Open University Module MST121 Using Mathematics

The official line from the Open University is that if you have an A level or high grade GCSE, or equivalent, then this should be suitable. However when I called and informed them how long it had been since I studied they suggested that, if I was not confident I should take a lower level course first. Luckily for me I plucked up the courage and went for it anyway.

I would say personally that as long as you feel you have a small ability for maths then you should be capable. That said I would say that if you did not complete a GCSE then you should spend some time before the course begins going through the books suggested below & the revision books that you will receive shortly before the course begins.

The only calculater you will need is a scientific. There is some use for a graphics calculater but it is very much not essential, and possibly a waste of money.

The course is split into four blocks. The initial block A is Mathematics & Modelling.
This block teaches the basics of Mathematical Models. Such as sequences, lines and circle, and functions. This includes triganometry in the form of functions of sinx, cosx etc.
This begining assumes a fair knowledge of algebraic manipulation but explains all the basics of trig etc.
The course also comes with a Handbook which contains all the key points and rules. Not to mention all the equations and formulas that you should need throughout the course. It is split into the same separate blocks as the course and so is very easy to follow.

Countdown to Mathematics: v. 1

The second block "Discrete Modelling" mainly deals with various types of population models and thier long term behavour. This takes sequences a little further and shows quiet well how they can be applied to population growth prediction etc.
A good steady increase in complexity makes this very easy to follow. I always follow the books in order using the extra materials, CD & DVD, as and when prompted. It gives a good structure to study. Also the planner provided and on the website is very good at keeping you on track, so check at least once a week.
This block also introduces matrices & vectors and shows how these can be used in modelling. i find matricies very logical, once you have the basics. In my opinion this is very well presented.

The third block entitled Continuos Models is basically an introduction to calculus.
I find that many people have a magical view of Calculus as the most complicated maths. However in most contexts you are simply tought a method which you follow. In order to complete this part of the course you really have to understand very little of calculus, and simply follow the method for differentiation and reverse this method for integration.
Again this is a very straight forward approach to calculus and takes away much of the mistery. I found this no more complicated than most algebraic manipulation.

The final block deals with statistics. Although not my favourite part of Maths I did get my best mark (100%) partly down to being multiple choice I admit.

This is a very simple look at stats and you can get by quiet well just by scanning the text. Again this is only my opinion.

That said this is a very good start for anyone thinking of taking stats further. Please do not be put off just because it is not my favourite part of maths.

Throughout the course, normally one section per sub-chapter, you will use MathCad. This is a software package that allows mathematical manipulation. It is very easy to use and anyone who has the skills to view this page will be fine with using it. There is a lot of info supplied with the course and as you progress they build up from the very basics. Again anyone who can view this page already has the computing skills required.
I found this a good way to break up the course and teaches good computing skills. As my degree is a split between computing and maths this part of the course gave a good cross over of skills.

I was very glad to have started with this course and feel that it started simply enough but also had enough complexity to keep me interested. It has set me up very well for the module that directly follows this, MS221. I would personnally recommend it to anyone thinking of starting a Maths degree or any scientific, engineering or computing degree.

I hope this has given a little more info on the course from someone not paid by the OU. If anyone would like me to answer any questions please leave a comment on the guestbook and i will be happy to get back to you.