Starting with maths
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| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
Mathematics, as well as being a fascinating subject in its own right, also underpins practically every aspect of modern life. Whether you’re keeping tabs on a budget, tackling a DIY project, devising a formula for a spreadsheet or deciding how to present some information graphically, you’ll need to understand maths. This Openings course introduces a range of key ideas (including using a scientific calculator effectively), to help you tackle everyday mathematical problems at home, work, or in your further studies. Case studies, activities, puzzles, historical snapshots and more recent mathematical discoveries are included, as well as advice on studying generally.
Course content
If you are particularly interested in maths, or you want to study a maths-based subject or one where maths will feature significantly, Starting with maths offers a friendly introduction. The course will help you feel more confident in using maths in a variety of different situations – at home, in work or in your other studies. There are three main themes developed in the course:
- improving your mathematical skills including using a calculator effectively
- developing problem-solving strategies so that you know what to do when you get stuck
- practising general study skills to help you become an effective learner.
Using mathematics in the real world is sometimes quite different to tackling a clearly-stated problem in a textbook. During the course, you will consider several real-life examples, including a case study based on a conservation issue, so that you can see the differences yourself, and feel more confident in using mathematics in your own life to solve problems and make decisions. Being able to communicate using mathematical ideas is important, whether you are reading the work of others or explaining your own solutions. The course will help you develop these skills, in particular using notation and language appropriately and writing good mathematical solutions that are easy to understand. As well as maths that is useful in everyday situations, the course also includes puzzles, bits of history and some mathematical ideas that are fascinating in their own right.
You will find the course useful whether you are building up towards regular, structured study or are simply interested in finding out about mathematics and its place in our lives. In this course the mathematical ideas are emphasised more than the technological and scientific ones, although the skills are equally appropriate for anyone who intends to study technology or science.
The course materials have been prepared with the needs of new learners in mind. They assume no special knowledge and no experience of studying. Taking examples from everyday life, they enable you to start from your general knowledge and interests and gradually build up to degree-level study. Study skills are key to the course, and skills such as time management, note taking, reading for study purposes and reflection on your own learning are explored.
Entry
There are no entry requirements. The course is designed for students who have not studied before, or who may have studied a long time ago.
Starting with maths would be helpful if you are interested in going on to an Open University Level 1 course such as Discovering mathematics (MU123), Data, computing and information (M150), Engineering the future (T173), Networked living: exploring information and communication technologies (T175) or any course that requires basic numerical and mathematical skills.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
Y162 is an optional course in our
- Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences (C95)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Social Sciences (E50)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Financial Services (E54)
- Foundation Degree in Financial Services (G16)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is suitable for a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of the course material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific or diagrammatic material may be particularly difficult to read in this way. The course materials are available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format as well as in comb-bound format. Large print versions of the printed course material can be provided on request. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Course books, a DVD and a calculator.
You will need
Access to a telephone (preferably a landline) for contact with your tutor, the equipment to watch a DVD e.g. DVD player and television or PC with a DVD-ROM.
A computer is not essential to study an Openings course. However, if you wish to send and receive emails and use our online service, you will need access to both the internet and a computer.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will keep in touch by telephone. There are no face-to-face tutorials; all tutorials are conducted by telephone. Your tutor will help you to plan your work and to think about the ideas explored in the course. Your tutor will also comment on and help you with your written work. At the end of the course you will discuss your progress with your tutor, and you will work together to produce a review of your study plans.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
You will be asked to submit an end-of-course assessment (ECA) as well as a learning plan and review. If you submit at least one TMA and achieve the appropriate standard in the ECA you will gain 10 credit points at Level 1 that can count towards a degree.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The course starts four times a year, in March, June, September and November. Each course lasts for a maximum of 20 weeks although you can take less time if you prefer.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, Health and Social Care, Mathematics and Statistics and Science.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Student Reviews
When I think back to my maths classes at school all those years ago, all I remember is frustration and ...
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If maths had been taught like this at school, who knows where I might have been today! What a wonderful ...
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