Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Letter To Those That Studied Maths With Open University

  • 24-08-2011 4:00pm
    #1
    HollaBack
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭


    I could really do with someones input. I am looking for information with regards to MST121 "Using Mathematics".

    The thing is, I'll be studying maths as part of an economics degree. The economic components of the degree is right up my alley - I love it, however I did ordinary level maths at leaving cert in a time when I had little interest in quantitative aspects. My question is, with an absence of huge mathematical ability in the past, will I be able for this module? I consider myself an intelligent person and can overcome anything when I put my mind to it. I am determined to succeed but I don't want to throw myself into a position where, five months from now, I'll be in a jungle of confusion and frustration, not to mention a huge financial lose in a time of economic downturn.

    I noticed there are Tutor marked assignments as well as computer based exams - these have me worried. Is it a case of everyone sprinting to the finish line as soon as the course starts as I believe I may need some gradual progression throughout the module. Perhaps I just have a fear of maths as it was taught so dismally in my school. I am however excited and eager to learn; I just can't imagine myself being in a situation where, from the offset, everyone is head and shoulders above me as a pre-existing assumption would be that everyone has completed A1 Honours Maths at LC.

    Thoughts? Thank you in advance.


Comments

  • #2
    PoleStar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 774 ✭✭✭PoleStar


    I am starting that module in October too!

    I did honors maths for leaving cert and did well.

    However that was 17 years ago. I think there is no need to worry, I think there are very few that will be close enough to leaving cert for it to matter.

    Out of interest, has anyone any good basic books to get us up to speed? I got countdown to mathematics as recommended on the OU website.


  • #3
    Ouchette
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 243 ✭✭Ouchette


    I've actually posted about this already today in the OU Maths and Stats thread.

    I've just started MST121 and I haven't studied maths formally since I was 16, so no LC here.

    Have you tried the practice test on the maths choices bit of the OU site? That should tell you if it's the right level for you or not.

    The assignments are spaced throughout the year so there'd be no point trying to sprint to the finish.

    PoleStar - How's Countdown to Maths? Worth getting? I've just been using my old school books and the OU revision pack so far.


  • #4
    mimmi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 119 ✭✭mimmi


    Hollaback do the diagnostic quizz for MST121, if you can do most of the question you'll be fine and then you have the prep material before the course starts.

    http://mathschoices.open.ac.uk/quizzes/p2.html


  • #5
    Swifty_N
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 ✭Swifty_N


    There's no need to sprint towards the finish line. You generally have two weeks to do each unit, if you are not studying another course, and then extra time to do the associated assignment questions. It's designed to take 9 months or so, (I can't remember exactly) so take your time and smell the roses. It's a fun course. You might find you like maths after all!


Advertisement