Introduction
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at PSU
offers a two-course sequence during the
Orientation Year designed to prepare students
for university level science and mathematics
courses. This sequence covers the basics of
college algebra and trigonometry with an
introduction to functions and matrices.
University level courses are offered in subjects
such as Calculus (Differential and Integral),
Linear Algebra, Statistics, Finite Maths
Discrete Maths and Numerical Analysis.
The courses offered in the Department give
students the opportunity to experience a variety
of topics in mathematics.
The primary objectives of the Department are to
provide students with a comprehensive scientific
and mathematical background; the adaptability
and flexibility they will need in order to
evolve with continuing changes in the world; and
the ability to deal effectively with specific
changes in their professional disciplines. The
Department is committed to preparing students to
succeed as workers, citizens and leaders. Each
student is exposed to the mathematics needed to
fulfil his career and educational goals and to
be productive citizens in today’s technological
society.
In the Department we realize two important
realities firstly that mathematics can be
learned by most students and secondly, the cost
of failure is often higher than the cost of
success.
The Department continuously assesses its
students during the academic year to help them
achieve their maximum potential. This continuous
assessment, in the form of almost daily quizzes,
contributes to at least 15% of the final exam
mark and is a good reflection of the performance
of the student throughout the semester.
The Department provides many channels for weaker
students to seek help at an early stage.
Instructors provide office hours specifically
designed for students who need help with a
particular aspect of the course. In addition a
Mathematics Tutorial Room is staffed by members
of the faculty for over 30 hours every week and
provides help for any student from any course on
a ‘walk-in’ basis.
As new mathematics is continually created, so
mathematics courses must be continually renewed.
We have developed our mathematics curriculum by
introducing a new textbook for the Orientation
Year that reflects the excitement of
contemporary mathematical practice. The new
textbook is characterized by real-life examples,
technology applications and clear explanations.
We believe the new text will also refresh the
excellent teaching methods and practices already
in place in the Department
Since the mathematics used in the scientific and
business world is fully integrated with
calculators and computers, the mathematics
taught at PSU must reflect this reality. We have
therefore reformulated our policy on the use of
technology by introducing calculators in every
appropriate context, in both courses of the
Orientation Year sequence.
Student Aims and Objectives - Develop the ability to communicate Mathematics
with appropriate symbols and language.
- Acquire knowledge of mathematics commensurate
with career goals.
- Develop logical reasoning and creative
intuition.
- Develop problem-solving skills, especially
patience and persistence.
- Use mathematics as a basis for scientific
thinking and acting.
- Students learn a broad variety of mathematics
skills and applications.
- General and specialised computing skills to
support mathematical learning and understanding.
- Students develop into competent users of
professional statistical packages, high level
programming languages, and have good general IT
skills.
- Appreciate the usefulness, power and beauty of
Mathematics and recognize its relationship with
other disciplines and with everyday life.
- General study skills.
Departmental Aims and objectives - Provide the opportunity for high-quality
education to meet specialized professional needs
in other courses, which the students major in.
- Contribute to the improvement of the teaching
and learning of Mathematics at all levels
throughout the Department.
- Promote an understanding of the fundamental
role of the Mathematical Sciences in society.
- Emphasize logical reasoning and critical
thinking skills in all our courses.
- Offer courses that individually and
collectively enable students to appreciate both
the theoretical and problem-solving aspects of
the mathematics ethos.
- Create a teaching and learning environment
which supports all students in reaching their
full potential.
- Develop, maintain and stimulate students’
curiosity, interest and enjoyment in
mathematics.
- Offer a programme of help outside classroom
hours that strengthens students and stimulates
each pupil to achieve his maximum potential in
the study of mathematics.
- Enable students to develop confidence in, and
mastery, of the mathematics they are learning.
- Encourage students to enjoy mathematics and
appreciate the challenge and power that it can
offer.
- Produce students who have transferable
intellectual and personal skills.
- Encourage students to develop personal
qualities such as perseverance, initiative,
self-confidence and independence.
