Prerequisites for mathematics and statistics modules
Nearly all mathematics and statistics modules assume that you have some prior mathematical knowledge or experience. The prerequisite
knowledge is outlined in the Entry section of the module description on the Study at the OU website. For most mathematics and statistics
modules at levels 2 and 3, the prerequisites can be met by previous study of specified OU modules, which are summarised in the table
below. Most students who started their OU studies before October 2012 were and remain entirely at liberty to study a module without
having previously passed the recommended prerequisite module(s), whereas nearly all students starting from October 2012 will normally
in future have to pass prerequisite modules first. Pass rates are unsurprisingly usually quite a bit higher for students who have studied
prerequisites than for those who haven’t. Figures for this are also given in the table.
The message is clear. Prerequisites are important.
We do not include any data for the MU123, MST121 or the Mathematics Education courses. We have included data for the mathematical
physics modules run by the Science Faculty.
The figures suggest that it is by no means impossible to pass a module without having previously passed a prerequisite module. For
example one might have gained the prerequisite knowledge from other non-OU studies, perhaps revising it by borrowing module units or
reading textbooks; but as the figures show, this is a big challenge for many students, even those with brainpower and determination to
succeed.
In the case of some modules, there are diagnostic quizzes in addition to the advice on the Study at the OU web pages. If you are still in
any doubt you should contact your regional or national centre for advice.
The information below on the importance of prerequisites is just one of the factors to be considered when making good and appropriate
study choices. As you can see from looking at module results, not all students who start a module then pass it. Several students withdraw
during the module before the exam. In the OU’s regular survey of students who withdraw, the overwhelming majority give the reason of
falling behind because of increased family or work responsibilities, or personal/family problems. There are some students who get as far
as the exam who then fail the module. So prerequisites are by no means the only or major factor in passing a module. But for very many
students, taking the prerequisite module improves their chances of success.
The table below only includes students who had previous OU study experience. We have excluded results for those students who were
allowed to start their OU studies with this module. Many of these students had good relevant previous experience outside the OU and
would usually have had success rates entirely comparable with students who had passed the OU prerequisite.
Course
MS221
M208
MST209
M248
M249
MST326
MS324
M336
M337
M343
M346
M347
MT365
course overall
Prerequisite(s) With prerequisite Without prerequisite
No. at start % pass
No. at start % pass No. at start % pass
1550
54 MST121
1317
59
233
27
906
66 MST121
790
67
116
60
MS221
695
74
211
40
994
63 MST121
807
63
187
61
MS221
630
72
364
46
760
62 MST121
605
68
155
38
378
76 M248
275
87
103
47
303
53 MST209
203
64
100
30
211
59 MST209
160
60
51
56
310
69 M208
264
74
46
42
475
66 M208
351
72
124
50
MST209
326
72
149
53
361
78 M248
230
80
131
74
MST209
174
84
187
72
292
75 M248
225
82
67
53
318
53 MS221
198
55
120
50
M248
193
54
125
51
M249
182
58
136
46
376
76 MST121
309
78
67
69
M373
212
69
M381
347
73
SM358
226
59
SMT359
317
52
MS221
MST209
M208
M208
MST209
S207
MST209
S207
MST209
289
147
133
260
218
117
149
200
216
80
78
75
78
80
57
62
55
59
87
65
79
87
129
109
77
117
101
65
48
58
59
62
61
53
48
38
Notes about prerequisites
MST121
MST121 and MS221
MST121 and MS221
MST121
M248
MST209
MST209
M208
M208 or MST209
M248 with MST209 as help
M248
MS221, M248, M249
MST121 or MS221, plus 60
points MST at level 2
M208 or MST209
M208 or MST209
S207 and MST209
S207 and MST209
Notes on the table
1. We have only counted students who had previous OU experience.
2. Numbers of students starting the module are given for its most recent presentation, normally 2012 except for those modules which did
not run in 2012, for which the 2011 figures were used. The percentage pass rate is in terms of the number of students starting the module.
3. For many modules, pass rates are higher still for students who have previously passed other modules besides the prerequisites. This is
not surprising, of course. So on M248, 342students had previously passed MS221 and 77% of these passed M248. On M208, 148
students had previously passed MST209 and 88% of these passed M208. On MST209, 331 students had previously passed M208 and
80% of these passed MST209.
20 Dec 2012