Module Information

Module Identifier
PH06520
Module Title
Introduction to Mathematical Methods 2
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Dr Balazs Pinter
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
GCSE Maths or equivalent
Co-Requisite
PH06020
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Not available to students on a 3-year Bachelor's or on an Integrated Master's scheme
Reading List
View example reading list on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Weekly course work  30%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   End of semester examination  70%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Supplementary Examination  written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Evaluate basic integrals and derivatives.

2. Construct the gradient of a curve y(x)

3. Calculate arithmetic and geometric series

4. Apply the binomial theorem.

5. Recognise and manipulate with matrices and determinants.

Brief description

This second module on theoretical methods introduces the student to more of the basic mathematical tools commonly used in the physical sciences,and develops some of the topics used in the first module. Topics covered include differentiation techniques and applications, integration and some of its applications to physics and rate of change problems, sequences, series and matrices. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of matematical techniques to solve physical problems.

Content

Differentiation techniques: Standard derivatives, function of a function, products and quotients, logarithmic differentiation, differentiation of implicit and parametric functions.

Applications of differentiation: Small increments and rate of change problems.

Integration techniques: Indefinite integration, integration as summation, definite integration, standard integrals, integration by substitution and by parts. Use of partial fractions.

Applications of Integration: Area under curves, volumes of revolution.

Sequences and series: Arithmetic and geometric series. Binomial theorem.

Introduction to matrices and determinants.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Creative Problem Solving Problem solving skills are developed throughout the module and assessed in coursework and the semester examination.
Professional communication Presentation of the work by students in coursework and the semester examination develop written communication skills.
Subject Specific Skills Understanding and application of mathematical techniques are essential to solve problems in the physical sciences.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3