Math2alatestlearner Guide
Math2alatestlearner Guide
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
B.ENG TECH:ELECTRICAL,MECHANICAL,CIVIL,
INDUSTRIAL,POWER,GEOMATICS,CHEMICAL
PROGRAMME
CODE:BNELC1,BNPWE1,BNMCH1,BIND1,BNC
VL1,BBGMT1,BNCME1
Study Guide
2024
ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 2A
MODULE CODE: EMTA201
SAQA CREDITS: 12
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Contents
Mathematics department contact details …………………………………………………………..3
1. Welcome …………………………………………………………………………………..4
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Name of Lecturer : Dr Adhir Maharaj, Prof David Day
Office : Mathematics
Campus location : Steve Biko Campus: Block S3-Level 1
Telephone : 031-3732075
E-Mail : adhirm@dut.ac.za; dday@dut.ac.za
Consultation times with Lecturer: Lecturers to inform their respect classes
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1. Welcome
Welcome to Mathematics 2A. While you are here, note that all the work done in high school
and in Math IA and IB is still useable. We will not have time to revise all the previous work
done. The onus is on you to do your own revision. We encourage you to make use of the
books in the library.
Successful Engineering and Science students at DUT should have a competent grasp of two
languages viz: English and Mathematics. In this subject learners will be exposed to the
“language” of mathematics and will be provided with a “tool kit” of mathematical techniques
which can be applied to problems they will encounter in their Engineering and Science
subjects. The emphasis will be on problem solving and lectures will be based on the
assumption that all students have a copy of, or access to, the prescribed textbook and that
all assigned reading and tutorial work has been completed before lectures and tutorials.
All information and requirements relating to this subject are detailed in this guide.
All taught subjects/modules have their own online classroom on the ThinkLearnZone.
You can access your classroom at https://tlz.dut.ac.za
For TLZ Student Training and Support, contact Simon Ndlovu at simonn1@dut.ac.za
In order to register for Mathematics 2A you need to have satisfied the admission
requirements for mathematics at the level required by your programme department. Your
admission to the programme will indicate that you have shown competences in the following
outcomes:-
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Table 1: Pre-requisites
Specified Outcome Assessment Criteria
Express a rational fraction as a -The order of the numerator and denominator are
sum of partial fractions examined -The denominator is factorized into real
linear factors or real quadratic factors
-The form of partial fractions is determined
according to four types
(i) distinct linear factors
(ii) repeated linear factors
(iii) distinct quadratic factors
(iv) repeated quadratic factors
Differentiate various functions Algebraic, trigonometrical and hyperbolic functions
are differentiated using various methods e.g.
standard rules, chain rule, product rule, quotient
rule, etc.
Evaluate both definite and Algebraic, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions
indefinite integrals are integrated using various methods e.g.
standard rules, integration by parts, u-substitution,
partial fractions etc.
Solve first order ordinary Solutions of first order differential equations are
differential equations obtained using various methods e.g. integration,
separation of variables, homogeneous, linear and
Bernoulli.
Perform methods of solving Systems of equations are solved using elimination
simultaneous equations methods and Cramer’s rule.
If you have passed a mathematics module from another programme or institution and you
intend to apply for exemption from Mathematics 2A, please follow the procedure detailed
below.
Bring your original result certificate together with the DUT form requesting exemption/credit
(obtainable from the Engineering Faculty Office) to the Mathematics Department. You may
also be required to bring a syllabus outline. The Mathematics Head of Department will then
decide whether you can be accepted directly into Mathematics 2A or be exempted from doing
Mathematics 2A.
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4. Learning outcomes
After completing this subject the student should be competent to use mathematical tools to:-
identify, analyze, describe and solve discipline-related problems. Some overlapping examples are
listed in the table below:-
Table 3:
DISCIPLINE EXAMPLE
Model LRC series circuits using mathematical
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
techniques
Solve LRC circuits by solving related ordinary
differential equations.
Model vibrating mechanical problems into a
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
mathematical problem
Solve mechanical problems by solving related
ordinary differential equations.
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5. Learning, teaching and assessment strategies
a) Learning activities
Credit value: 12
Notional hours: 120
Number of lectures per week: 4
Number of tutorials per week: 1
The allocated contact time is used for lectures, tutorial work and classroom
assessments. During lecture periods students are expected to record their own
notes. Reference to textbooks will be made where applicable. Tutorial questions
based on the work covered during lectures will be given. It is essential that tutorial
exercises are completed at the end of each week as new work is built on what has
gone before. Lecturers are available to provide assistance and feedback to
students during contact periods and by appointment outside of formal contact time.
Students are expected to work on Mathematics, on average, for four hours per
week outside of formal lecture time. You will quickly discover that self-discipline is
an important quality to possess, especially during your time spent at university.
Therefore one must realise at the start of the module that consistency and good
work habits are essential attributes for success. This may sometimes require that
you put on hold some of your leisure activities, but always remind yourself of the
following:
This is only a one-semester module – it is not a life sentence, so keep up to
date so that you can maximize your chances of success.
b) Graduate attributes
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c) Assessment
Mark Breakdown
There is no examination at the end of this course. The final mark is calculated from tests written
during the semester as follows:-
Fourier series
FINAL MARK = (Major Test 1 x 0.4) + (Major Test 2 x 0.4) + (Class Mark x 0.2)
The pass mark is 50%.
NOTE:
If a student obtains a final result from 45% to 49% inclusive for Maths 2A he/she will be eligible
to write a 3 hour SPECIAL test covering the whole syllabus. The date for the special test will
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be displayed on the Math notice board (S3 Level 1). If a student passes this he/she will be
allocated a final result of 50%. However, if the student fails this special test, the original results
will stand. If a student who is eligible for the test does not write it for any reason he/she will
not be eligible for any further test and will have to re-register for the subject.
Test results
The results of each Major Test will be displayed on the ITS Student Portal. Kindly check the portals for
your results two weeks after the test has been written. Please report any errors to your lecturer
timeously.
In the case of a minor test, the results will be released within 2 weeks of the test being written. In the
case of assignments and projects the results will be released on or before 3 weeks prior to the
commencement of examinations.
Absenteeism
If a student misses a Major Test 1 or Major Test 2, satisfactory evidence, eg: DUT Medical
Certificate attached at the end of this guide, must be submitted to the Secretary, WITHIN SEVEN
CALENDAR DAYS of the test being written. If this is not forthcoming a student will be given 0 %
for the test. If a student has produced satisfactory evidence for his/her absence he/she will be required
to write an Aegrotat Test.
Note: Aegrotat tests apply only to major test 1 and major test 2. There will be no Aegrotat tests for
the multi choice tests.
Both Major 1 and Major 2 Aegrotat Tests will be written on the same day and at the same time as the
Special Test mentioned above. Furthermore, results from the Aegrotat Test will be used to obtain the
final mark and no further tests will be conducted thereafter irrespective of the final result. If a student
misses the Aegrotat tests Rule G13(3)(b)(iii) will apply.
NB: In terms of DUT general rule G13 3(a)(i) a doctor’s Certificate will only be accepted if you
are examined on or immediately before the date of the Major test you have missed. (No
retrospective Doctor’s certificates will be accepted).
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DUT and departmental Policies and Rules will be adhered to. Students are referred to the relevant
Programme Handbooks and the DUT website.
In the event of assignments being submitted for part of the DP mark the student is reminded of the
DUT policy on plagiarism (Refer to Rule G13 (1)(o)).
Tutorial Programme:
Your lecturer will acquaint you with the procedure in which tutorials are conducted. Tutorials are
conducted on a weekly basis and assigned problems must be attempted before the tutorials.
e-Learning
Additional support is provided via the universities Moodle site. Syllabus content, notes, tutorial
solutions, tests, test solutions, assignments, etc. are available on the Mathematics Moodle site and
form an integral part of mathematics learning. Important notices such as test dates and venues are also
communicated via this site.
Questionnaires:
Students are requested to complete both the ‘Subject Evaluation Questionnaire’ (SEQ) as well as the
‘Lecturer Evaluation Questionnaire’ (LEQ) before week 6 of the semester. Your respective lecturer
will provide further information
Study tips
a. Theory: Read the theory pages carefully, making sure you understand the work. Work through the
worked examples on your own after going through them in the book and check your answer carefully.
Do the revision exercises at the end of the chapter.
b. Time: Use time efficiently. When tackling problems on your own don’t spend more than 15
minutes on any one problem. If by this stage you are not getting anywhere, leave the problem and
move on to the next one. The next lecture/tut you have you can ask your lecturer for help.
c. Recap: At the end of each week take a quick look back at the weeks work. If you don’t feel
confident about any part of it speak to your lecturer as soon as possible.
d. Co-operative learning: Try to assist your fellow students with problems they are experiencing -
you will find by explaining to others you understand the work much better yourself. You will also
find that other views sometimes clarifies aspects of the work you may be struggling with.
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e) Library orientation
Library orientation will be held during the first semester. Should you require assistance in
respect of the library, you may contact the subject librarian for the Faculty of Applied
Sciences, Mrs N Sogoni. She is based at the Alan Pittendrigh Library on Steve Biko campus.
Library hours are indicated in the table below:
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6. Scheme of work
Lectures may also give out their own hand outs and texts for reference.
Other textbooks, Maths software and a website which can be referenced in the library are:-
1. Jeffrey, A., 1985. Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists. 3rd ed. Great Britain:
Billing & Sons Limited Worcester.
2. Abbott, P., 1985. Teach yourself Calculus. Great Britain: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.
3. James, Glyn, Modern Engineering Mathematics, 3rd Edition, Essex, England
4. Scientific Workplace
5. Engineering Mathematics Personal Tutor - CD (KA Stroud)
6. Websites: www.khanacademy.org, http://dutmoodle.dut.ac.za/moodle,
www.mathbits.com, www.agmath.com, www.onlinemathlearning.com,
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7. Copyright and plagiarism
Students are expected to read and take note of the institution’s plagiarism policy found in the
general handbook for students which is available at www.dut.ac.za. under the Library link. In
the event of assignments being submitted for part of the DP mark the student is reminded of
the DUT policy on plagiarism (Refer to Rule G13 (1)(o)).
8. Student support
a) Tutors, when approved, are appointed to assist students individually. They are stationed
in the Mathematics room and are available from Monday to Friday.
b) In addition, lecturers are available for consultation with students.
c) Library: Students are encouraged to utilize the resources available in the library on a
regular basis. Recommend textbooks and websites appear in section 7 below.
You, the student, are the best source of assistance to the department of Mathematics
in maintaining and improving our standards. Hence we request that you evaluate this
study guide and make your contribution to your lecturer in this regard. We request that
you participate in the subject evaluation (SEQ) and lecturer evaluation (LEQ) which are
conducted in the sixth week of the semester. Areas of concern will be addressed during
the student/staff committee meeting which is held at least once per term.
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TO BE COMPLETED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER (registered with the South African Medical and
Dental Council), Sister or Psychologist from the University’s Student Health Clinic (registered with the South
African Medical and Dental Council), Homoeopath or Chiropractor (registered with the Chiropractors,
Homoeopaths and Allied Health Service Professions Council of South Africa).
It is hereby certified that Mr Mrs Miss Ms (applicable block)
Full names of student: .............................................................................................................................
of (address) ................................................................................................................ ...............................
who states that he/she is a registered student of Durban University of Technology, was attended by
me on (please give precise date(s))................................................................................................
on which day(s) I found him/her to be suffering from (please print as precise a diagnosis as possible)
....................................................................................................................................................................
I,........................................................................................................................... .......................................
(please print your full name)
hereby certify that this illness rendered the student in question unfit to be examined by the University on the
following day(s)
..........................................................................to ............................................................(Inclusive).
(please state these dates precisely)
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Declaration Form
DECLARE THAT I:
3. Have familiarized myself with the Mathematics Learner Guide which appears
on Moodle.
6. Will work from the very beginning and not wait until the day before a test to
consult my lecturer on problems I may have encountered with the syllabus.
SIGNATURE DATE