Math1 Equations (nonstop) (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Course purpose

During this course you will learn mathematical equation solving skills that are necessary during your studies in the field of technology.

Course competences

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

Learning outcomes

After completing this course you are able to simplify expressions. You are able to solve polynomial equations, equations involving roots and systems of equations by hand, graphically and with the help of a calculator or a computer. You are able to solve mathematical problems by using given models. You also get to know mathematical content related to your own field of study.

Content

In this course, you will learn the mathematical equation solving skills you need to study engineering. You will master the sieving of expressions and be able to solve polynomial and root equations and groups of equations manually, graphically and using computer technology. You will learn how to solve mathematical problems using ready-made models and become familiar with the mathematical content of the degree programme. This course will give you a strong foundation in solving technical problems and applying mathematical skills in practice.

Most important contents are:

- Simplifying expressions (fractional exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, binomial formulas)
- Drawing and interpreting graphs of functions
- Linear equations and lines
- Quadratic equations and parabolas
- Equations involving roots
- Systems of equations
- Percentages and proportions
- Trigonometry of right triangles
- Basics of solid geometry
- Degree-program-related content

Location and time

Implementation during academic year 2025-26.

All course assignment must be handled and the final exams successfully done no later than 31.7.2026.

The course is assessed on a monthly basis according to a separate schedule in the course's Moodle workspace.

Materials

Free openly licensed textbooks will be used. Links will be shared in the Moodle learning environment.

Teaching methods

Recording of the lectures, exercises and homework exercises, project work, independent studying from theory material, final exam on Exam Studio

Exam schedules

Schedule of the exams and two resits will be given in the beginning of the course.
Extra exam resits may be obtained by demonstrating a review of recapping exercises of the course topics.

The final exam of the course and its possible retakes are done on the Exam Studio, where the student registers independently using the instructions in the course workspace on Moodle.

The course ends when the exam time period is finished 31.7.2026. After this, coursework returns are no longer accepted and the incomplete course must be re-taken in its entirety at the next course implementation. Note the opening times of the Exam Studio exam rooms.

Completion alternatives

With onsite or online course.

Student workload

The estimated workload of the course is 3 credits · 27 h/cr = 81 h.

Orientation to self-study 2h
Lecture recordings approx. 28 h
Exercises and tests 6 x 6 h = 36 h
Independent study of material, preparation for exams and project work 12 h
Final exams 3 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grade 1

You are able to simplify expressions. You recognise different types of equations and are able to solve simple polynomial equations, equations involving roots and pairs of equations. You can solve verbal and geometric problems when the mathematical model is given.

Grade 2

You understand the notion and notation of polynomial equations. You can solve polynomial equations, equations involving roots and systems of equations by hand, graphically and with the help of information technology. You are able to mathematically model and then solve simple verbal and geometric problems.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Grade 3

You master the notion and notation of polynomial equations. You can solve polynomial equations, equations involving roots and systems of equations by hand, graphically and with the help of information technology. You are able to mathematically model and then solve simple verbal and geometric problems.

Grade 4

You master the notion and notation of polynomial equations. You can solve challenging polynomial equations, equations involving roots and systems of equations by hand, graphically and with the help of information technology. You are able to mathematically model and then solve such verbal and geometric problems that coincide with previously treated problems.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5

You master the notion and notation of polynomial equations. You can solve challenging polynomial equations, equations involving roots and systems of equations by hand, graphically and with the help of information technology. You are able to mathematically model and then creatively solve new verbal and geometric problems.

Qualifications

You know the fundamental rules of arithmetic and can perform basic mathematical operations both numerically and symbolically. You know the difference between an expression and an equation. You can solve simple equations of first and second degree. You are familiar with basic calculations involving percentage. You know what a function is.

Further information

Assessment methods:
The course includes compulsory assignments, homework and mid-term tests. Assessment will be by means of an end-of-course pass/fail exam and with a grade exam on Exam Studio. A pass mark of grade 1 is awarded on completion of the compulsory elements of the course and succeeding in the pass/fail exam. A higher grade requires participation in an grade exam.

It is also recommended to choose the course Mat1 Support if you have no background in upper secondary school long mathematics or if you need to build up your calculation routine.