Undergraduate Course: Access Mathematics (AACE07010)
Course Outline
| School | Centre for Open Learning |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Many disciplines across the arts, humanities, and social sciences require numerical and data literacy. Whether it's understanding statistics in a report, interpreting a graph from the news, or modelling problems with equations, maths will come in handy! This course on the CAHSS Access Programme teaches the mathematical skills required to confidently embark on further study in these areas. |
| Course description |
This course will give a sound mathematical basis to pursue relevant degree programmes in the arts, humanities and social sciences. It covers the essential tools, such as algebra, geometry, and statistics, for modelling real-world problems.
The course will start with a review of core skills. These include solving equations using algebra, working with basic geometry, and modelling phenomena graphically.
Building on these skills, the course will look at how they are applied in statistics. It will cover collecting, sampling, representing, and drawing conclusions from data.
In the latter part of the course, students will look in-depth at a mathematical topic aligned with their intended degree subject. For example, students preparing to study economics will focus on calculus, while those pursing psychology study probability.
The course will be taught through weekly classes, reviewing learning materials and demonstrating relevant skills. Content will be reinforced through computer-based learning activities and workshops. Workshops will focus on problem solving and deepening the understanding of the material. Online activities provide opportunity to consolidate learning and practice skills.
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways to support and enhance learning, including online assessments, written projects, and oral discussions.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 25 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 16,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 32,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
148 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
60% coursework, 30% practical, 10% continuous:
Two written projects, each 30% of the final course mark.
One dialogic assessment, worth 30% of the final course mark.
Meaningful engagement with formative quizzes, worth 10%. |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be given on project and dialogic assessments. Students will also be encouraged to submit early drafts of their projects and given feedback before final submission if they do.
Automated feedback will be given on the formative online quizzes, with additional feedback provided if requested. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to carry out basic calculations efficiently and reliably.
- Explain how abstract concepts can be applied to solve real world problems.
- Analyse empirical phenomena using simple mathematical models.
- Use statistics to analyse, summarise and draw conclusions from quantitative data.
- Apply independent learning skills to a new topic in mathematics.
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Reading List
There is no core textbook for this course; any reading materials will be provided. A scientific calculator compliant with the University of Edinburgh¿s assessment regulations will be provided.
All digital work can be done on University computers, though students will find it helpful to have a personal laptop or digital device with a large enough screen, able to connect to the internet. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course supports the development of the Skills for Success. Through their engagement, students will have the opportunity to develop:
Problem Solving, by applying abstract mathematical concepts to solve unfamiliar, real-world problems.
Critical Thinking, through evaluating different approaches and questioning modelling assumptions.
Curiosity, drawing connections between topics and investigating their own ideas in independent projects.
Data and Digital Literacy, through working with real data, students build skills to interpret, evaluate, and present information appropriately and ethically.
Individuality, exploring maths relevant to their chosen degree. This will foster personal interests, contributing to their academic identity and growth.
Reflection, by engaging with formative feedback and reflecting on what areas need strengthening.
Communication, through explaining their ideas clearly through written, oral, and visual formats. |
| Keywords | Mathematics,Foundation,Academic Skills |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Josh Fogg
Tel:
Email: josh.fogg@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr James Cooper
Tel: (0131 6)50 4400
Email: jcooper6@ed.ac.uk |
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