Course overview
This course will provide an introduction to the understanding of mathematical principles and to introduce systematic problem solving techniques using both analytic and software approaches. Introduction to the computer software program MATLAB and its applications. Definition and properties of vectors, applications to the geometry of the plane, complex numbers, operations on complex numbers, modulus and its properties, functions and their graphs with applications to trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and inverse functions, differentiation and applications to related rates problems and to maxima and minima problems, L'Hopital's rule, parametric representation of curves, solution of simple differential equations, visualisation of motion using computer software, integration of trigonometric and rational functions with applications to the calculation of simple plane areas and rates of change.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply vector methods to problems in two and three dimensional spaces
- Apply trigonometic functions, differentiate and integrate trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and rational functions and extend the results to engineering applications
- Sketch and graph functions, with emphasis on trigonometric functions
- Express curves describing movement in parametric form
- Investigate motion using appropriate computer software
- Find and interpret both definite and indefinite integrals
- Report on findings in both simple tasks and projects