MS1S463 - Problem Solving for Computing 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MS1S463
Module Title: Problem Solving for Computing
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Computing and Mathematics
Faculty Sub Group: Maths
Module Leader: Graeme Boswell
Module Team: Stephanie Perkins, Gaylor Boobyer
First Intended Intake: Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100403 - mathematics 100406 - statistics
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To provide a knowledge of basic mathematical and statistical concepts in order to underpin the work of parallel and succeeding modules throughout the course.

To enable students to appreciate differences in problem structuring techniques.

Content Summary

Basic Mathematics:

  • Series; sigma notation, arithmetic and geometric progressions;
  • Sets: basic concepts, power sets, set operations, basic laws, number sets;
  • Introduction to Number Theory: Properties of number, integers, primes, factorisation.

Introduction to Probability and Statistics:

  • Statistics: Presentation of data, measures of location and dispersion, cumulative frequency, inter-quarti range;
  • Statistics in Excel: an introduction to statistics in excel and interpretation of statistical results;
  • Probability: Introduction to probability theory, normal, binomial and poisson distributions.

Problem Structuring Techniques:

Introduction to decision theory: basic probability, expected value criterion, utility functions, decision trees, Laplace criterion, minimax criterion.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 24
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply a range of problem-solving techniques.
LO2 Interpret the solutions to problems appropriately.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Selection of exercises 0 N/A 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 In-class test 60 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Makinson, D. (Latest Edition) Sets, logic and Maths for computing. United Kingdom: Springer-Verlag New York.

Weiss, N.A. and Weiss, C.A. (Latest Edition) Introductory statistics. Boston: Pearson Addison-Wesley.

Lipschutz, S. and Lipson, M.L. (Latest Edition) Schaum's outline of discrete mathematics, revised Third edition (Schaum's outline series). New York: Schaum Outline Series.