1st year arts maths modules

LeinsterJC

Just wondering if anyone who's done them could give me an idea of how demanding they are, in particular the course on number theory (MST10040).

ironclaw

Any Level 1 course is introductory. If you got a decent grade at Leaving Certificate level and Math is your 'thing' then you'll have no issue. Generally speaking Level 1 implies no previous knowledge so as long as you have an interest, you'll be fine.

LeinsterJC

ironclaw wrote: »

Any Level 1 course is introductory. If you got a decent grade at Leaving Certificate level and Math is your 'thing' then you'll have no issue. Generally speaking Level 1 implies no previous knowledge so as long as you have an interest, you'll be fine.

I got a B in A Level maths though the syllabus is a good bit different from leaving cert - I've never covered combinatorics or techniques such as induction so I'm not sure if I'd do OK on the combinatorics course (MST10040). Would appreciate if anyone who's done it could advise on whether it's doable without any previous knowledge of the subject.

pacni

LeinsterJC wrote: »

I got a B in A Level maths though the syllabus is a good bit different from leaving cert - I've never covered combinatorics or techniques such as induction so I'm not sure if I'd do OK on the combinatorics course (MST10040). Would appreciate if anyone who's done it could advise on whether it's doable without any previous knowledge of the subject.

I did A Level maths (and Further Maths) and while I didn't do MST10040, I did do MATH10040 which is more or less the same thing.

You will not need any previous knowledge - in fact there is very little previous knowledge you could even possibly have. This is an introduction to Number Theory so they assume that you have never studied anything like it before. Any knowledge of proofs would really help you but are by no means necessary, it's always helpful to read up on what's done in a module before you start!

LeinsterJC

Thanks

Andy279

Since the emphasis of all first year MST modules is very much on understanding and using theorems/ definitions to solve problems rather than proving theorems themselves, you will be fine without any knowledge of proofs. In regard to MST10040, the first half of the course will cover topics like mathematical induction, combination/ permutation, binomial expansion and Euclidean algorithm. After the mid - term test, you will continue with Fermat's little theorem, linear congruence and Chinese remainder theorem. In my opinion, the first half is a bit easier than the second. I still managed to do pretty well in the final exam by practicing the problem sets + past papers multiple times, although I didn't understand thoroughly those topics introduced at the end of this course.
If you want to have a look through the module contents, I will send you last year's lecture notes and problem sets

kiwimad

They recommend that you have at least a C in HL LC maths, not sure what that is in relation it the A levels though.

I found Combi pretty boring (the lecturer isn't great), but it's easy enough if you go to class and do a few practise papers. Also, the later stuff doesn't build on the earlier stuff that much, so if you're having trouble in week 3, it won't wreck your entire grade like it will in some other modules. The only thing on the course we'd covered on the LC was proof by induction, but they start completely from scratch with everything, so you should be grand!

I thought Linear Algebra 1 was a nice module too, both fairly easy and interesting. Practically everything in it is new to LC students, so you'll find it easy enough either way. The lecturer doesn't put his notes on blackboard though, so you'll need to go to class (although he's accommodating if you're sick or doing sport or something).

I personally hated Calculus 1 and 2 with a vengeance, though others in my class liked it. They start with the basics but progress quite quickly, so a basic knowledge of differentiation and integration is recommended. It's not the end of the world if you haven't covered them before though, I think I heard that they've taken integration off the LC so they'll probably have to spend more time with that this year.

The most important thing in maths is really to be doing past papers as early as you can, and to do all the exercises you're given. You don't want to be trying to learn everything the night before, that's practically impossible in maths. If you're struggling, get help early, either from your lecturer or tutor, or in the Maths Support Centre in the library. It can be a bit hit and miss, but they can usually help.

Best of luck in college anyway, and don't stress too much in 1st year... You'll be doing wayyy too much of that come 3rd year, believe me!