Course code
MATH1525
Title
Basic Mathematics for Science and Technology
Lecturer
Dr. Liu Chun Lung (Kelvin)
Office Rm 202A, LSB
Office number 3943 7969
Email clliu@math.cuhk.edu.hk
Teaching assistants
Name Email
CHOY, Zi Him Jason zhchoy@math.cuhk.edu.hk
Ullah Habib uhabib@math.cuhk.edu.hk
Language
Cantonese and English
Course description

This course is designed as a continuation of the HKDSE Mathematics (Compulsory Part) or equivalent, to give students who intend to study general science subjects a solid foundation for the use of basic mathematics in various disciplines in physical science, life science and statistics, and for the study of the applications of calculus and linear algebra in science and technology.

Syllabus
  1. Fundamentals
  2. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  3. Trigonometry
  4. Vectors
  5. Matrices
  6. Complex Numbers
  7. Statistics
  8. Coordinate systems
References
  1. Maths for Chemists by Martin Cockett, Graham Doggett
  2. Introductory Mathematics for the Life Sciences by Phoenix, David
  3. Maths for science by Sally Jordan, Shelagh Ross and Pat Murphy
Assessment
Homeworks (total will be multiplied by 1.3, but ceiling at 10%) 10%
Midterm exam will be given on Oct. 13 40%
Final exam will be given during the final exam period 50%
Grade Descriptor
A Demonstrates an extensive and detailed knowledge and a deep conceptual understanding of basic mathematics in general science subjects and practical problem solving skills; shows highly-developed and perfect arguments for logical deduction; able to provide thoroughly accurate solutions to unfamiliar and nonstandard problems.
A- Demonstrates a broad knowledge and a strong conceptual understanding of basic mathematics in general science subjects and practical problem solving skills; shows almost impeccable consistency in deduction; able to solve some of the unfamiliar and nonstandard problems with high accuracy.
B Demonstrates an adequate but not complete knowledge and a good conceptual understanding of basic mathematics in general science subjects and practical problem solving skills; shows successful derivation with consistency; able to identify and apply appropriate mathematical methods/mathematical operations to solve familiar as well as unfamiliar standard problems.
C Demonstrates an acceptable knowledge and conceptual understanding of basic mathematics in general science subjects and practical problem solving skills, but with some gaps; shows reasonable but only partially successful attempts in logical deduction; able to solve slight variations of routine problems.
D Demonstrates a minimum acceptable knowledge and a basic conceptual understanding of basic mathematics in general science subjects and practical problem solving skills; presents barely logical and sketchy arguments; able to solve routine problems.
F Unable to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and conceptual understanding of basic mathematics in general science subjects; unable to exhibit practical problem solving skills; displays very little knowledge relative to the question posed and in deductive arguments; unable to solve routine problems.
Academic honesty

The Chinese University of Hong Kong places very high importance on honesty in academic work submitted by students, and adopts a policy of zero tolerance on cheating and plagiarism. Any related offence will lead to disciplinary action including termination of studies at the University.

Although cases of cheating or plagiarism are rare at the University, everyone should make himself/herself familiar with the content of the following website:
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/
and thereby help avoid any practice that would not be acceptable.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

Prohibit all use of AI tools

Students are not allowed to use any AI tools in any kind of learning activity or assessment that will be counted towards students’ final grade of the course, or used for evaluating students’ attainment of the desired learning outcomes. Students are expected to produce their own work independently without any collaboration or use of AI tools.