MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING AND STATISTICAL SKILLS - 2021/2

Module Overview

To introduce key skills in maths, computing and statistics

Module provider

Chemistry

Module Leader

WATSON David (Chm Proc Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:
• Popular software applications, document processing, spreadsheets and databases, chemical examples
• Use of CHEMDRAW including curly’ arrows, microanalysis, MS calculations, activation curves, orbitals, etc. 2D to 3D using MOE.
• Statistics and data handling – mean (A and Gm), median, mode, standard deviation, relative standard deviation, probability, confidence intervals, normal distributions, histograms, population data.
• Mathematics Group A (Fundamental): Numbers, scientific notation and significant figures; aspects of algebra: simplification, rearranging equations, factorising; graphs: pictorial representation of functions, straight lines, plotting non-linear functions; powers, exponentials and logarithms: non-linear functions; simple matrix algebra involving addition, subtraction and multiplication of matrices. The matrix inverse and determinants. Use of matrix algebra in solving sets of linear equations; simple trigonometry, the sine and cosine rule, application to molecular geometry; introduction to vectors and vector operations. Introduction to differentiation; maxima and minima; chain, product and quotient rules; introduction to integration; indefinite and definite integrals.
• Mathematics Group B (Advanced): Non-linear equations and their methods of solution; interpolation of 1st and higher order functions using difference formulae; understand the nature of matrices and simple matrix algebra and use matrices and determinants in solving sets of linear simultaneous equations using a range of methods pathological systems; application to sets of non-linear equations; vector algebra addition and subtraction of vectors, scalar (dot) product and vector (cross) product vector derivatives; introduction to complex numbers; Maclaurin and Taylor series expansions .Advanced differentiation and integration the chain, product and quotient rules; partial differentiation and polar coordinates; first- and second-order differential equations.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

No alternative

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate statistical and IT skills and mathematical ability.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• IT Coursework, 45% (LO 1,2)
Consisting of Word processing assignment (15%)
Chemdraw in-class test (15%)
MOE assignment (15%).

Formal Maths Exam, 1.5 hours, 55% (LO 3 to 7)

Formative assessment

Hands on guidance to the coursework will be given

Feedback
Individual and in class feedback will be given on the progress in each learning outcome

Module aims

• improve the students awareness of quantitative methods of analysis, including fundamental mathematical and statistical calculations applied to chemistry
• develop an understanding of the various computational methods that are available to help solve numerical problems in chemistry.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• give the student sufficient numerical, statistical and computational skills to cope with the programme and later professional life.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• a hands on workshop approach used in development of IT skills (12 hours).
• formal lectures for the Maths and Statistics (21 hours)

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE1040

Other information

None.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.