Math1 Equations (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

The course is implemented between 20.10. and 17.12.2025

Materials

Course material consists of written material and video material available in the e-learning environment.

Recommended literature:
- Alestalo, Lehtola, Nieminen, Rantakaulio: Tekninen Matematiikka 1 (in Finnish)

Teaching methods

Lectures, guided exercises, independent work, automated tests

Exam schedules

The timetable of the course is agreed on at the first meeting of the course and then published in the e-learning environment.

Completion alternatives

Possibility to take the course exam at the beginning of the course.

Online course in Summer 2026

Student workload

The estimated workload is 81 hours, which is divided approximately fifty - fifty between contact teaching and independent work.

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

The course includes home assignments, intermediate tests, a pass examination and a grade examination. It is possible to pass the course with grade 1 by taking the pass examination (75 % correct) based on fundamentals studied in the course. A higher grade requires participation in the grade examination. To be able to participate in the pass examination and grade examination, the compulsory parts (home assignments and intermediate tests) must be completed acceptably.

It is recommended to also take the course Math1 Support if you do not have a background in advanced high school mathematics.