A few years ago the department of mathematics at Edinburgh looked at the problem of interfacing between mathematics and engineering courses and came up with a system to enable greater student understanding. The implementation of this system and how it is helping students is reviewed in this case study.

12 calculus questions, differentiation and integration. Useful for self diagnosis. Numbas resources have been made available under a Creative Commons licence by Bill Foster and Christian Perfect, School of Mathematics & Statistics at Newcastle University.

16 questions: Inverse of differentiation, substitution, inverse trig functions, partial fractions and by parts. For those that want a thorough testing of their basic techniques in integration. Numbas resources have been made available under a Creative Commons licence by the School of Mathematics & Statistics at Newcastle University.

A comprehensive collection of case studies, intended to assist you with the challenge of enhancing the basic mathematical skills of engineering or science students. These case studies focus particularly on diagnostic testing.

All students are assessed using a paper-based, but optically marked, written test of 12 multi-choice questions (MCQs). The test covers algebraic simplification, approximation, logs, trigonometry and calculus. It is based on a test developed at Coventry University. It is used to assess students' strengths upon entry.

All students are assessed via 20 computer-based multi-choice questions (MCQs). These questions are selected at random from a large question bank, developed jointly by Nottingham and Keele Universities. The main objective is to provide a profile of each studentâ??s mathematical abilities. Each question tests a number of different skills simultaneously and hence contributes to an assessment of the different aspects of this profile. The profile becomes a diagnostic report, which then directs each student to a series of specific modules in â??Mathwiseâ?? that will reinforce their knowledge and correct any problems.

All students are assessed using a paper-based written test of multi-choice questions (MCQs). The test has 15 questions of which the students must pass with 12 correct. Two hours were allowed. All of the questions were on routine arithmetic and algebra with emphasis on manipulative drill and practice, e.g. decomposition into powers of primes, long division, fractions, BODMAS, surds, elementary function definition, and inequalities. The test is quite demanding and was introduced last year 2001. It is repeated for those who fail six times during the course of the year in a programme called â??Essential Mathematicsâ??. Passing it is a mandatory requirement to proceed into the second year.

School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering DIAGNOSYS has been used by the Department of Engineering Mathematics, now the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, since 1993. By 1996 there were five departments involved in using the software. Based on an interview with the administering lecturer and a student questionnaire this case study examines the procedure, results and student responses to the diagnostic testing process.

First year students in mathematics have been tested at the University of Sussex over the past 25 years using a paper-based diagnostic test. The test has hardly changed during that time. The test and remedial measures are co-ordinated by a senior member of staff, but administered by two postgraduates.

Four questions on second order linear constant coefficient differential equations. The first two involve identifying the complementary function, the third involves applying initial conditions and the fourth involves finding a particular solution with either linear or sinusoidal forcing. DEWIS resources have been made available under a Creative Commons licence by Rhys Gwynllyw & Karen Henderson, University of the West of England, Bristol.

This leaflet is about diluting stock to produce a dose of required strength to suit an individual patient.

This study examined levels of mathematics and statistics anxiety, as well as general mental health amongst undergraduate students with dyslexia (n?=?28) and those without dyslexia (n?=?71). Students with dyslexia had higher levels of mathematics anxiety relative to those without dyslexia, while statistics anxiety and general mental health were comparable for both reading ability groups. In terms of coping strategies, undergraduates with dyslexia tended to use planning-based strategies and seek instrumental support more frequently than those without dyslexia. Higher mathematics anxiety was associated with having a dyslexia diagnosis, as well as greater levels of worrying, denial, seeking instrumental support and less use of the positive reinterpretation coping strategy. By contrast, statistics anxiety was not predicted by dyslexia diagnosis, but was instead predicted by overall worrying and the use of denial and emotion focused coping strategies. The results suggest that disability practitioners should be aware that university students with dyslexia are at risk of high mathematics anxiety. Additionally, effective anxiety reduction strategies such as positive reframing and thought challenging would form a useful addition to the support package delivered to many students with dyslexia. Jordan J.-A., McGladdery G. and Dyer K. (2014), Dyslexia in Higher Education: Implications for Maths Anxiety, Statistics Anxiety and Psychological Well-being, Dyslexia, 20 (3), pages 225–240, doi: 10.1002/dys.1478

An electronic version of the Facts and Formulae leaflet for economics designed to be viewed onscreen. A higher resolution print version is available in mathcentre.