IF0CMA: Core Mathematics

Module code: IF0CMA

Module provider: International Study and Language Institute

Credits: 20

Level: Foundation Level

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Rehana Bari, email: r.bari@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s): For students in Malaysia only - when taking this module you must take IF0QM (Open)

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

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE IF0CMJ (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 23 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Core Mathematics provides a solid foundation in key elements of pure mathematics to an A-level standard. It prepares students for the mathematical and numerical content encountered in the first year of a range of undergraduate degree programme. These include degrees in mathematics, sciences, business, finance, economics and many more. 

All students will study 80% of the module topics, which include algebra, calculus and functions. In addition, students will study some subject specific content (20%). 

By learning the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of mathematical problems, students gain both general mathematical skills and those that are more related to their degree programme. Such skills and knowledge allow students to confidently approach the mathematics in their undergraduate degree. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Lim Tian Hwee (t.h.lim@reading.edu.my)

Module learning outcomes

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

1. accurately apply the techniques of algebra required for finding the solution of equations, differentiation, and integration of basic functions 
2. interpret a range of problems, selecting the appropriate procedure for solution 
3. use graphical techniques to explore mathematical situations and interpret solutions 

Module content

This module introduces basic mathematical techniques to ensure that students can deal with arithmetic, basic algebra including linear and quadratic functions and inequalities. The study of functions and mappings, including composite and inverse functions, exponentials and logarithms follows. This is followed by the calculus needed for maximisation and minimisation applications to practical problems. 

In the second half of the semester, more topics of economic and business functions continues, followed by arithmetic and geometric progressions lead to savings and compound interest applications for business pathways. The module is completed by a study of the further differential and integral calculus.  

• For those on business pathways, emphasis is placed upon application to finance, economic and business problems. Graphical analysis of linear functions is applied to supply and demand problems.  
• For those on science pathways, cubic functions, effect of simple transformations, trigonometry and more on differential and integral calculus will be taught. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is delivered in person in the classroom with four 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute group tutorial each week. Lecture materials are available online prior to each session. 
 
Weekly optional surgery hours for individual assistance are available as required. 

For students studying at our campus in Malaysia: This module may be taught in a different semester and the breakdown of study hours may differ to those set out in the Study Hours table (please refer to the Module Handbook for the correct breakdown). In addition, you will be required to complete an additional 40 hours of study, taking the total number of study hours to 240 for this module. This is to comply with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Study hours

At least 66 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.

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. 

Reassessment

Additional costs