What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about elementary algebra and statistics necessary to embark on a mathematics or physics degree. You will learn the below highlighted topics which is indicative rather than prescriptive:
ALGEBRA:
You will learn:
• arithmetical operations on signed numbers: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponentiation.
• square roots. Fractions. Removing brackets. The order of operations.
• substitution and evaluation of algebraic expressions.
• plotting linear and quadratic functions.
• simplification of algebraic expressions, removing brackets.
• multiplication of polynomials.
• exponents - including negative and fraction exponents.
• factorising expressions including quadratics, difference of squares.
• addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of algebraic fractions.
• solution of linear and quadratic equations - including simultaneous equations.
• the exponential and log functions.
• arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.
• the binomial series.
STATISTICS:
You will learn
• representation of various types of data.
• frequency distributions: histogram, frequency polygon.
• cumulative frequency, cumulative frequency polygon.
• the mean, the mode, median.
• range, mean deviation, variance, standard deviation.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a combination of lectures, exercise classes/seminars and directed learning. Lectures will introduce the main concepts required and provide suitable examples. Smaller group exercise classes/seminars will allow you to obtain help with specific algebraic or statistical problems.
The assessment consists of one time-limited coursework, involving problem solving and statistical data analysis. Revision materials (e.g. past exam papers, revision guides and specimen questions) will be provided on Blackboard for you to help you prepare for the assessment. Revision sessions will be arranged before the assessment to introduce and explain the revision materials in detail.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through lectures and exercise classes/seminars which will provide you with a formal teaching environment for core learning. In particular, exercise classes/seminars will provide you with opportunities for one-to-one interactions. Outside formal scheduled teaching, you will be able to contact the module team (module tutor, module demonstrator when assigned) either via email or the open door policy operated throughout the programme. Further academic support will be provided through technology-enhanced resources via the e-learning portal. You will also have the opportunity to give your feedback formally through periodic staff-student committees and directly to the module tutor at the end of the module delivery.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Evaluate, simplify, factorise and manipulate a variety of algebraic expressions and sketch linear and quadratic functions and solve linear and quadratic equations.
MLO2. Use logarithms, exponents and statistical techniques appropriately.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3. Reproduce logical mathematical and statistical arguments and communicate mathematical and statistical concepts at a fundamental level.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Understand the need to work to and meet prescribed deadlines.
MLO5. Demonstrate time and resource management with support.
How will I be assessed?
Summative Assessments
Summative assessment is by one time-limited coursework to test concepts and method at an appropriate level, for students with varied backgrounds in Mathematics and Statistics.
CW - Time-limited assessment (100%), involving problem solving and statistical data analysis (max 12 pages long). Some tasks in the assessment make use of the students number to create individual answers (for instance, the calculation of the mean and variance of a sample data, which contains the student number).
Module Learning Outcomes addressed: MLO1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Feedback will be made available within 20 working days.
Formative Assessments
Students are given sheets of questions each week which are completed and discussed in weekly exercise classes/seminars with the module tutor/module demonstrator.
1. Problem-solving/computer-based workshops
Module Learning Outcomes addressed: MLO1, 2, 3
Feedback will take several forms, including verbal feedback during exercise classes/seminars, individual verbal and written comments on the coursework assessments delivered in class and via blackboard as well as collective feedback on the cohort performance.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Problem solving through algebra and statistical analyses are important tools for technical professions. The introductory module aims to provide elementary algebra and statistics necessary to embark on a mathematics or physics degree. Students will learn through a combination of lectures, exercise classes/seminars and directed learning. Lectures will introduce the main concepts required and provide suitable examples. Smaller group exercise classes/seminars will allow students to solve various algebraic or statistical problems.
Course info
UCAS Code F233
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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