School of Mathematics and Statistics (SoMaS)

MAS151 Civil Engineering Mathematics

This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with 2 weekly interactive problem classes.

There are no prerequisites for this module.

The following modules have this module as a prerequisite:

Aims

1. To reinforce previous mathematical knowledge.
2. To develop new mathematical concepts needed to support engineering at Level 1.
3. To provide a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses for engineers.

Learning outcomes

1. Ability to sketch functions and evaluate simple limits using algebraic techniques.
2. Ability to differentiate, find maxima and minima and apply this technique to curve sketching.
3. Ability to find 1st and 2nd order partial derivatives.
4. An understanding of hyperbolic functions.
5. Ability to apply l'Hôpital's rule.
6. Ability to manipulate complex numbers.
7. Knowledge of the basic properties of vectors.

1. Ability to evaluate indefinite and definite integrals using the techniques of substitution and integration by parts.
2. Ability to manipulate matrices, evaluate determinants and find the inverse of a non-singular square matrix.
3. Ability to apply matrix methods to the solution of systems of simultaneous linear equations.
4. Ability to find eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a square matrix
5. Ability to solve first order ordinary differential equations which are (i) variables separable, (ii) linear,
6. Ability to solve second order linear homogeneous ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients.
7. Ability to solve second order linear inhomogeneous ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients, using a trial technique for the particular integral.
8. Ability to apply Laplace Transforms and use them to solve linear differential equations.

Teaching methods

Online video lectures, online tests, problem classes, problem solving.

Assessment

One three-hour exam at the end of the year (85%). Online tests (15%).

Full syllabus

Semester 1:
1. Functions of a real variable and limits:
The concept of a function and simple limits, continuity.
2. Differentiation:
Basic rules of differentiation: maxima, minima and curve sketching. Inverse functions.
3. Partial differentiation:
1st and 2nd derivatives, geometrical interpretation.
4. Hyperbolic functions:
Definitions and derivatives of hyperbolic functions and their inverses.
5. Series:
Taylor and Maclaurin series, L'Hôpital's rule.
6. Complex numbers:
basic manipulation, Argand diagram, de Moivre's theorem, Euler's relation.
7. Vectors:
Vector algebra, dot and cross products, differentiation.

Reading list

Timetable (semester 1)