Overview

Math and physics both lie at the core of science and engineering disciplines. Therefore, a strong foundation will make sure you are ready for more advanced courses and electives, and even contribute to your success in your future career!

This series of two courses will help to ensure that you do not suffer from the learning deficit that often occurs between high school and university. It will mean that you start your undergraduate course with greater confidence and a stronger knowledge base.

The courses will cover the basic topics that are taught in the foundation years of science and engineering programs. Since we know that equations are essential but can become tiresome, to spice the content up we will also offer you real-world examples of how what you learn is applied in various disciplines, including Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

Syllabus

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Pre-University Calculus

Prepare for introductory calculus courses by reviewing functions, equations, differentiation, integration and analytic geometry.

Course 2: Pre-University Physics

Prepare for your technical studies by reviewing the fundamentals of physics. Become familiar with the way physics and physics-related topics are taught at university level.

Courses

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8 weeks, 6-8 hours a week, 6-8 hours a week
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Mathematics is the language of Science, Engineering and Technology. Calculus is an elementary mathematical course in any Science and Engineering Bachelor. Pre-university Calculus will prepare you for the Introductory Calculus courses by reviewing five important mathematical subjects that are assumed to be mastered by beginning Bachelor students: functions, equations, differentiation, integration and analytic geometry. After this course you will be well prepared to start your university calculus course. You will learn to understand the necessary definitions and mathematical concepts needed and you will be trained to apply those and solve mathematical problems. You will feel confident in using basic mathematical techniques for your first calculus course at university-level, building on high-school level mathematics. We aim to teach you the skills, but also to show you how mathematics will be used in different engineering and science disciplines.

Education method

This is a self-paced course consisting of 7 modules (or weeks) and 1 final exam. The modules consist of a collection of 3-5 minute lecture videos, inspirational videos on the use of mathematics in Science, Engineering and Technology, (interactive) exercises and homework.

The videos, practice exercises and homework are available free of charge in the audit track. In the ID-verified track, necessary if you pursue a certificate, you can additionally access the final exam.

This course has been awarded with the 2016 Open Education Award for Excellence in the category 'Open MOOC' by the Open Education Consortium.
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5 weeks, 6-8 hours a week, 6-8 hours a week
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Physics is the foundation of many important science and engineering disciplines. Understanding its basics is fundamental for advanced studies. In this course, you will have the chance to review the fundamentals either for your own interest, or to ensure you have a smooth start in the first year of your Bachelor’s degree.

The course aims to close the readiness gap between high school and university. It was specifically developed for potential future students: it covers physics topics that are a prerequisite for many engineering programs, but will also show you how these topics are applied in the various follow-up studies (For example in Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering). The course not only covers the content needed for further study but also introduces the different ways in which physics is presented at university level to ensure an easy entry to a new degree program.

This course is intended for:
1. Prospective engineering students who want to refresh their physics knowledge before starting university
2. High school students who would like an additional challenge in physics not offered by their school
3. Engineering students already enrolled in university who realize that they have a gap in their physics knowledge
4. Other people who are interested in university level physics