FACULTY OF MEDICINE
MEDICAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION
MTM101/102: Foundation Mathematics
SYLLABUS AND DETAILED COURSE GUIDE
Part 1: Course Description and Resources
Lecturer/Facilitator: Dennis Siwila Chikopela
Office: A-8
Office Hours: TO BE ADVISED
Office Telephone:
Lecturer’s Google site: dschikopela
Course Description
Any science based discipline at university requires knowledge of mathematics
beyond that of high school mathematics. This course serves as a foundation
course in mathematics to enable students pursue studies in pure and applied
sciences at university level. It provides an overview of methods in various
branches of mathematics that are essential tools in any scientific study.
Prerequisites
High school Mathematics (O-Level Mathematics)
Required Books and Articles
Calculus; Ross L. Finney and George B. Thomas; Second edition;
Addison Wesley; ISBN 0-201-59120-0
Page 1
Introduction to Multivariate Analysis; C. Chatfied and A.J Collins;
Chapman and Hall; ISBN 0 412 16040 0
Edexcel Mathematics (C1, C2, C3 & C4) by Greg Attwood
Pearson Publishing Limited
Course Delivery
Lectures: 6 hours / week
Tutorials: 1 hour / week
Clinics: 2 hours / week
SPECIAL NOTE
Calculators are not allowed in this course
Part 2: Student Learning Outcomes
General Learning Outcomes for employability:
Write summaries (in own words) of concepts learned in the
course
Design and make Excel and PowerPoint presentations of
concepts learned
Apply new knowledge to solving problems in groups
Demonstrate use of online resources in problem solving
Specific Learning Outcomes for this course or module:
On successful completion of the module the student should be
able to:
Describe the sets of numbers.
Describe and apply set operations, binary operations, relations,
and functions.
Describe the domain and range of polynomial, rational, modulus,
radical and trigonometric functions, simplify expressions and
solve equations and inequalities involving these functions.
Define the limits, continuity and derivatives of functions.
Page 2
Differentiate polynomial, rational and trigonometric functions
and their composites.
Describe properties of exponential, logarithmic and inverse
trigonometric functions and compute their derivatives.
Apply derivatives in rate of change and curve sketching.
Evaluate integrals and apply them in computing area under a
curve.
Determine equations of straight lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses
and hyperbolas satisfying given conditions.
Describe vectors in three dimensional space, perform vector
operations and apply them to find areas and volumes.
Describe matrices and determinants and use them to solve a
system of linear equations.
Convert a complex number from rectangular form to polar form
and perform multiplication, division and compute integral powers
by applying the De Moivre’s law.
Derive binomial expansions for positive integer exponents and
rational exponents.
Prove mathematical statements by the mathematical induction.
Course Content
SEMESTER 1
WEEK 1:
Topic: Set theory
Definition; subsets; set operations; De Morgan’s laws; binary
operations; relations; functions; domains and range; composite
functions; inverse functions.
Readings: Basic Maths and Algebra chapter 1 pages 1-6.
Page 3
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=definition
and+operations+on+sets+videos
Problems sets: Set theory
WEEK 2:
Topic: Sets of numbers
Even numbers; odd numbers; natural numbers; whole numbers;
integers; rational and Irrational numbers; real numbers; complex
numbers; arithmetic operations on complex numbers.
Readings: Basic Maths and Algebra chapter 1 pages 7-18.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sets+of+numbers+vi
deos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=+number+systems+
videos
WEEK 3:
Topic: Linear and Quadratic functions
Completing the square; maxima / minima values
and graphs of quadratic functions; quadratic equations and
inequalities; applications.
Readings: College mathematics chapter 1 pages 19-41.
Pure and applied chapter 4 pages 77-98.
Page 4
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Linear+and+Quadrat
ic+functions+videos
WEEK 4:
Topic: Polynomial functions
Factor and remainder theorems; graphs; equations, inequalities.
Readings: Edexcel core mathematics 1 (C1) and Higher Engineering
mathematics 5th edition chapter 1 pages 6-10.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Polynomial+function
s+videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Factor+and+remain
der+theorems%3B+graphs%3B+equations%2C+inequalities+videos
WEEK 5:
Topic: Rational functions
Domain; range; graph; equations; inequalities.
Readings: Higher Engineering mathematics 5th edition chapter 2 pages
14-17.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rational+functions+
videos
WEEK 6: 1ST CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST (CAT 1) 5%
(set theory, linear and quadratic functions, polynomial
functions and rational functions)
WEEK 7:
Topic: Modulus functions
Page 5
Domain; range; graph; equations; inequalities.
Readings: Higher Engineering mathematics 5th edition chapter 2 pages
12-14.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Modulus+functions+
videos
WEEK 8:
Topic: Radical functions
Domain; range; graph; equations; inequalities.
Readings: Higher Engineering mathematics 5th edition chapter 2 pages
17-20.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Radical+functions++
videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Radical+functions+D
omain%3B+range%3B+graph%3B+equations%3B+inequalities+video
s
WEEK 9:
Topic: Trigonometric functions
Domain; range; graph; identities; sum angle identities; equations.
Readings: Edexcel core mathematics 2 (C2) Chapters 8 & 10 pages
119-138 & 154-170
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Trigonometric+functi
ons+++videos
Page 6
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Trigonometric+functi
ons+Domain%3B+range%3B+graph%3B+identities%3B+sum+angle
+identities%3B+equations++videos
WEEK 10:
Topic: Limits and Continuity
Limits and continuity of polynomial, rational and
trigonometric functions.
Readings: Maths Calculus Bible Chapter 2 pages 35-98
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Limits+and+Continuity++
+videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Limits+and+Continuity+of
+polynomial%2C+rational+and+trigonometric+functions+++videos
WEEK 11: 2ND CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST (CAT 2) 5%
(modulus functions, radical functions, trigonometric functions
and limits/continuity of functions)
WEEK 12:
Topic: Differential calculus
Derivatives of polynomial, rational and trigonometric functions; first
principle, product, quotient and chain rules; implicit differentiation;
tangent lines.
Readings: Maths Calculus Bible Chapter 3 pages 99-145.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Differential+calculus
++++videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Differential+calculus
+Derivatives+of+polynomial%2C+rational+and+trigonometric+functi
ons%3B+first+principle%2C+product%2C+quotient+and+chain+rules
%3B+implicit+differentiation%3B+tangent+lines+++videos
Page 7
Problem set: Group presentations on methods of differention.
WEEK 13:
Topic: Transcendental Functions
Exponential functions; logarithmic functions; inverse trigonometric
functions; hyperbolic functions; properties, graphs and derivatives.
Readings: Maths Calculus Bible Chapter 1 pages 2-34.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Transcendental+Fun
ctions++++videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Transcendental+Fun
ctions+Exponential+functions%3B+logarithmic+functions%3B+invers
e+trigonometric+functions%3B+hyperbolic+functions%3B+properties
%2C+graphs+and+derivatives+++videos
WEEK 14:
Topic: Applications of Derivatives
Related rates of change; extreme values of functions;
graphs of rational functions.
Readings: Maths Calculus Bible Chapter 4 pages 146-182.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Applications+of+Deri
vatives++videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Applications+of+Deri
vatives+Related+rates+of+change%3B+extreme+values+of+function
s%3B+graphs+of+rational+functions++videos
Problem sets: Worksheet on applications of differentiation
SEMESTER 2
WEEK 1 & 2:
Page 8
Topic: Integral Calculus
Indefinite integrals; substitution; integration by parts; integration of
rational functions.
Readings: Maths Calculus Bible Chapters 6 & 7 pages 267-314.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Integral+Calculus++
videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Integral+Calculus+I
ndefinite+integrals%3B+substitution%3B+integration+by+parts%3B+
integration+of+rational+functions++videos
WEEK 3:
Topic: Applications of Integrals
Definite integrals; infinite sum theorem; areas and volumes between
curves; length of a curve; averages.
Readings: Elementary calculus chapter 6 pages 302-340
Maths Calculus Bible Chapter 5 pages 183-265.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Applications+of+Inte
grals+++videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Applications+of+Inte
grals+Definite+integrals%3B+infinite+sum+theorem%3B+areas+and
+volumes+between+curves%3B+length+of+a+curve%3B+averages+
++videos
WEEK 4 & 5:
Topic: Analytical Geometry
Straight lines, circles; tangent and normal lines; standard cases of
parabola, ellipse and hyperbola.
Page 9
Readings: Exploring analytic geometry chapter 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11 pages 51-69,
85-91, 135-138, 145-149, 159-165.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Analytical+Geometry
+++videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Analytical+Geometry
+Straight+lines%2C+circles%3B+tangent+and+normal+lines%3B+st
andard+cases+of+parabola%2C+ellipse+and+hyperbola++videos
WEEK 7:
Topic: Vectors
Definition; vector addition; vectors in 3-space; dot and cross products
and their applications.
Readings: Higher Engineering Mathematics 5th Edition chapters 21 &
22 pages 225-248.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Vectors+videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Vectors+Definition%
3B+vector+addition%3B+vectors+in+3-
space%3B+dot+and+cross+products+and+their+applications+videos
WEEK 6: CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST (CAT 3) 5%
(differential/integral calculus and their applications, analytical
geometry, vectors and matrices)
WEEK 7 & 8:
Topic: Matrices
Transpose, sum, product and determinant of matrices; inverse matrix;
solution of system of linear equations by the inverse method and the
Cramer’s rule.
Page 10
Readings: Higher Engineering Mathematics 5th Edition chapters 25 &
26 pages 267-283.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Matrices+videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Matrices+Transpose
%2C+sum%2C+product+and+determinant+of+matrices%3B+inverse
+matrix%3B+solution+of+system+of+linear+equations+by+the+inve
rse+method+and+the+Cramer%E2%80%99s+rule+videos
WEEK 9 & 10:
Topic: Complex Numbers in Polar Form
Modulus and argument; De-Moivre’s theorem; roots of a complex
number.
Readings: Higher Engineering Mathematics 5th Edition chapters 23 &
24 pages 249-266.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Complex+Numbers+
in+Polar+Form+videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Complex+Numbers+
in+Polar+Form+Modulus+and+argument%3B+De-
Moivre%E2%80%99s+theorem%3B+roots+of+a+complex++number
+videos
WEEK 11: CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST (CAT 4) 5%
(Complex numbers in polar form, binomial expansions and
mathematical induction)
WEEK 12:
Topic: Binomial Expansions
Factorials; Permutations and combinations; Binomial formula for
positive integral exponents.
Page 11
Readings: Higher Engineering Mathematics 5th Edition chapter 7 pages
58-60 and Business Mathematics and Statistics chapter 9 pages 455-
456.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Factorials%3B+Perm
utations+and+combinations%3B+Binomial+formula+for+positive+int
egral+exponents+videos
WEEK 13:
Topic: Applications of Binomial Expansions
Expansions of the form and estimating exponentials using binomial
expansions.
Readings: Higher Engineering Mathematics 5th Edition chapter 7 pages
61-66
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Applications+of+Bin
omial+Expansions+videos
WEEK 14:
Topic: Principle of Mathematical Induction.
Readings: Theory and problems of college mathematics chapter 2
pages 88-91.
Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Principle+of+Mathe
matical+Induction+videos
Problem sets: see supplementary problems on page 91 of theory and
problems of college mathematics
FINAL EXAMINATION 60%
Page 12
Part 4: Grading Policy
Graded Coursework (or CATs), Problem sets (or assignments) and
examinations
ASSESSMENT COMMENTS % OF FINAL
GRADE
All problem sets For both semesters 20%
weekly
Continuous For semester 1 10%
Assessment Tests
(CAT 1 & 2)
Continuous For semester 2 10%
Assessment Tests
(CAT 3 & 4)
FINAL EXAM Theory 60%
TOTAL POINTS Add up all points 100%
Out of 100%
Letter Grades
Letter Grade Percentage Performance
A+ 90 -100% Upper Distinction
A 80-89 Lower Distinction
B+ 70-79 Meritorious
B 60-69 Credit
C+ 55-59 Definite Pass
C 50-54 Bare Pass
D+ 45-49 Bare Fail
D 0-44 Fail
Progression Regulations
General
Page 13
This policy complements the progression regulations of the Board of
Examiners and offers the following guidelines:
A course score of 44% and below is a fail grade
designated D.
A course score of 45 - 49% (D+) qualifies for
supplementary examination.
A student cannot have more than two supplementary
examinations.
A student who fails two courses is eligible to repeat the
semester/year.
A student cannot repeat a course or a year more than
twice.
A student who fails three courses will be excluded from
the programme.
For courses in which each year is a pre-requisite for the
subsequent year a student cannot proceed and repeat
courses at the same time.
All repeated courses must be passed. The transcript of
results will reflect the higher grade in cases of repeated
courses.
Part 5: Course Policies
Class Attendance, Participation and Emergencies
1. Attending classes is mandatory for all students.
2. Participation in group work or teamwork is required whenever
such work is assigned.
3. In case of any emergency that disenables a student from
attending classes or completing work, the student is expected
to communicate with the lecturer or dean as soon as possible.
4. Students with disabilities should inform the dean of the faculty
of any special needs that they may have.
Late Work and Missing Assessments
Page 14
1. Each student is responsible for making sure that his or her
work is done on time.
2. Any student who misses assessments or misses class should
talk to his or her lecturer/facilitator or professor as soon as
possible and seek the lecturer’s advice on how to make up for
work missed or assessments missed.
3. Students who expect to miss classes or to miss assessments
for health reasons or special family reasons should
communicate with the lecturer or professor for the course as
soon as possible.
4. Students should note that there may be a penalty for late
work, and missed assessments. The penalty may include not
being allowed to sit for the final examination.
5. Students who are unable to keep up with class work should
consult with the course lecturer or faculty dean or dean of
students, and seek advice.
Integrity and Zero Tolerance for Plagiarism
1. All students are expected to abide by the university’s policy on
ethical conduct.
2. Any student involved in cheating in tests, coursework or
examinations will be suspended pending investigations, and
may be expelled from the University.
3. Any student involved in buying or selling tests or examinations
will be suspended from the University pending investigations.
4. Any student involved in using sexual favors in exchange for
marks will be suspended pending investigations, and may be
expelled from the University.
5. Plagiarism means presenting other people’s work from online
or from other sources as your own. Plagiarism is a serious
offence and will not be tolerated, and offenders will fail that
particular course.
6. Students are required to read the University’s policy on
examinations.
Make up of Missed Classes
Page 15
1. There will be special make up classes for each class that is
missed because the lecturer could not come to class on a
particular day
2. Students are required to treat make up classes as part of the
regular learning program
Page 16
