Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
1. Course
Code
F18XD
5. School
Mathematical & Computer Sciences
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 2.
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem…2..
Sem….
Names: Forth Valley College,
Stevenson College, Adam Smith
College……………….....
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
2. Course
Title
Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 4
Sem..2..
Pass F17XA and F17XB with a D or better
2nd year direct entry – A-Level/ AH in Mathematics Grade C or better or equivalent
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
None
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
B88AP
Date Of Replacement:
Sept 2012
13. The course may be
delivered to:
3. SCQF 8
4. Credits 15
Level
6. Course
Maths Teaching Responsible Person
Co-ordinator
UG only
PG only
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
UG & PG
All Mechanical Engineering degrees, Chemical Engineering
degrees, Electrical Engineering degrees and all Physics
degrees except Mathematical Physics and MChem in
Chemistry with Nanotechnology and MChem and BSc(Hons)
in Chemistry with Materials.
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
15. Aims
This aims to provide a fundamental course in the basic methods of mathematical modelling with emphasis on linear algebra. It will give an introduction to MATLAB as a
programming language, which will be used for solving various mathematical problems related to science and engineering.
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
16. Syllabus




Linear Algebra: Systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination, Vectors and matrices, Matrix algebra, Inverse matrices, Determinants, Eigenvectors
and eigenvalues, Applications to differential equations, Diagonalization of matrices (16 lectures)
Laplace Transform: Laplace Transforms, Inverse Laplace Transforms, Solving differential equations (DEs) and systems of DEs with Laplace
Transforms (8 lectures)
Analytic Geometry : Vector algebra, Scalar and vector products, Lines and planes,
Derivatives of scalar and vector functions, Directional derivatives, Linear approximation of curves, Tangent planes, Grad, Div, Curl (7 lectures)
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Skills





Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Know the basic terminology of linear algebra, Laplace transforms and analytic geometry.
Be able to solve systems of linear equations by the method of Gaussian elimination, know
how to invert a matrix both by using Gaussian elimination and by computing cofactors,
be able to compute determinants, be able to solve eigenvalue problems, understand how
eigenvalue problems may arise in practical applications, be able to diagonalize matrices
Know how to perform Laplace transform and Inverse Laplace transform of most common
functions. Be able to apply Laplace transform to solve DEs and systems of DEs.
Be able to perform basic vector operations. Know how to write equations of lines and
planes and find angles between lines and planes. Be able to compute partial and directional
derivatives of scalar and vector functions. Write equations for piecewise approximation of
curves and equations of tangent planes. Know how to apply Grad, Div and Curl operators.
Know how to use MATLAB to: perform matrix and vector operations, solves systems
of linear equations, find eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices, perform Laplace and Inverse Laplace transforms, solve DEs.
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Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT

Recognise the use of mathematical language to communicate engineering, science and other numerate disciplines.

Apply fundamental mathematical techniques to a range of engineering and science based problems.

Formulate and present a solution clearly to problems presented in a mathematical framework.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Examination
Continuous assessment
2 hours
Duration of Exam
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
80 maximum
20 minimum
Examination
2 hours
resit
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
Oct 2011
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Oct 2011
Date of
Implementation
September 2012
Version
Number
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