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Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE TET1016

 
TITLE Algebra and Trigonometry for Technology

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Technology and Entrepreneurship Education

 
DESCRIPTION This algebra and trigonometry unit is intended to supplement parallel study-units within the main domains of the technology course. Concepts from this unit are essential for adopting a STEM approach toward the learning of the main domains of electrical/electronics knowledge, materials/mechanical knowledge and
graphical communication/engineering drawing knowledge since sound functional design is almost always supported by mathematics. The topics covered in this unit are the following: polynomials and functions, indices and surds, solution of equations, complex numbers, graphs, circular functions and trigonometric equations and identities.

Study-Unit Aims:

The aims of this study-unit are:
- to support and enhance knowledge in other technological topics by acquiring mathematical syntax and grammar for the representation and communication of technological knowledge;
- to develop an understanding of mathematical relationships and mathematical methods for analysis; and
- to cover fundamental topics in algebra and trigonometry.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- alternate between representations or relationships of the same concept;
- recognize, interpret and manipulate polynomials and functions;
- solve equations;
- interpret and transform graphs; and
- represent diverse elements and concepts of the circle.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- work with polynomials and rational fractions (resolve a rational fraction into partial fractions);
- work with indices, surds, logarithms and solve exponential equations;
- solve quadratic equations and inequalities;
- interpret the meaning of the discriminant of a quadratic;
- interpret a complex number and perform operations on complex numbers and make representations on an Argand diagram;
- sketch the graphs of polynomials till the third degree (with emphasis of the significance of real and non-real roots);
- sketch the graphs of x^½, a^x (particularly e^x), log x having a general base (particularly ln x);
- sketch the graphs of trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, and tangent;
- transformation of graphs without resorting to plotting;
- interpret the characteristics of even and odd functions;
- work fluently with degrees and radians and apply them to mensuration of a circle (arc and sector problems),
- interpret circular functions in a right-angled triangle and acknowledge trigonometric ratios of important angles;
- link the major trigonometric ratios of a rotating radius in a unit circle to their graphs;
- solve trigonometric equations; and
- make use of basic compound trigonometric identities.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- BOSTOCK, L. & CHANDLER, S. 1981. The Core Course for A-level, Stanley Thornes Ltd.
- SMEDLEY, R. & WISEMAN, G. 2001. Introducing Pure Mathematics, Oxford.

Supplementary Readings:

- BARNETT, R. A., ZIEGLER, M. R. & BYLEEN, K. E. 2015. College Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences, Pearson.
- BEECHER, J. A., PENNA, J. A. & BITTINGER, M. L. 2016. Algebra and Trigonometry, Pearson.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Portfolio SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Jean Paul Zerafa

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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