EM115AB Study Guide 2025
EM115AB Study Guide 2025
Date of compilation:
Jan 2025
Table of Contents
1. SECTION A: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 2
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1. SECTION A: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Welcome
Welcome to Engineering Mathematics I A. This course is designed for all students enrolled in
Engineering Mathematics I as part of the Bachelor of Engineering program in the Faculty of
Engineering and Built Environment at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
EM115AB is a prerequisite module for EM115BB which takes place in the second semester (Jul-
Dec 2025).
This course guide is organized to emphasize the specific learning outcomes and assessment
criteria for each unit. You are encouraged to use this guide to structure your study time
effectively and make steady progress in your studies.
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Module Content
Module 1 (Units 1–3)
This module builds on general mathematics with an emphasis on real numbers, functions, trigonometry, and
inverse trigonometric functions. It also introduces concepts such as limits and continuity, geometry, vectors,
and complex numbers. Additionally, you will study systems of equations and advanced algebraic techniques.
SAQA identified a number of critical cross field outcomes. In this course, the following will be realized:
• Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and
creative thinking have been made.
• Organizing and managing oneself and one’s activities responsibly and effectively.
• Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or
written persuasion.
• Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the
environment and the health of others.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem- solving
contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Contributing to the full personal development of each learner, to the socio-economic development of the
society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any program of learning to make an individual
aware of the importance of:
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2. SECTION B: ORGANIZATIONAL COMPONENT
2.1 Staff contact details
Lecturers
Details: Bidie JNM Kanyane MS More T Motlotle ET Motsepe KA Shabangu SP
Campus: Emalahleni Pretoria Pretoria Pretoria Pretoria Pretoria
Office: 20-G01 30-341E 30-332 30-341I 30-341I 30-341D
Tel: X3237 X4645 X6331 X2798 X5156 X4645
Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Groups Electrical (R1) & (C1) Electrical (R1) Chemical (Q1) Mechanical (B1 & T1) Civil (A1 & U1) Geomatics (K1)
Lectured: Metallurgy (O1) Electrical (C1) Polymer (P1)
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2.2 CONSULTATION AND AVAILABILITY OF LECTURERS
Throughout the semester, all students enrolled in Engineering Mathematics I A are welcome to seek
consultation. If, after attending classes and putting in diligent effort, you still encounter difficulties in
understanding key concepts or applying them, you may arrange a consultation with the lecturer.
To facilitate scheduling, please book an appointment by email at least three days in advance. Note that
while there are designated consultation hours, you should not assume availability without prior
confirmation, even if the lecturer is in their office. Booking in advance helps the lecturer manage their
schedule effectively.
How to book an appointment? – Use BrightSpace to send a mail to the lecturer requesting one
of the above-mentioned consultation time slots. The lecturer will confirm on the same system
if the appointment is made.
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Week Date Activity Days Comments
1 03/02 – 07/02 Registration and orientation 5
2 10/02 – 14/02 Real Number System, Set Theory & Radian 5
Measure
3 17/02 – 21/02 Real-valued Functions 5
• Definition, domain and range
• Vertical and horizontal line tests
• One-to-one (injection) & inverse functions
• Absolute values
4 24/02 – 28/02 • Polynomials and rational functions 5 28/02 Last day to
• Inequalities deregister without
• Composite functions and their domains incurring costs
• Even and odd functions
• Transformations of functions
5 03/03 – 07/03 • Exponential and logarithmic functions 5
• Hyperbolic & inverse hyperbolic functions
• Trig & inverse trig and sinusoidal functions
• Piece-wise defined functions
6 10/03 – 14/03 Limits and continuity 5 15/03 WR1
7 17/03 – 21/03 Limits and continuity & Complex Numbers: 4 21/03 Human Rights
• Definition & basic operations Day
• Polar form
• De Moivre’s Theorem for roots and powers
• Exponential form (Euler’s formula)
8 24/03 – 28/03 Vectors: 5 28/03 End of first term
• Definition & basic operations (sum, differences,
scalar product)
• Vectors from points
• Unit vectors
• Dot product & properties
• Cross product & properties
9 31/03 – 04/04 TUT RECESS 10
10 – 11 07/04 – 17/04 FEBE TEST WEEK 9 12/04 WR2
12 21/04 – 25/04 Systems of Linear Equations: 4 21/04 Family Day
• Systems of Linear equations
• Gauss & Gauss Jordan elimination
Matrices
• Basic operations & transpose
13 28/04 – 02/05 • Inverses 2 28/04 Public Holiday
• Determinants 1/05 Workers’ Day
2/05 TUT Holiday
14 05/05 – 09/05 • Cramer’s rule 5 9,13,14/05 WR3
15 12/05 – 16/05 Vector/ Linear Spaces 5
16 19/05 – 23/05 Revision 5 19/05 Predicate Day
17 – 19 26/05 – 13/06 JUNE EXAMINATIONS 15
20 – 22 16/05 – 30/06 SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS 10
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3. SECTION C: PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED
RESOURCES
3.1 Prescribed Textbook
Prescribed textbook
Name: Higher Engineering Mathematics,8th ed.
Author: Bird J
Publisher: Routledge
NB: Some lecturers will provide lecture notes and additional exercises other than the ones on the
prescribed textbook. Kindly note that these may be uploaded on BrightSpace based on the
discretion of each lecturer.
WEBSITES It is recommended that the student uses the internet as much as possible and some
tutorials may be given to the students to do that incorporate the internet.
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4. SECTION D: MODULE DESCRIPTION
4.1 Articulation and Relation to other subjects/ modules
This compulsory core module does not follow on any module but concepts from previous modules such as
Mathematics, Design project, and others (depending on primary qualification) will be used in some of the topics
in the module. The concepts and knowledge gained in this module will have to be expanded when the student get
to the point of being a manager in an engineering environment.
= 14
Projects 0
Assessments 20
Total learning time 140
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4.4 Unit Content
UNIT 1: The Real Number System and Functions
Unit Outcomes: By the end of this unit you should be able to:
• Explain the differences and similarities of the following sets of number systems: natural numbers,
whole numbers, integers, rational and irrational numbers, real numbers.
• Calculate either the arc length, angle subtended or radius in a circular function.
• Use the word “and” for intersection of sets and “or” for a union of sets.
• Determine the domain and range of any given function and represent it in set-builder and/or interval
notation.
• Apply the horizontal and vertical line tests to respectively test whether a given curve in the xy − plane
is a graph of a function and one-to-one.
• Solve basic and rational inequalities. You should be able to represent their solutions in set-builder
and/or interval notation.
• Identify a polynomial and a rational function and be able to give their domains.
• Write down the definition and properties of an absolute value (modulus function).
• Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values. You should be able to represent their
(inequalities) solutions in set-builder and/or interval notation.
• Write down and use the six trigonometric functions, that is, sin x,cos x, tan x,csc x,sec x,cot x .
• Sketch the six trigonometric functions on the real number line, that means trigonometry is studied in
radian measure NOT degrees.
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• Transform a function through translations: vertical and horizontal shifts, stretching, compressing and
reflecting.
• Sketch the new transformed function by using the graph(s) of the old function(s).
• Show the effects of parameters like amplitude, horizontal translation, vertical translation and
angular velocity (independent variable scaling) in sketching the graphs of trigonometric functions.
• Determine the amplitude, frequency, period, starting, middle and end points and phase shift of a
given sinusoidal function.
• Form the composite functions for given functions and be able to determine the domains of a new
function.
• Use relevant calculations, the definition, to deduce whether the given function is even, odd or neither.
• Write down and use the definition of the logarithmic function, y = log a x, a 0.
• Sketch the graphs of parent y = log a x, a 0 , shifted and translated logarithmic functions.
• Write down and use the six hyperbolic functions, that is,
sinh x,cosh x, tanh x,csch x,sech x,coth x .
• Solve equations and inequalities involving hyperbolic functions.
• Sketch a piece-wise defined function and determine its domain and range.
• Write down and use the definitions of the inverse trigonometric functions arcsin x, arccos x ,
arctan x,arccsc x,arcsec x,arccot x .
• Write down and use the properties of the inverse trigonometric functions to solve equations and other
given applications.
A student who has satisfactorily completed this
EXIT
GA1
GA 2
GA 3
GA 4
GA 5
GA 6
GA 7
GA 8
GA 9
N B B B
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Assessments Due date
Practical: Practical skills acquired in this unit will be used in other modules and in future
Note: N / Y = No / Yes,
B = Beginner (the first time the student encounters this outcome),
Note: FROM THIS POINT YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK IN RADIANS ONLY!!!
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you should be able to:
GA 1
GA 2
GA 3
GA 4
GA 5
GA 6
GA 7
GA 8
GA 9
course will met the following Graduate Attributes /
Exit Level Outcomes:
N B B B
Practical: Practical skills acquired in this unit will be used in other modules and
in future
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UNIT 3: Complex numbers
EXIT
GA 1
GA 2
GA 3
GA 4
GA 5
GA 6
GA 7
GA 8
GA 9
course will met the following Graduate Attributes /
Exit Level Outcomes:
N B B B
Practical: Practical skills acquired in this unit will be used in other modules and
in future
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UNIT 4: Vectors
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you should be able to:
• Investigate the relationship between graphical and mathematical representations of points and vectors.
• Basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication by a scalar) will be applied to vectors.
• Calculate the length of a vector.
• Determine whether vectors are parallel or not.
• Know what is meant by a unit vector.
• Find unit vectors/ vectors of any length in the same or opposite direction of a given non-zero vector.
• Understand the difference between the vector products (dot & cross product).
• Use the dot product to find the angle between vectors.
• Use the dot product to determine whether two vectors are perpendicular (orthogonal).
• Find a vector orthogonal to two vectors (cross product).
• Determine if two vectors are parallel using the cross product
• Use the cross product to determine whether the given vectors are parallel or not.
GA 1
GA 2
GA 3
GA 4
GA 5
GA 6
GA 7
GA 8
GA 9
course will met the following Graduate Attributes /
Exit Level Outcomes:
N B B B
Practical: Practical skills acquired in this unit will be used in other modules and
in future
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UNIT 5: Matrices and Matrix operations
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you should be able to:
• Define a matrix.
• Identify the size of a given matrix and know what is meant by a square matrix.
• Take the transpose of a matrix.
• Add, subtract and multiply matrices.
• Calculate a determinant of a matrix.
• Calculate the adjoint of a given matrix.
• Calculate an inverse of a matrix using the adjoint AND elementary row operations.
• Convert systems of linear equations into matrix form and conversely.
• Use matrices to solve systems of equation with n -equations and n-unknowns using Gauss
elimination, Gauss-Jordan elimination, Cramer’s Rule and the inverse method.
• Differentiate between consistent and inconsistent systems of equations.
• Solve systems of equations arising in the field of engineering and applied science.
GA 1
GA 2
GA 3
GA 4
GA 5
GA 6
GA 7
GA 8
GA 9
course will met the following Graduate Attributes /
Exit Level Outcomes:
N B B B
Practical: Practical skills acquired in this unit will be used in other modules and
in future
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UNIT 6: Linear spaces and transformations
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you should be able to:
EXIT
GA 1
GA 2
GA 3
GA 4
GA 5
GA 6
GA 7
GA 8
EL0 9
the following Graduate Attributes / Exit Level Outcomes:
N B B B
Practical: Practical skills acquired in this unit will be used in other modules and in future
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4.7 Plagiarism and dishonesty
Submitting a written assignment for assessment that includes essential parts copied from another person's work or
any form of plagiarism is considered academic misconduct. Such actions will be addressed in accordance with
Major tests
You will write two compulsory major tests on the dates specified in the semester plan. These tests
contribute 70% of your predicate mark, and their scope is outlined in the semester plan. Major tests will
be written on Saturdays.
Important: If you miss a major test, a sick test (makeup test) will be available on the date specified in
the semester plan. Additionally, the third semester test is a sick test and will be written at the end of the
semester.
Class tests
You will write four class tests, and the best three will contribute 30% of your predicate mark. Take note: If you
miss a class test, there is no sick test for class tests. Your lecturer will provide the dates and scope of these
tests.
Assessment Weights WEIGHT OF SUMMUTIVE ASSESSMENT DURING THE SEMESTER
CT WR AS GP PJ PR
ASSESSMENT 1 10 35
ASSESSMENT 2 10 35
ASSESSMENT 3 10
ASSESSMENT 4 10
TOTAL Best 3/4 = 30 70
Examination
You need a predicate mark of at least 40% to qualify for the exam. You will write a two-hour paper at the
end of the semester. The exam paper will cover all the work and the exam mark will contribute 50% towards
your final mark. You need to score at least 40% in the final examination, the year mark plus the
examination mark MUST be above 50%.
Re-examination
If your final mark is between 45% and 49% inclusive, you will qualify for a re-exam, which will be written
after the exam. Note that the obtained predicate mark is still valid in the calculation of the final mark. The
re-exam, like the main exam, will cover all the content of the course. The examination department will
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contact students who qualify to write re-exams.
Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined engineering
problems
Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to defined and applied
engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined engineering
problems.
The level of knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences is characterized by:
1. A knowledge of mathematics using formalism and oriented toward engineering analysis
and modelling; fundamental knowledge of natural science: both as relevant to a sub-
discipline or recognized practice area;
2. A coherent range of fundamental principles in engineering science and technology
underlying an engineering sub-discipline or recognized practice;
3. A systematic body of established and emerging knowledge in specialist area or
recognized practice area; and
4. The use of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences, supported by
established models, to aid solving broadly-defined engineering problems.
Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works,
products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice
and legislation.
Range Statement: Design problems used in assessment must conform to the definition of broadly- defined
engineering problems.
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Graduate Attribute 4: Investigations, experiments and data analysis
Conduct investigations of broadly defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data
from codes, databases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting
results to provide valid conclusions.
Range Statement: The balance of investigation and experiment should be appropriate to the discipline.
An investigation or experimental study should be typical of those in which the graduate would participate
in an employment situation shortly after graduation.
Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information
technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined engineering problems, with an
understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
Range Statement: A range of methods, skills and tools appropriate to the sub-discipline of the program
including:
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
1. Audiences range from engineering peers, related engineering personnel and lay
persons. Appropriate academic or professional discourse is used.
2. Written reports range from short (300-1000 words plus tables and diagrams) to long (10
000 to 15 000 words plus tables, diagrams and appendices), covering material at exit level.
3. Methods of providing information include the conventional methods of the discipline, for
example engineering drawings, as well as subject-specific methods.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy,
industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
Range Statement: The combination of social, workplace (industrial) and physical environmental factors
must be appropriate to the sub-discipline of the qualification. Evidence may include case studies typical of
the technological practice situations in which the graduate is likely to participate.
1. Are generally within, but may be partially outside of standards and code of practice
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2. Involve several groups of stakeholders with differing and conflicting needs.
3. Have consequences that are locally important but may extend more widely.
4. May be part of, or a system within a wider engineering system.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to
one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects.
Range Statement:
1. The ability to manage a project should be demonstrated in the form of the project
indicated in attribute 3.
2. Tasks are discipline specific and within the technical competence of the graduate.
3. Projects could include: laboratories, business plans, design, etc.;
4. Management principles include:
4.1 Planning: set objectives, select strategies, implement strategies and review
achievement;
4.2 Organizing: set operational model, identify and assign tasks, identify inputs, delegate
responsibility and authority;
4.3 Leading: give directions, set example, communicate, motivate;
4.4 Controlling: monitor performance, check against standards, identify variations and take
remedial action.
Graduate Attribute 9: Independent Learning
Range Statement: The learning context is varying and unfamiliar. Some information is drawn from the
technological literature.
Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of
engineering technology practice.
Range Statement: Evidence includes case studies typical of engineering practice situations in which the
graduate is likely to participate.
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Graduate Assessment Rubric
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5 SECTION E: Responsibilities of the student
Success in learning is your responsibility, requiring timely submission of required work, and adherence to
deadlines throughout the semester. Ensure you understand and follow all rules related to assessments, year
marks, and promotion requirements. For any queries regarding practical sessions, direct your concerns to the
Lab Technician or Assistant rather than the lecturer. Remember to arrive on time, come prepared, follow safety
protocols, and leave workstations clean and orderly. Late submissions will not be accepted, and non-compliance
with these guidelines may impact your academic progress. Please take note of the following:
a) Attendance and Responsibility
If you are absent from a class, it is your responsibility to obtain any missed information or tasks from your
peers. The lecturer will not repeat or provide individual summaries of class content.
c) Classroom Etiquette
• Refrain from talking during lectures.
• The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited. Phones must be set to silent for emergencies; any ringing
, phone will be confiscated by the department.
• Violation of these rules will result in the lecturer leaving the classroom, and students will be required to
. complete the module independently.
g) Practical Assessments
Practical sessions are mandatory. Marks from previous practicals cannot be reused.
h) Peer Evaluations
Each student must complete the Student Peer Evaluation Form. Assigning full marks to all group members will
result in a zero mark for the entire group.
i) Submission Finality
Once submitted, no names or changes may be added to practicals or assessments.
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j) Late Submissions
No late submissions for practicals, projects, or assignments will be accepted under any circumstances.
l) Script Handling
Include your lecturer’s name on your test script and submit it in the correct batch. Lost scripts due to incorrect
submission will not be the lecturer’s responsibility.
m) Sick Tests
Students unable to attend a test due to illness must provide a valid medical certificate within three days of their
return to campus or on their first contact with the lecturer. The certificate will be verified by the department.
Unauthorized certificates may lead to disciplinary action.
n) Late Registration
Late registration does not qualify for a sick test. Students may attend classes while registration is pending.
o) Mark Verification
Regularly verify your marks on the ITS system. Any discrepancies must be reported immediately to the lecturer
for correction.
q) Grade Negotiations
Marks are final and non-negotiable. Requests for mark adjustments will not be entertained.
r) Assessment Locations
Assessments will be conducted on campus unless otherwise specified.
s) Final Marks
Final marks will be released by the Examinations division. Contact the Exams department for any queries
regarding your final results.
v) Lecturer Evaluation
To assist in improving the quality of education, students are required to complete the compulsory “Lecturer
Evaluation” questionnaire available on BrightSpace.
w) Policy Changes
Please note that these requirements are subject to change at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The
department reserves the right to make such changes, as necessary.
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