Starting with maths
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Mathematics, as well as being a fascinating subject, underpins practically every aspect of modern life. Whether you’re keeping tabs on a budget, tackling a DIY project or devising a formula for a spreadsheet, you’ll need to understand maths. This course introduces a range of key ideas to help you tackle everyday mathematical problems. This Openings course gently introduces you to OU study – ideal if you’re a beginner or returning to study. Also towards the end, you’ll try out learning online; the perfect way to gain the basic computing skills you’ll need for the next step in your studies.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Business and Management , Computing and ICT , Engineering and Technology , Mathematics and Statistics and Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | Y182 |
| Credits | 15 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
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, such as using numbers, graphs, formulas, geometry and handling data, this 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.
These ideas are explored further on the website where you can study two more chapters online. You will have the opportunity to gain skills such as working with podcasts, using online forums and searching the internet for information relating to the subject. This experience will provide you with a gentle introduction to using a computer to support your study, and will equip you with the basic computing skills you will need for the next step in your studies.
You only need to use a computer for the last part of the course once you've completed the book, so if you don’t currently have one you’ve plenty of time to make arrangements. You can use your own computer or one at a library or drop-in centre. Please note that you can study and pass this module if you don’t have access to the internet and a computer.
Entry
Like all Openings courses, this course is ideal if you’re a beginner or returning to study, we will help you to develop your study skills and become a confident learner.
The study materials have been prepared with the needs of new learners in mind. No special knowledge or previous experience of studying is required. Taking examples from everyday life, this course enables you to use your general knowledge and interests, and gradually build up to university-level study. You will develop key study skills such as time management, note taking, reading for study purposes and reflection on your own learning.
Starting with maths would be helpful if you are interested in going on to study one of our key introductory Level 1 courses, such as Discovering mathematics (MU123) (30 credits), Engineering the future (T173) (30 credits) and My digital life (TU100) (60 credits) or any other 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.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Alternative questions will be provided for any assignments that depend on visual or aural material. Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific or foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. The study materials are available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
To do the online element of this course you will need to make use of a personal computer and the internet. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or have concerns about accessing the type of material outlined, talk to the Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering about the support which can be given to meet your needs.
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 publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study 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.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, DVD, a calculator and a website where you can access the online resources.
Digital copies (PDFs) of most study materials, and transcripts of the DVD can be found on the website. Transcripts are also available on the DVD itself if it is accessed through a computer.
You will need
Access to a telephone (preferably a landline) for contact with your tutor; and the equipment to play and watch a video DVD e.g. a television and DVD player or a personal computer with DVD drive.
You will need access to the internet and a computer to study the last two chapters of this course and if you wish to receive and send email and use our online services.
Computing requirements
This course includes optional, online, computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
To take part in the online activities you will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 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 a combination of telephone, written correspondence and, if you want, email. There are no face-to-face tutorials; all tutorials are conducted between you and your tutor on the 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 review your learning.
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.
Please note that TMAs for all undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses must be submitted on paper as – due to technical reasons – we are unable to accept TMAs via our eTMA system.
The interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) must be submitted online.
Future availability
The course starts four times a year, in March, June, September and November. Each course lasts for a maximum of 20 weeks.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Business and Management , Computing and ICT , Engineering and Technology , Mathematics and Statistics and Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | Y182 |
| Credits | 15 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Your questions
We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.
Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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