This key introductory OU level 1 module provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You'll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced are required for successful study in many subject areas, such as in computing, economics, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education. And they're needed if you plan to study further mathematics modules, such as Essential mathematics 1 (MST124).
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | MU123 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 5 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
In order to study this module successfully you should expect to be actively doing mathematics, rather than just reading it. You will also be encouraged to develop skills in interpreting and explaining mathematics, and this aspect will be assessed in some of the assignment questions.
Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge, you should expect to study for about eight hours a week. Many of the topics covered in the module depend on your understanding of topics in earlier units. So, if you have not fully understood earlier material, you may find later material more difficult and time consuming. This is particularly true of graphs, formulas and algebra. Naturally, the study time required for the module tends to increase before an assignment deadline.
You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should begin to develop your skills in working with mathematical concepts and using them to solve problems.
You will learn about:
The module contains many real world contexts such as journey planning, glaciers, supply and demand, depreciation, poverty levels, chance events, and medical conditions (such as cancer), to help illustrate mathematical topics.
There is no formal pre-requisite study.
You can check you're ready for MU123 and see the topics it covers here.
You can find out which module is your best starting point in mathematics here.
Talk to an advisor if you're not sure you're ready.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz here, and follow the advice in the quiz.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll be provided with printed books covering the content of the module, including explanations, examples and activities to aid your understanding of the concepts and associated skills and techniques. In addition, you will have a printed Module Guide and Handbook.
A scientific calculator. We recommend any Casio scientific calculator with 'natural display', as these enable you to key in calculations in the same order as they usually appear in written text, and have a two-line display so that you can see both your calculation and the answer. Some instructions for using the Casio fx-83ES, and compatible models, are provided in the study materials. Any other scientific calculator is also acceptable provided that you know how to use it before the module starts, and you have access to the appropriate calculator manual (these are often available to download from the manufacturer's website). Please note that you do not need to have a graphics or programmable calculator to study this module.
(If you have studied Science, technology and maths Access module (Y033), you can use the calculator from that module providing you have access to the manual.)
You'll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Monterey or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.
It's also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you'll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:
Module tutors also run a range of online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won't be compulsory for you to complete the module, attending these learning events will help you consolidate your learning.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The first interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA), covering Unit 1, is to be submitted about two weeks after the start of the module. The first TMA is to be submitted about a month after the start.
TMA questions typically involve calculating, creating and/or interpreting a graph or diagram, using algebra, and explaining your work and conclusions. The latter is one factor that makes this a university-level module and it is a new approach for some students, who may find it challenging initially. Some TMAs may also include a short question covering a wider aspect of studying maths.
As there is no examination, the end-of-module assessment (EMA) aims to consolidate your learning across different aspects of the module. It covers the whole of the module, and is compulsory if you wish to pass the module.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Printed materials are provided for the core module text. All of this module's study materials are also online; this includes PDFs of any printed materials, plus some items which are only provided online. Online-only materials include audio/video clips (all with transcripts) and online quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. This module uses mathematical/statistical software.
This module provides a range of online tutorials. Although not compulsory, attendance at tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
Mathematical and scientific symbols and expressions are used throughout the module and you will be required to use such notation within assessment.
The study materials contain some diagrams and graphs. Creating and interpreting these is an important part of the study of this module and is assessed. Figure descriptions are provided for most figures.
In this module you will be working with specialist reading material which includes mathematical notation. This is delivered both online and in printed form, and also via bespoke software.
This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which can be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system or by post. It also has interactive Computer-Marked Assignments (iCMAs) completed online, and an End-of-Module Assessment (EMA) that can be submitted either online or on through the post.
You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills.
The module materials and assessment ask you to use the bespoke OU software, Graphplotter and Dataplotter, which can be operated using the keyboard as well as a mouse. These resources require data entry and have graphical and numerical output. Some features such as the colour and thickness of lines can be changed, but if you have difficulties reading information from a screen, you may need additional help.
Discovering mathematics (MU123) starts twice a year – in January/February and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2024 and February 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2026.
This course is expected to start for the last time in February 2030.
This module is sometimes accepted as an acceptable equivalent qualification to GCSE grade C in mathematics by teacher training institutions, but always at the discretion of each institution. So, if you hope to use it for this purpose, you are advised to check as early as possible with your chosen teacher training institution(s).