LEVY MWANAWASA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Let No One Be Left Behind

INSTITUTE OF BASIC AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Department of Natural Sciences

FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS SYLLABUS (MAT 101)

MAT 101 SYLLABUS 1

Course Description
This course is designed to equip medical and health science students with a solid
foundation in mathematics essential for their academic and professional pursuits. The
curriculum covers fundamental mathematical concepts and skills applicable to various
aspects of healthcare, providing a strong basis for further studies in the field.

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MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM

Course Title FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS

Course Code MAT 101

Programme Natural Sciences

Title: Mathematics
Mathematics is the field of science that deals with the study of numbers,
Description: patterns, formulas, logical reasoning and quantitative calculations.
Mathematics has a wide scope in almost every area of our life, such as
Medicine, Engineering, Finance, Economics, etc. Mathematics is arguably the
foundation of all science disciplines, with a wide range of applications in
health which include among others, diagnosis, non-invasive measurements of
patient’s status and evaluation of quality of service in hospitals. The study of
mathematics requires reasoning, applying, analysing, and understanding of
principles, ideas, and patterns in our environment. Studying mathematics
equips students with the knowledge, skills and mindset that is essential for
meaningful participation in society.

Level Year 1

Pre-requisites O-level Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English

Teaching Hours: 8 hours/week x 36 weeks = 288 hours

Lectures : 4 Hours (Weekly)
Clinics : 2 Hours (Weekly)

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 Tutorials : 2 Hours (Weekly)

The aim of this course is to enable students to understand mathematics and

Course aim: mathematical processes in a way that promotes critical thinking, logical
reasoning, and communication and provide a strong foundation for progress
to further study. Additionally, this course aims at equipping students with
mathematical knowledge that they can apply in the health sector, recognise
how situations may be represented mathematically and demonstrate
understanding of the relationship between real world problems and
mathematical models.

After successive completion of this mathematics course, students should be

Learning able to:
Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of mathematics as a science relevant to the medical
field
2. Explain the applications of mathematical concepts in the medical field
3. Develop logical thinking and effective communication skills
4. Apply the relevant mathematical knowledge to understanding patient care
5. Develop and maintain problem-solving skills
6. Be able to perform basic computations in the administration of medicine
7. Have a solid knowledge of elementary statistics and probability

The objectives of this course are to enable students to:

Objectives 1. Explain the notion of sets, the different types of sets and their
representation.
2. Explain the laws of indices and surds to solve indicial equations
3. Define a function, state the domain and range of any given function
4. Apply the concept of functions to solve medical related problems, like
determining the amount of medication and the time interval for administering
it to a patient.
5. Solve quadratic equations
6. Use the discriminant to determine the nature of roots
7. Describe the relationship between the roots and coefficients of a quadratic

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 equation
8. Sketch the graph of a quadratic function
9. State the remainder and factor theorems
10. Solve polynomial equations of utmost degree four
11. Explain the relationship between indices and logarithms
12. Apply laws of indices and logarithms to solving exponential and
logarithmic
equations
13. Sketch the graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions including their
relationship as inverse functions
14. Calculate the determinants of matrices
15. Use the determinants to find inverse matrices
16. Solve systems of linear equations in two and three variables
17. Apply matrices to solve real life problems
18. Explain the notion of sequences and series and its applications
19. Prove mathematical statements and formulas by using mathematical
induction.
20. Carry out binomial expansions using Pascal’s triangle and binomial
theorem
21. Solve trigonometric equations
22. Sketch the graphs of trigonometric functions
23. Explain the limiting process; and the chain, product and the quotient
rules in differentiation
24. Apply differentiation to increasing and decreasing functions.
25. Carry out the process of integration and apply it to function-related
Equations and areas.
26. Summarize data by means of tables, graphs and charts.
27. Calculate measures of central tendency; mode, median and mean of any
given data.

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 The LMMU applies the innovative curriculum model that promotes student-
Teaching centered, self-directed and continuous learning. It also aims to promote use of
Methods: ICT resources in all its teaching/learning approaches. In this course, we shall
use the following modes of teaching: Lectures, Flip classrooms, Tutorials,
Think-Pair-Share, Clinics and Group Discussions.

Assessment Reliable, valid and appropriate assessment methods will be used and must
Rationale: reflect the learning objectives/outcomes of the course.

Credit Points: 30

Assessment Formative:
Methods: Question and Answer, Group Discussions, 1 minute paper, Quizzes

Summative:
Quizzes, Tests and Final Examination

Assessment 1. Continuous assessment 40 %

Weighting: Three Quizzes 10%
Three Tests 30%
2. Final Examinations 60%
TOTAL 100%

Content UNIT 1: SET THEORY

Summary: 1.1 Set Operation
1.2 Sets of numbers
1.3 Indices and Surds

UNIT 2: FUNCTIONS AND EQUATIONS

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 2.1 Relations and Mappings
2.2 Quadratic function and equation;
2.3 Logarithmic and exponential functions
2.4 Polynomials
2.5 Partial fractions

UNIT 3: MATRICES
3.1 Introduction to matrices
3.2 Determinants of matrices

3.3 Inverse matrices

3.4 Systems of linear equations

3.5 Applications to real life situation

UNIT 4: SEQUENCES AND SERIES

4.1 Introduction to sequences and series
4.2 Arithmetic sequences and series

4.3 Geometric sequences and series

4.4 Mathematical induction

UNIT 5: BINOMIAL THEOREM

5.1 Factorials
5.2 Combinations
5.3 Binomial expansions
5.4 Binomial series

UNIT 6: TRIGONOMETRY

6.1 Introduction
6.2 Exact values of trigonometric functions
6.3 Graphs of trigonometric functions
6.4 Trigonometric identities
6.5 Trigonometric equations

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UNIT 7: ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY
7.1 Coordinate geometry
7.2 Circles
7.3 Conic sections
7.4 Polar coordinate systems.

UNIT 8: DIFFERENTIATION
8.1 Definition
8.2 Limiting process
8.3 Continuity
8.4 Rules of differentiation
8.5 Applications of differentiation

UNIT 9: INTEGRATION
9.1 Anti-differentiation
9.2 Indefinite Integrals
9.3 Notation
9.4 Rules of integration
9.5 Definite integrals
9.6 Applications of integration

UNIT 10: STATISTICS AND PROBALITY

10.1 Introduction
10.2 Accuracy and approximation
10.3 Collection of data
10.4 Analysis and presentation of data
10.5 Medians, means and modes
10.6 Introduction of probability
10.7 Axioms of probability

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Indicative LEARNING SUPPORT MATERIALS
Resources:
PRESCRIBED READINGS
1. Kaufmann, J. E., & Schwitters, K. L. (2014). Algebra for college
students. Cengage Learning. ISBN
2. Sadler, A. J., & Thorning, D. W. S. (2004). Understanding Pure
Mathematics. Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN 0-19-914243-2
3. Talbert, J. F., & Heng, H. H. (1995). Additional Mathematics: Pure &
Applied. Pearson Education South Asia.

RECOMMENDED READINGS
1. Stewart, J., Clegg, D. K., & Watson, S. (2020). Calculus: early
transcendentals. Cengage Learning.
2. Larry, J. S. (2006). Theory and Problems of Beginning Statistics. Schaum’s
Outline Series Second Edition, McGraw Hill, New York, 413.
3. Aufmann, R. N., Barker, V. C., & Nation, R. D. (2010). College algebra and
trigonometry. Cengage Learning
4. Khattar, D., & Khattar, A. (2008). CSBE Mathematics.

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GRADING SYSTEM

All pass marks in the examinations, tests and assignments shall be graded in accordance
with the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University grading system:
LMMU applies item-judgement centred standard setting models for setting cut-off points for
deciding students who have passed or failed an assessment or examinations.

Letter Range Grade Level of Proficiency Level Interpretation

Grade Point Achievement

A+ 90%-100% 5 Distinction
A 80%-89% 4 Distinction Examinees do satisfy examiners that
B+ 70%-79% 3.5 Meritorious they have attained the stated educational
B 60%-69% 3 Good objectives of the curriculum or
C+ 55%-59% 2 Clear Pass programme of study.
C 50%-44% 1 Pass
D+ 45%-49% 0 Examinees do NOT satisfy examiners that
D 0%-44% 0 Fail they have attained the stated educational
objectives of the curriculum or
programme of study.

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