Mathematics for Construction
COURSE TITLE: Mathematics for Construction
CREDITS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 75 hours (45 hrs lecture, 30 hrs tutorial)
Course Description:
To give the student an understanding of various topics in Mathematics for analyzing quantitative, and simple engineering and design consideration problems. Emphasis will be given to the practical use of analytic calculation and graphic methods to demonstrate the concepts and define and solve construction related problems in physics and quantity measurement.
At the end of this course the successful student will have established a suitable base for further learning in design, and structural analysis.
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Use standard math formulas to solve problems involving area and volume and common
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construction materials.
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Use common construction measuring equipment to identify units of measure in the US Standard
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System and the decimal system.
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Convert measurements between the US Standard System and the decimal system.
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Identify, set up and use horizontal and vertical measuring equipment to perform basic layout,
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squaring and grade measurements.
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Describe how stationing systems are used to locate distance measurements within the project
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for features such as hydrants or manholes.
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Calculate elevations and elevation changes using a rate per foot or percentage of slope.
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Develop the ability to apply an understanding of the principles and concepts involved in calculus to situations which may or may not be familiar;
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Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills;
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Develop advanced skills in the manipulation of mathematical equations and in the identification of patterns.
Course Content:
Topics in the course will cover 4 units:
Week 1-3 Algebra (revision)
Indices, surds, logarithms. Algebraic solutions of quadratic equations. Simultaneous equations. The remainder theorem. Arithmetic and Geometric progressions.
Week 4-6 Trigonometry
Angular measurements. Degrees and radians. Length of arc, area of sector, area of segment, Elevations and depressions, Trigonometric ratios. Addition, Double-angle formula. Solution of triangles.
Week 7-10 Introduction to Calculus
Limits and Derivatives. Differentiation of Algebraic functions. Application of differentiation to find maxima, inflexion, tangents, normal, rates of change and small increases.
Integration of algebraic functions. Application to finding arc length, areas and volume of revolution.
Week 11-14 Analytic Geometry
Analytic geometry of a straight line, circle, parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Problems on Loci. Cartesian and Polar co-ordinate systems.
Week 15 Final Exam.
Methods of Assessment
Assessment will be by Coursework and Final Examination. The weighting given for each section (see Description of Course) will be approximately represented in both the Coursework and the Final Examination. Coursework will comprise assignments, tests, quizzes, etc. The Final Examination will be a single three hour paper.
The weighting of Coursework and Final Examination will be:
Coursework = 50%
Final exam = 50%
- Lecturer: Abdu Yearwood