Discovering mathematics
The Open University old
Summary
- Tutor is available to students
Overview
This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses, such as Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). It is also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas, such as computing, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.
Description
What you will study
In order to study this course successfully you should expect to be actively doing mathematics, rather than just reading it. You will also be encouraged to develop skills in interpreting and explaining mathematics, and this aspect will be assessed in some of the assignment questions.
Samples of the study materials, including example assessment questions, are available from our Maths Choices website.
Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge (see Entry), you should expect to study for about eight hours a week. Many of the topics covered in the course depend on your understanding of topics in earlier units. So, if you have not fully understood earlier material, you may find later material more difficult and time consuming. This is particularly true of graphs, formulas and algebra. Naturally, the study time required for the course tends to increase before an assignment deadline.
You will learn
Successful study of this course should begin to develop your skills in working with mathematical concepts and using them to solve problems.
You will learn about:
- key ideas in mathematics, including some statistics, algebra, geometry and trigonometry
- mathematical vocabulary and notation introduced and developed in the course
- selection and use of mathematical techniques for solving problems
- interpretation of results in the context of real life situations
- simple mathematical arguments
- how to explain mathematical ideas from the course in writing
- development of skills in learning mathematics
- use of relevant ICT tools for learning and for working on mathematical problems
- describing problems mathematically
- analysing mathematical reasoning.
The course contains many real world contexts such as journey planning, glaciers, supply and demand, depreciation, poverty levels, chance events, and medical conditions (such as cancer), to help illustrate mathematical topics.
Study materialsWhat's included
Books, DVD, and a dedicated website containing online activities and resources.
You will need
A scientific calculator. We recommend any Casio scientific calculator with 'natural display', as these enable you to key in calculations in the same order as they usually appear in written text, and have a two-line display so that you can see both your calculation and the answer. Some instructions for using the Casio fx-83ES, and compatible models, are provided in the study materials. Any other scientific calculator is also acceptable provided that you know how to use it before the course starts, and you have access to the appropriate calculator manual (these are often available to download from the manufacturer’s website). Please note that you do not need to have a graphics or programmable calculator to study this course.
(If you have studied Starting with maths (Y182) or Science, technology and maths Access module (Y033), you can use the calculator from that course providing you have access to the manual.)
You will require access to the internet at least once a week to download resources and assignments, keep up to date with news and to access the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs).
A headset with a microphone and earphones is recommended in order to participate fully in online tutorials.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and who you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to the OU, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. We may also be able to offer local group tutorials or day schools that you are strongly encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking MU123. Some tutors may offer online group tutorials in addition to or instead of face-to-face tutorials.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
AssessmentPlease note that TMAs for all undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses must be submitted on paper as – due to technical reasons – we are unable to accept TMAs via our eTMA system.
The first iCMA, covering Unit 1, is to be submitted about two weeks after the start of the course. The first TMA is to be submitted about a month after the start.
TMA questions typically involve calculating, creating and/or interpreting a graph or diagram, using algebra, and explaining your work and conclusions. The latter is one factor that makes this a university-level course and it is a new approach for some students, who may find it challenging initially. Some TMAs may also include a short question covering a wider aspect of studying maths.
As there is no examination, the EMA aims to consolidate your learning across different aspects of the course. It covers the whole of the course, and is compulsory if you wish to pass the course.
This course provides the basic mathematics requirement for Initial Teaching Training via the Open University’s Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. It is also sometimes accepted as an equivalent acceptable qualification to GCSE grade C in mathematics by other teacher training institutions, but always at the discretion of each institution. So, if you hope to use it for this purpose, you are advised to check as early as possible with your chosen teacher training institution(s).
Who is this course for?
This is a key introductory Level 1 course. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to courses at Level 2.
Requirements
You are advised to have previous experience in mathematics, before commencing this course. In particular, you should be confident with the following topics:
- arithmetic of numbers, including negative numbers and fractions
- scientific notation for numbers (sometimes known as standard form)
- powers of numbers including square roots
- using your scientific calculator effectively for the above topics, and for working with brackets and π
- using simple word formulas
- drawing and interpreting simple charts and graphs.
You are not expected to have any skills in algebra before the course starts.
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This course is advertised on reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.
