Course Catalogue

Mathematics 1C: Introduction to Calculus MATHS1015

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course is an introduction to Calculus (differentiation, integration, and differential equations), with an emphasis on applications to subjects like Chemistry, Computing Science, Life Sciences and Social Sciences.

Timetable

The course will be delivered in 2 sections, to allow for a range of combinations with other subjects.

In weeks 2-11 of the course, 4 out of the 5 weekly meetings of the class will be lectures; the other meeting will alternate between tutorial labs and example classes.

Requirements of Entry

SQA Higher Mathematics at C or above or equivalent.

Excluded Courses

Mathematics 1.

Assessment

Written exams: Final exam 90 minutes making up 60%.

 

Set exercises: quizzes (5%), e-assignments (15%), feedback exercises (10%), Group activities (10%).

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

Mathematics 1C aims to consolidate and build upon calculus and algebra skills from SQA Higher Mathematics with a focus on calculus and modelling; increase students' competence and confidence in abstracting the essentials of problems across subjects such as Computer Science, Biochemistry and Economics, formulating them mathematically and obtaining clearly communicated solutions by appropriate methods.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

1) use the mathematical language of sets & functions to solve problems, with a particular emphasis on logarthimic, exponential, modulus, polynomial and rational functions;

2) relate algebraic and geometric perspectives on trigonometric functions using these viewpoints to solve trigonometric equations;

3) apply standard rules of calculus to compute derivative, anti-derivatives and integrals to solve problems in, for example, optimisation;

4) set-up and solve first-order ODEs.

5) use the mathematical tools developed in this course to model and solve problems from cognate disciplines both individually and in small groups.45

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions