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Mathematics - ELE00038C

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

Mathematics is the most important tool an engineer has for articulating engineering problems, and for formulating solutions to those problems. Mathematics lies at the heart of modelling, and offers unparalleled insights into the beauty of the natural world. This module develops fluency and confidence in a range of mathematical methods necessary for the analysis, design, and exploration of engineering systems.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To develop an understanding and appreciation for mathematical methods as applied to engineering systems and the physical sciences.

  • To develop the core mathematical techniques necessary for modelling, analysing, and designing engineering systems.

  • To develop fluency, proficiency, and confidence in applying mathematical methods.

Graduate skills and qualities:

  • To develop fluency and confidence in applying mathematical reasoning to problem solving.

  • To develop proficiency in communicating ideas clearly using mathematical notation.

  • To develop familiarity with quantitative methods for analysing systems, and visualising information.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of mathematics in the context of engineering and the physical sciences.

  • Formulate problems using mathematical language (including examples taken from engineering).

  • Identify appropriate mathematical methods for solving such problems.

  • Apply those methods fluently, and with confidence, to obtain algebraic, and numerical solutions.

  • Communicate ideas clearly and effectively using conventional mathematical notation.

Module content

  • Functions and Algebra: Standard functions; polynomials; polar coordinates; complex numbers, complex plane; polar form, exponential form, and Euler's equation; de Moivre’s theorem; complex functions.

  • Differential Calculus: series and limits; differentiation from first principles; chain and product rules; higher-order derivatives; stationary points; binomial series; Maclaurin and Taylor series; partial derivative.

  • Integral Calculus: Integration from first principles; integration as anti-differentiation; integration by inspection; integration by substitution; integration by parts; infinite and improper integrals; applications.

  • Ordinary Differential Equations: differential equations in science and engineering; separable equations; linear equations; change of variables; second-order linear differential equations; engineering applications.

  • Vector Algebra: Scalars and vectors, vector addition; Cartesian basis, and components of vectors; vector magnitude and unit vectors; scalar product, and vector product; triple products; geometric applications.

  • Matrix Algebra: Definition of a matrix; transpose matrix; special matrices; trace of a matrix; matrix addition and scalar multiplication; matrix multiplication; identity matrix; inverse matrix; systems of linear equations.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 80
Essay/coursework 4
Essay/coursework 4
Essay/coursework 4
Essay/coursework 4
Essay/coursework 4

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

  • Course notes and problem sets to be supplied in class.

  • K. A. Stroud, Engineering Mathematics, 8th Edition, Red Globe Press (Macmillan) (2020).

  • K. F. Riley, M. P. Hobson, and S. J. Bence, Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering, 3nd Edition, Cambridge University Press (2006).

  • J. Gilbert and C. Jordan, Guide to Mathematical Methods, 2nd Edition, Palgrave Macmillan (2002).

  • E. Kreyszig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 7th Edition, Wiley (1993).


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.