Mathematics for Liberal Arts & Science (2024/2025: Semester 1 – Fall)

Show schedule Print this page

Course aim

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. investigate and visualize functions of one or two variables,
  2. use inverse trigonometric functions and logarithms,
  3. differentiate a broad set of standard functions, using product, quotient and chain rules,
  4. solve (systems of) linear and nonlinear equations,
  5. perform basic matrix calculations, including 2x2 inverses and arbitrary determinants,
  6. optimize functions of one or more variables, with and without constraint,
  7. integrate linear combinations of standard functions including linear substitutions,
  8. work with probabilities and some basic discrete and continuous probability distributions,
  9. communicate effectively about mathematical modeling applications.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals

The final grade for this course is based on four elements: 1+2. two in-class written exams, 3. hand-in exercises and active class participation, and 4. the papers you write on mathematical modeling applications. These assessments are related to the learning goals as follows:
  1. Written in-class midterm exam: this tests your ability to solve problems related to topics A, B, C, D, E and F (for functions of one variable only).
  2. Written in-class final exam: this tests your ability to solve problems related to concepts covered after the midterm break: A, C, D and F (for functions of several variables), G and H. Skills related to B and (to a lesser extent) E may still be included in so far as they are necessary to solve problems related to the core topics of this exam.
  3. Hand-in exercises: these test both your active class participation and your ability to communicate about your calculations effectively (I).
  4. Papers: you will write, peer-review and improve one paper on a modeling application of concepts C+F (for a function of one variable). You will also write a second paper on a modeling application of either one of the concepts D+E, C+F (using functions of several variables), G and/or H. The primary aim of these papers is to help you develop and demonstrate your skills towards learning goal I.

Course content

In this course, you will learn a large number of elementary but important mathematical concepts and techniques that have a wide range of applications in natural and social sciences. The focus is on the calculus skills required for further study in life sciences, earth sciences and economics, amongst others. Topics include basic and discrete mathematics, matrices, graphs and derivatives, functions of multiple variables and (constrained) optimization and basic integration, with applications to probability distributions.
Format:
In addition to the four class hours a week spent on guided practical work and explanations, you are expected to work for ten hours a week on average on self-study:
  • study the theory by watching knowledge clips,
  • practice problem-solving applying the theory they learned,
  • work out take-home assignments to be handed in about once a week,
  • write two papers on mathematical modeling applications.
Required for SCI majors and students continuing in Economics who did NOT take IB Math HL, IB Analysis & Approaches HL, Dutch VWO "Wiskunde B" or similar "Calculus and Algebra" courses from a foreign high school. If in doubt, contact the teacher before you enroll for this course.

Instructional formats

UCU course

Examination

Class participation, homework exercises

Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5

Midterm exam

Required | Weight 30% | ECTS 2.25

Final exam

Required | Weight 35% | ECTS 2.63

Essays

Required | Weight 15% | ECTS 1.13

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Not required

Entry requirements and preknowledge

Entry Requirements

No data about mandatory entry requirements is available.

Preknowledge

No data about preknowledge is available.

Languages

  • English

Course Iterations

Related studies

Exams

There is no timetable available of the exams

Required Materials

  • BEELDMATER
    The core theory for this course will be studied through a series of knowledge clips and the accompanying PowerPoint presentations, which are available through lecturenet.uu.nl and Blackboard.

Recommended Materials

  • READER
    Supplementary material may be made available through Blackboard.
  • BOEK
    Mathematical Techniques, An introduction for the engineering, physical and mathematical sciences (fourth edition), by D.W. Jordan & P. Smith, Oxford University Press 2008; ISBN 978-0-19-928201-2.

Remarks

Counts as Math requirement for SCI majors. Does not count as science course.

Coördinator

dr. G.M. Terra-Bleeker G.M.Terra@uu.nl

Lecturers

dr. V.N.E. Blasjo V.N.E.Blasjo@uu.nl
dr. G.M. Terra-Bleeker G.M.Terra@uu.nl

Enrolment

Attention: this course is not open to students from other faculties, so subsidiary students can't enroll for this course.

Go to OSIRIS-enrolments
Permanent link to course page
Show in the Course-Catalog
Show in MyTimetable