB, powerful mathematical computing software that is used by professionals throughout the world. Lectures are interactive, and weekly tutorials provide an opportunity for you to practise problem-solving with support and feedback from peers and tutors, to help you master the material.

Aims:
To provide a foundation of mathematical knowledge and methods fundamental to biomedical engineering.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the students will be able to analyse engineering problems using the techniques of series, complex numbers, differentiation, integration, statistics, vectors, and matrix algebra.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Algebra: Revision of basic algebra, trigonometric and other functions, partial fractions, series and sequences.

Complex numbers:  Introduction to complex numbers and their applications in engineering.

Differentiation:  principles, techniques and applications, such as optimisation, linearisation.

Integration: principles and techniques applied to various engineering problems.

Introduction to statistics: measures of central tendency, probability density functions, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, significance testing, correlation, regression, least squares, analysis of variance

Vector and Matrix Algebra:  Matrices and their properties, manipulation and applications, involving determinants, inverses, Gaussian Elimination, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

2 lectures and 2 compulsory tutorials per week. In the tutorials guidance is provided to help students understand the material.  There are tests throughout the year used to provide feedback to the students.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20
Tutorials	20	20
Guided independent study:	60	60
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 3-hour examination paper in May/June.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
Weekly problem sheets and tutorials.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Examination only.

One 3-hour examination paper in the University resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023