Higher National Unit specification

General information

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

Unit code: H7K2 34

Superclass: RB

Publication date: August 2014

Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority

Version: 01

Unit purpose
This Unit is designed to develop a greater breadth mathematical skills required of learners
seeking to use a Higher National Diploma in Engineering as a pathway to further studies in
mathematics at an advanced level, including articulation to university degree study. The Unit
will provide learners with opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to
apply a range of differential and integral calculus techniques to the solution of mathematical
problems.

Outcomes
On successful completion of the Unit the learner will be able to:

1 Use differentiation techniques to solve mathematical problems.

2 Use integration techniques to solve mathematical problems.

Credit points and level

1 Higher National Unit credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7)

Recommended entry to the Unit

Entry requirements are at the discretion of the centre. However, it would be advantageous if
learners had a knowledge and understanding of basic differentiation and integration
techniques together with sound algebraic skills. This knowledge and understanding may be
evidenced by possession of the HN Unit Engineering Mathematics 2 or Higher Mathematics.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 1

Higher National Unit Specification: General information (cont)

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

Core Skills
Achievement OF this Unit gives automatic certification of the following Core Skills
component:

Complete Core Skill None

Core Skill component Using Number at SCQF level 6

There are also opportunities to develop aspects of Core Skills which are highlighted in the
Support Notes for this Unit specification.

Context for delivery

If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that it should be taught
and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.

The Assessment Support Pack (ASP) for this Unit provides assessment and marking
guidelines that exemplify the national standard for achievement. It is a valid, reliable and
practicable assessment. Centres wishing to develop their own assessments should refer to
the ASP to ensure a comparable standard. A list of existing ASPs is available to download
from SQA’s website (http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46233.2769.html).

Equality and inclusion

This Unit specification has been designed to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers
to learning or assessment. The individual needs of learners should be taken into account
when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment methods or considering
alternative evidence.

Further advice can be found on our website www.sqa.org.uk/assessmentarrangements.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 2

Higher National Unit specification: Statement of standards

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

Acceptable performance in this Unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set
out in this part of the Unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are
mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA.

Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed
in the Knowledge and/or Skills section must be taught and available for assessment.
Learners should not know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different
items should be sampled on each assessment occasion.

Outcome 1
Use differentiation techniques to solve mathematical problems.

Knowledge and/or Skills

 Product and Quotient Rules

 Implicit Differentiation
 Parametric Differentiation
 Differentiation of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
 Optimisation

Outcome 2
Use integration techniques to solve mathematical problems.

Knowledge and/or Skills

 Partial Fractions
 Integrals with infinite limits
 Integration by Substitution
 Integration by Parts
 Volumes of Revolution and Curved Lengths

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 3

Higher National Unit specification: Statement of standards

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

Evidence Requirements for this Unit

A sampling approach will be used in the assessment of the Knowledge and/or Skills in this
Unit. Learners will need to provide written and/or recorded oral evidence to demonstrate their
Knowledge and/or Skills across all Outcomes by showing they can:

Outcome 1

Provide evidence of three out of five Knowledge and/or Skills in this Outcome. The following
evidence should be provided for the particular Knowledge and/or Skill items sampled:

 Solve one problem that requires the use of the product rule and one problem that needs
the use of the quotient rule
 Solve one problem that involves implicit differentiation
 Solve one problem that involves parametric differentiation (either where, t, can be
eliminated or cannot be eliminated)
 Solve one problem that involves the differentiation of an inverse trigonometric function
 Solve one optimisation problem using at least one of the techniques shown above

Outcome 2

Provide evidence of three out of five Knowledge and/or Skills in this Outcome. The following
evidence should be provided for the particular Knowledge and/or Skill items sampled:

 Represent in partial fraction form and integrate any two of the following:
— A proper fraction with linear factors
— A proper fraction with recurring linear factors
— A proper fraction containing a quadratic factor
— Improper fractions
 Solve one definite integral that has an infinite limit
 Solve one indefinite integral or one definite integral by the method of substitution
 Solve one problem involving the integration of the product of two functions using
integration by parts (the problem may involve either an indefinite or definite integral)
 Use integration techniques to solve one problem which involves finding the volume of an
object or the length of a curve

It is recommended that the assessment for both Outcomes takes places at a single end of
Unit assessment event. Outcomes may also be assessed individually. All re-assessments
should be based on a different assessment instrument. This should re-assess both
Outcomes or a full individual Outcome reflecting the format of the original assessment. All
re-assessments should be based on a different sample of Knowledge and/or Skills.

All assessments should be unseen, closed-book and carried out under supervised, controlled
conditions.

Computer algebra must not be used in the assessment of this Unit.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 4

Higher National Unit Support Notes

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

Unit Support Notes are offered as guidance and are not mandatory.

While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional
design length is 40 hours.

Guidance on the content and context for this Unit

This Unit is one of a suite of five Units in Mathematics developed for Higher National
Qualifications across a range of Engineering disciplines. The five Units are:

Engineering Mathematics 1
Engineering Mathematics 2
Engineering Mathematics 3
Engineering Mathematics 4
Engineering Mathematics 5

In the development of this Unit a list of topics expected to be covered by lecturers has been
identified. Recommendations have also been made on how much time lecturers should
spend on each Outcome. The use of this list of topics is strongly recommended to ensure
continuity of teaching and learning and adequate preparation for the assessment of the Unit.
Consideration of this list of topics alongside the Assessment Support Pack developed for this
Unit will provide clear indication of the standard expected in this Unit.

Outcome 1 (13 hours)

Use differentiation techniques to solve mathematical problems

 State the product and quotient rules: for example:

For y ( x)  u ( x)v( x)

dy du dv
v u or y  vu   uv
dx dx dx

u ( x)
and for y ( x) 
v( x)

du dv
v u
dy vu   uv
 dx 2 dx or
dx v v2

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 5

Higher National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

 Solve problems involving the use of the product and quotient rules (eg x2 sin x ,
t 2  1 e2x cos x
 4x  9  e3x , , etc)
t2 1 x3
 Explain the difference between y being expressed explicitly in terms of x and y being
expressed implicitly in terms of x
 Solve a range of problems involving implicit differentiation (eg x2 + 3y2 + 4x – 5y = 7)
 Extend to higher order differentials if time allows
 Explain what is meant by a parameter and parametric differentiation
 Solve parametric differentiation problems where t can be eliminated and where it cannot
be eliminated (eg x = 1 – t, y = 2t2 + 5t + 7, y = t3 + cost, x = et + t)
 Identify the derivatives for inverse trigonometric functions on a table of standard
derivatives
 Solve a range of problems involving the differentiation of functions that include inverse
trigonometric functions
 Apply differentiation to optimise a parameter or parameters of a problem using at least
one of the differentiation techniques used in the Outcome

Outcome 2 (10 hours)

Use integration techniques to solve mathematical problems

 Explain that partial fractions involve breaking down complicated fractions into the sum of
simpler fractions
 Explain the difference between proper and improper fractions
 Solve a range of integration problems which involve the partial fraction representations
of the following forms of fractions:
— A proper fraction with linear factors
— A proper fraction with recurring linear factors
— A proper fraction containing a quadratic factor
— An improper fractions

 Solve integrals with an infinite limit(s) of integration (eg e  x dx ) 
0

 Solve a range of indefinite and definite integrals using the method of substitution
x
  5x  2 dx,  cos  4x  1dx,  x 
6
(eg 2x  1dx , dx etc)
1 x2

 Solve problems involving the integration of the product of two functions using the
following formula (integration by parts):

 dv   du 
 u  dx  dx  uv   v   dx
 dx 

x e dx ,  e x sin xdx ,  3 ln xdx )

2 2x
(eg

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 6

Higher National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

 Solve integration problems involving volumes of revolution (volumes of cones, spheres,
etc)
 Solve problems involving the length of curves using the following formula

2
 dy 
b


a
1    dx
 dx 

Guidance on approaches to delivery of this Unit

This Unit provides many of the core mathematical principles and processes required when
studying Engineering at a more advanced level. Given the nature of the subject matter in the
Unit it is advisable that the Unit is not delivered until learners have studied Engineering
Mathematics 2.

Centres may deliver the Outcomes in any order they wish, but given the nature of the subject
material in the Unit it is recommended that Outcome 1 is delivered first followed by Outcome
2.

It is recommended that Unit delivery is principally undertaken using a didactic approach. All
teaching input should be supplemented by a significant level of formative assessment in
which learners are provided with the opportunities to develop their knowledge, understanding
and skills of the differentiation and integration techniques covered in the Unit. Computer
software and computer algebra may be used to support learning (eg to confirm the solutions
of mathematical problems), but it is strongly recommended that such learning resources are
only used in a supportive capacity and not as the principal means of delivering Unit content.

Guidance on approaches to assessment of this Unit

Evidence can be generated using different types of assessment.

A recommended approach is the use of an examination question paper. The question paper
should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and
structured questions.

All assessment papers should be unseen by learners prior to the assessment event and at all
times, the security, integrity and confidentiality of assessment papers must be ensured.
Assessment should be conducted under closed-book, controlled and invigilated conditions.

The questions in the examination should not be grouped by Outcome or be labelled in terms
of the Outcomes they relate to when a single end-of-Unit examination is used.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 7

Higher National Unit Support Notes (cont)

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

The summative assessment of both Outcomes — whether individually or at a single
assessment event - should not exceed two hours. When assessing a learner’s responses to
summative assessment lecturers should concentrate principally on the learner’s ability to
apply the correct mathematical technique and processes when solving problems. Learners
should not be penalised for making simple numerical errors. An appropriate threshold score
may be set for the assessment of this Unit. If Outcome level assessment is used a threshold
score should be used for each assessment.

Learners should be provided with a formulae sheet appropriate to the content of this Unit
when undertaking their assessment. Computer algebra should not be used in the
assessment of this Unit.

It is the learners’ responsibility to ensure that any calculator they use during assessment are
not designed or adapted to offer any of the following facilities:

 language translators
 symbolic algebra manipulation
 symbolic differentiation or integration
 communication with other machines or the internet

In addition, any calculator used by learners should have no retrievable information stored in
them. This includes:

 databanks
 dictionaries
 mathematic formulae

Centres are reminded that prior verification of centre-devised assessments would help to
ensure that the national standard is being met. Where learners experience a range of
assessment methods, this helps them to develop different skills that should be transferable to
work or further and higher education.

Opportunities for e-assessment

E-assessment may be appropriate for some assessments in this Unit. By e-assessment we
mean assessment which is supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT),
such as e-testing or the use of e-portfolios or social software. Centres which wish to use
e-assessment must ensure that the national standard is applied to all learner evidence and
that conditions of assessment as specified in the Evidence Requirements are met,
regardless of the mode of gathering evidence. The most up-to-date guidance on the use of
e-assessment to support SQA’s qualifications is available at
www.sqa.org.uk/e-assessment.

Opportunities for developing Core and other essential skills

This Unit has the Using Number component of Numeracy embedded in it. This means that
when candidates achieve the Unit, their Core Skills profile will also be updated to show that
they have achieved Using Number at SCQF level 6.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 8

History of changes to Unit

Version Description of change Date

© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2014

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided
that no profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is
acknowledged.

Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Business Development and Customer Support team, telephone
0303 333 0330.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 9

General information for learners

Unit title: Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7)

This section will help you decide whether this is the Unit for you by explaining what the Unit
is about, what you should know or be able to do before you start, what you will need to do
during the Unit and opportunities for further learning and employment.

The Engineering Mathematics 3 Unit is one of a suite of five Units in Mathematics developed
for Higher National Certificates and Diplomas across a range of Engineering disciplines. The
five Units help develop the mathematical skills required for workplace roles and for more
advanced studies in Engineering, for example, articulation to degree study at university.

The Unit is optional in a number of Higher National Diplomas in Engineering.

This Unit is designed to develop a greater breadth mathematical skills required of learners
seeking to use a Higher National Diploma in Engineering as a pathway to further studies in
mathematics at an advanced level, including articulation to university degree study. You will
learn to use a range of differential calculus techniques such as the product and quotient
rules, implicit and parametric differentiation and differentiation involving inverse
trigonometical functions. You will use these differentiation techniques to find the optimum
solution to problems. In addition, during Unit delivery you will develop the knowledge and
skills to break down complicated polynomial fractions into partial fractions which allow such
complex fractions to be integrated in a more straightforward way. You will also learn to use
the following integration techniques: method of substitution and integration by parts. You will
use the integration techniques you have learnt in the Unit to solve volume of revolution and
length of a curve problems.

It is likely that Unit delivery will comprise of a significant teaching input from your lecturer.
This will be supplemented by tutorial exercises which will allow you to develop the
knowledge, understanding and skills to apply the mathematic principles and processes
covered in the Unit to a range of Engineering problems.

Depending on which centre you attend, formal assessment may be conducted on an

Outcome by Outcome basis or by one holistic assessment. Assessment will be conducted
under closed-book, controlled and invigilated conditions.

Learners considering taking this Unit will normally be expected to have passed the
Engineering Mathematics 2 HN Unit or equivalent.

H7K2 34, Engineering Mathematics 3 (SCQF level 7) 10