Science and Engineering Pre-Masters

Academic English Skills supports students to develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a particular focus on the language uses that will prove most useful throughout their studies at Durham University. This critical module runs throughout each term at the International Study Centre, and features particular emphasis on grammar and language skills for those requiring a boost in this area, whilst also allowing able students to stretch themselves in their written and spoken work.

This module sees students concentrating on the specific writing that will be required in their taught Masters degree programme. Fostering thorough scholarly skills, additional work involves the critical reading of authentic and up to date academic articles. 

In this module students will focus on statistical tools that are integrated into science and engineering problem-solving processes. Areas covered will include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, significance testing within an SPC context of Control Charts, building regression models and designing and analysing experiments.

This module prepares students to work safely in the laboratory and to make appropriate choices in the selection of apparatus and procedures. Students will also learn the importance of maintaining a log book from which to prepare laboratory reports in accurate and appropriate written language and visual representations of data. Emphasis will be given not only to the analysis of data, but to the recognition that factors impact on the accuracy and reliability of results and thereby potential error. Students will develop their experimental design and re-design skills.

Mathematical Science and Psychology students will encounter some revised content to this module. Mathematical Science students will not be expected to participate in labs, or practical experimentation. Instead they will focus their experiment design and re-design on work in statistics. 

The individual project provides students with a learning experience that will enable them to carry out independent research. Students are expected to plan, research and execute their project while developing skills in critical judgement and independent working, to demonstrate engineering / scientific competence. 

Computing route

• Programming
• Computational Mathematics

Engineering route

• Advanced Applied Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics 

Mathematical Studies route

• Introduction to Mathematical Analysis

If you are studying the two-term programme you will choose one of the following two modules. If you are studying the three-term programme you will study them both:

• Advanced Applied Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics 

Psychology route

• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology 

Advanced Applied Mathematics

This module covers the common mathematical techniques used in the study of engineering and natural sciences. During the course, special emphasis would be given on developing students’ abilities in respect of the practical application of the appropriate techniques.

The main aim of the course is to equip the students with basic understanding of computational mathematics. The course includes detailed study of mathematical modelling techniques that can be used across wide range of practical problems in applied mathematics, and engineering. The course will provide a base for more advance applied mathematics and engineering courses.The course will not only cover the theoretical aspects of computational mathematics, but will also include practical examples using a suitable computer software package.

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

The module aims to enhance students understanding on a range of topics in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis on cognitive and social development across the life span. Particular attention is paid to the interacting contributions of biological, cognitive and environmental factors. Theory pertaining to all aspects of the course will be presented and critiqued in light of available empirical research. Across the course students will become familiar with different approaches to research and will have to evaluate research. Great emphasis is placed on independent and collaborative student learning. Thus, in addition to key reading, students are expected to study additional material (which will be provided).

Introduction to Mathematical Analysis

The aim of this module is to provide the opportunity for students to engage in logical reasoning using mathematical notations. It aims also to develop mathematical thinking skills, and the skills of formulation of rigorous mathematical derivations and proofs, as well as to develop students' mathematical problem solving skills through the exploration of open ended problems.

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the key elements of object oriented computer programming. They will select and apply appropriate program planning techniques in the design of elementary computer algorithms and develop algorithms to solve simple application problems. Practical work will engage students in producing simple Java applications and a clear logical set of imperative instructions. They will test, validate and document their solutions.

Research Methods in Psychology

This module provides students with a broad range of research tools used in Psychology. It aims to equip students with all aspects of the research process and to train them, through active participation, in a wide variety of research techniques.