Access to Science and Technology

This module is part of the AHEAD suite of modules and provides underpinning knowledge in areas of Mathematics and Chemistry for students who may wish to undertake degree courses in various fields of Biological, Forensic or Food Sciences and Engineering.

This module is aligned with development of the following Abertay Attributes across the intellectual and digital dimensions:

• Understand how knowledge is evolving, appreciate the importance of interdisciplinarity and recognise how what has been learned can be applied.
• Understand how knowledge is generated, processed and disseminated, and actively apply knowledge in order to recognise problems and solutions.
• Be equipped for workforce transitions and lifelong learning

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1. Master basic numeracy skills associated with the types of standard calculations likely to be encountered in science and engineering degrees.
2. Understand why mathematical formulae are important in the interrogation of graphed data and be able to apply these where appropriate.
3. Use various mathematical functions including: Linear, Quadratic and Trignometric types for suitable applications.
4. Distinguish simple classifications of chemical compounds and relate their structures to their molecular properties.
5. Appreciate the factors that determine how chemicals interact including acid-base and redox reaction concepts.

1 BASIC NUMERACY & STATISTICS

Calculation and manipulation of data using Percentages, Indices, Roots, Interest (Simple and Compound), volumes of solids, Frequency tables, Stem/Leaf Diagrams, Probability, and simple equations.

2 GRAPHS

Straight line graphs, Gradients, Equations of a straight line, Intercepts. Drawing graphs - Linear equations, Distances between points. Simultaneous linear equations. Trignometric formulae and use in triangles and graphs. Interpreting graphs of function.

3 BASIC ALGEBRA

Changing subject of a formulae. Factorisation - common factors, Difference of two squares, Trinomials. Solving simultaneous equations by Substitution and Elimination.

4 FUNCTIONS

Introduction to functions - Linear, Quadratic and Trignometric function. Quadratic functions and solving quadratic equations. Factorising Quadratic equations. Trignometric functions - Sine, cosine and tangent. Trignometric formulae.

5 DIFFERENTIATION

Introduction to Calculus - Differentiation. Applications and Examples.

6 STRUCTURE OF ATOMS AND BONDING

Atomic structure, electron energy levels and orbital shape, The basis of the periodic table. Atomic parameters and their trends. Compounds, types of bonding, intermolecular forces and their roles. Polar and non polar molecules. Importance of hydrogen bonding.

7 QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY AND MEASUREMENT

Numbers and Units. SI system. Scientific notation. Moles and molar concentrations. Mass-moles and moles- mass calculations. Percentage compositions. Calculating empirical formulae. Balanced equations.

8 CHEMICAL REACTION CLASSIFICATION

Fundamental concepts of precipitation, acid-base and redox reactions. Estimating pH of solutions. Introduction to weak acids and bases. Chemical Equilibria. Le Chatelier's principle. Reaction rates. Effect of Temp and chemical concentrations on rates of chemical reactions. Enthalpy. Heat capacity and energy changes.