Core Module Information
Module title: Intermediate Mathematics A (GA)

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ELE08403
Module leader: Chris Guiver
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Engineering and Mathematics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module builds on Foundation Mathematics, and develops further mathematical knowledge and skills, demonstrates how these areas are applicable to problems arising across civil engineering, as well as introducing programming for applied mathematics. You will learn further logical, analytical, and mathematical computation skills, which shall complement your other modules.The module is based around four themes: (i) linear algebra (matrices), (ii) further calculus to that covered in Foundation Mathematics (or equivalent), and (iii) probability/statistics. The fourth theme, which connects to each of the other areas is computer programming to support the mathematics.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate familiarity and competence with matrices, their algebra, and operations; and successfully use matrices to solve linear systems of equations.

LO2: Demonstrate mastery of the calculus (differentiation and integration) of a function of a single real variable, including Taylor's Theorem for linearisation and approximation of functions, and interpret these results.

LO3: Successfully apply a range of techniques across: descriptive statistics; the basic laws of probability, and; elementary inferential statistics, to engineering datasets and problems.

LO4: Capably use suitable programming software to solve engineering mathematics problems related to the other module Learning Outcomes. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of generative AI in this context.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Chris Guiver
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 22 Classroom tutorials where students work individually or in small groups on exercise sheets. These activities build mathematical capability in students. Tutorials are designed to encourage active participation, facilitate problem-solving, provide personalised feedback, and promote peer interaction to deepen comprehension and skills. Appropriate questions will be provided to support your preparation for assessments and promote understanding of the concepts from the lectures. These classes will be a mix of tutorial and computer lab sessions, where students work individually or in small groups to use appropriate software and computer programming to build understanding and mastery of the material.. Classes begin in Week 1.
Online Guided independent study 156 Guided independent study - including reading lecture notes, thinking, discussing with peers, and working on exercises.
Face To Face Lecture 22 Lectures are designed to facilitate the student's understanding of core mathematical concepts and how to employ them in practice. Slides of each lecture will be shared on the course website as will notes which give another view of the subject matter. The students are expected to prepare in advance for each lecture, attend each lecture, and engage with course in each lecture; the latter includes asking or answering questions. For GA modules, classes start in week 1.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 50 1~2 Week 8 HOURS= 2 hours An in-person, timed class test covering LO1 and LO2 on matrices and calculus, respectively. This class test will assess your fundamental understanding of, and competence in, these learning outcomes and your ability to apply them to solve unseen problems [M1, M2, M3].
Portfolio 50 3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2-4 hours Students are required to submit solutions to an assessed set of exercises and problems, covering LOs 3 and 4. It is an open-book, take-away assessment. In particular, students will need to use suitable computer programming skills, supported by generative AI, and critically evaluate their outputs [M1, M2, M3].
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Intermediate Mathematics A (GA)