CE1ENM: Engineering Mathematics

Module code: CE1ENM

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Li Shao, email: l.shao@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

A robust foundation in mathematics is a key element to study and develop a good understanding of engineering contents. The aim of this module is to provide students with mathematical techniques and provide skills in the application of fundamental Mathematicsto solve engineering problems. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Carry out mathematical analysis and calculations relating to the listed module content  
2. Apply mathematical techniques and solve engineering-based problems 
3. Express problems in mathematical language 
4. Communicate mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly 

Module content

• Algebra 
• Exponential and Logarithm 
• Parametric Equations 
• Vectors 
• Trigonometry 
• Sequences and Series 
• Functions and calculus 
• Complex numbers 
• Coordinate geometry and vectors 
• Integration (line surface and volume integrals) 
• Multiple integral 
• Partial differentiation 
• Power series expansions 
• Differential vector calculus (Gradient, Divergence, and Curl) 
• Matrices and determinants, 
• Matrix algebra and linear equations, 
• The solution of 1st order ordinary differential equations, 
• The solution of 2nd order ordinary differential equations, 
• Probability theory, discrete and continuous probability distributions, 
• Additional power series expansions 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Mathematical concepts and techniques are explained in the context of engineering issues and problem solving to enhance the engineering students learning experience and their learning outcome. This module builds upon the previous mathematical knowledge of students and further develop mathematical theory and techniques that are applicable for Architectural Engineering.  

Like a new language, Mathematics is best learned through ample hands-on exercises with immediate and in person feedback. Thus, the greatest emphasis is placed on hands-on tutorials.  

Lectures will be through both in person and online video/screencasts as the topics so require. There will be more in person lecture at the start of the module and the student are gradually guided to online videos/screencasts where students can pause and rewind or ponder and repeat examples so as to really learn effectively and deeply. This mixed approach will serve AE students who typically have diverse maths backgrounds and capabilities, thus requiring different pace of learning.  

Learning is strongly underpinned by the practice/tutorial sessions which are entirely in-person to ensure immediate support and personal feedback. 

Experiences in teaching maths to engineers show that this approach dramatically enhances student pass rate and their learning outcomes and student experiences 

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

This module includes formative assessment of exercises and problem-solving practices to apply engineering mathematical techniques. 

Reassessment

Additional costs