Preparatory Mathematics (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Content scheduling

In the pre-assignment implementation, all practice tests and pass tests are open throughout the implementation.

In other timings, the practice tests close weekly according to the schedule plan. The pass tests are open throughout the timing implementation.

Objective

Course purpose

During this course you rehearse and reinforce mathematical knowledge and skills needed in the beginning of your studies.

Course competences

EUR-ACE: Knowledge and understanding 
Knowledge and understanding of the mathematics and other basic sciences underlying their engineering specialisation, at a level necessary to achieve the other programme outcomes.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course you recall basic algebraic operations and rules for numbers and symbols, and formulas related to common geometric shapes. You understand the difference between an expression and an equation. You are able to apply what you have learned to solve simple problems related to your own field of study.

Content

Basic algebraic operations, the notion of square root, rules for exponents, simplification of polynomial expressions and simple rational expressions, simple linear and quadratic polynomial equations, percentages, simple geometry and trigonometry for right triangles, basics of functions, verbal problems.

Location and time

Course is implemented between 1.6. 2024 - 31.7.2025.

Materials

The material is in the learning environment, and it consists of files, videos, exercises by pen and paper and automatic tests.

When you get enough points of automatic tests, you are able to answer to the passing test. There is the time limit of 1,5 hours in the passing test. You can do every passing test three times.

You must pass the passing tests before the final exam.

Teaching methods

Distance learning, videos, booklet tasks, automatic tests, independent work, pass tests, exam. Guiding methods: Question column. There is no contact lessons on this course.

Exam schedules

The three passing tests of the learning environment must be passed before the final exam.

Four schedules:
- Preliminary assignment: 1.6.2024 - 20.8.2024 (self-registration 1.6. - 5.8.; proctored final exam in the week 34 by degree program under the name Mathematical entry level test, re-take at Exam-studio open 23.8. - 8.9.)
- Autumn_2024: 30.8.2024 - 10.12.2024 (registration 1.8. - 30.9.; final exam at Exam-studio open 30.9. - 10.12.)
- Spring_2025: 1.10.2024 - 31.5.2025 (registration 1.10. - 28.2.2025; final exam at Exam-studio open 1.1. - 31.5. 2025.)
- Summer_2025: 1.3. 2025 - 31.7.2025 (registration 1.3. - 31.7.; final exam at Exam studio open 1.6. - 31.7. 2025.)

The final exam can also be taken online during fall and spring.

Student workload

The implementation of the preliminary assignment must be done before the beginning of the studies. The final exam of the pre-assignment is during the new student's starting week, and it's called the Mathematics entry level test. The calculation practice groups are formed according to the students' scores. All new students take the Mathematics entry level test.

For other schedules, this is a nonstop course. Student may enroll to the course during 1.8.-31.5. There are three (3) different time periods inside the nonstop course:

- Course studied by 10.12.
- Course studied by 31.5.
- Course studied by 31.7.

Student chooses the time period in the virtual study environment. Time period should be selected based on students enrollment and study right period. Student can create own time schedule for the assignments and tasks within the selected time schedule.

The workspace for the first implementation will open on August 30, the second on October 1. and the third March 1. Registrations are accepted once a week on Mondays. If the virtual study environment has not opened for you within 2 weeks after enrollment, please contact the course teacher.

The calculated workload is the number of credits times 27 hours, so in this course it is 81 hours.

Independent work 77 h
Final exam 2 h

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

You are able to simplify simple polynomial- and rational expressions and evaluate expressions numerically. You recognise the difference between an expression and an equation. You can explain how simplifying an expression differs from the process of solving an equation. You are able to solve simple linear and quadratic polynomial equations. You can solve the edges and angles of right triangles. You can solve simple problems with equations. You know the notation for functions, are able to read the values of a function from a graph, and compute values of a given function using the functions expression. You recognise the equation of a line, are able to draw the line by using it, and you can determine the equation of a line from a picture.

Further information

Each passing test gives in maximum 12 points. The maximum of the final exam is 64 points.

The course is passed if the point of each passing test is at least 9 points and the points of the final exam are at least 48.