Matematiikan perusteet logistiikassa (4cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Objective

In this course, you will practice the fundamental mathematical skills needed in logistics engineering studies and in working life. You will learn to use mathematics as a tool for modelling phenomena, structuring problems, and justifying solutions. The course develops your logical reasoning, mathematical accuracy, and practical application skills.

After completing the course, you will master the key mathematical notations and be able to use them precisely in structuring and solving problems. You will be able to form and simplify expressions, solve equations and systems of equations, and understand the basics of percentage calculations and trigonometry. You will be able to represent mathematical relationships graphically and make use of Excel in calculations and modelling. You will also be able to apply what you have learned to solving practical problems.

Content

- Mathematical notations and their use
- Forming expressions and equations to solve problems
- Simplifying expressions (laws of exponents, polynomials, rational expressions)
- Ratios and proportions
- Percentage calculations and their applications (VAT, gross margin, logistics performance indicators)
- Solving equations (linear and quadratic equations, power equations, radical equations)
- Visualizing relationships described by equations in a coordinate system (special cases: straight lines and parabolas)
- Systems of equations
- Trigonometry of the right-angled triangle
- Basics of using Excel for calculations

Location and time

The course starts on January 1st and ends on April 26th 2026.

Materials

Learning material available in the course workspace.

Teaching methods

Online learning, face-to-face learning, independent study

Employer connections

-

Exam schedules

Will be announced at the beginning of the course.

International connections

-

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

4 op * 27 h/op = 108 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grade 1

You can interpret and use the most common mathematical notations correctly. You are able to solve basic percentage problems and to calculate and interpret percentages and key figures in simple situations. You can form expressions and equations from verbal problems, simplify basic expressions, and solve simple equations and pairs of equations. You apply what you have learned mainly correctly to familiar, practical problems but still need guidance regarding precision and justification. In addition, you can use Excel for basic calculations.

Grade 2

You understand mathematical notations fairly fluently and produce mostly accurate notation. You master basic percentage calculations and the interpretation of key figures in several situations. You are able to apply what you have learned quite independently when solving familiar or similar problems. You can also use Excel to support your calculations and for simple visualisations.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Grade 3

You use mathematical notation precisely. You master percentage calculations and key figures and can use them logically to support decision-making. You can form expressions and equations for various practical situations and solve equations and pairs of equations in diverse ways. You are able to apply what you have learned to solving practical problems. In addition, you can use Excel fluently to support calculations and for simple visualisations.

Grade 4

You use mathematical notation accurately and consistently, even in more complex situations. You can evaluate and justify the soundness of your solutions and the interpretation of key figures critically. You can combine several mathematical methods (e.g. systems of equations, trigonometry, percentage calculations) to solve practical problems. You can model practical situations in a versatile way and analyse your models algebraically and visually.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5

You can critically examine percentage calculations and key figures and interpret their meaning in varying logistics and practical contexts. You can form and solve even complex equations and systems of equations and draw well-justified conclusions from the results. You can apply what you have learned to the mathematical modelling and analysis of new kinds of situations. You use Excel and other tools effectively for problem solving and visualisation of results.

Further information

Assessment is based on exams and learning activities found in the course workspace.