Further reading and sources of help
Reading
The Good Study Guide, by Andrew Northedge, has helped 1000s of students develop the skills they need for their course. Chapter 8 is entitled ‘Working with numbers’ and covers reading and describing tables, diagrams and graphs. You can view a sample from this chapter here.
The Sciences Good Study Guide, by Andrew Northedge, Jeff Thomas, Andrew Lane, Alice Peasgood, published by The OU, 1997, ISBN 0 7492 341 1 3. More mathematical and science-based than The Good Study Guide. Chapter titles are: ‘Getting started’, ‘Reading and making notes’, ‘Working with diagrams’, ‘Learning and using mathematics’, ‘Working with numbers and symbols’, ‘Different ways of studying’, ‘Studying with a computer’, ‘Observing and experimenting’, ‘Writing and tackling examinations’.
There are 100 pages of maths help on: calculations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, approximations and uncertainties, powers and roots, scientific notation, formulas and algebra, interpreting and drawing graphs, perimeters, areas and volumes.
Countdown to Mathematics Volumes 1 & 2, by Lynne Graham and David Sargent, published by Addison-Wesley, Slough, 1981, ISBN 0 201 13730 5 and ISBN: 0 201 13731 3 respectively. This is a useful next stage after any of the above. Volume 1 includes an introduction to algebra. Volume 2 covers equations, trigonometry, indices and logarithms.
Teach Yourself Basic Mathematics, by Alan Graham, published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1995, ISBN 0 340 64418 4. A book aimed at a more general (i.e. non-OU) audience is in two parts: ‘Understanding the basics’ and ‘Maths in action’. Simple Statistics: A course book for the social sciences, by Frances Clegg, published by Cambridge University Press 1990 ISBN 0 521 28802 9.
Teach Yourself Algebra, by P Abbott and Hugh Neill, published by Hodder and Stoughton, London 1996, ISBN 0 340 65847 9. An elementary introduction which covers the algebra required for applications of maths to engineering etc.
The Complete A–Z Mathematics Handbook, 2nd edition, by John Berry, Ted Graham, Jenny Sharp and Elizabeth Berry, published by Hodder and Stoughton, London 2000, ISBN 0 340 78030 4. The ideas, terms and concepts of mathematics are clearly explained. A useful reference book.
Tapping into Mathematics with the TI-83 Graphics Calculator, by Barry Galpin and Alan Graham, published by Addison Wesley Longman Ltd, 1997, ISBN 0 201 17547 9. This book teaches you how to use a graphics calculator and covers some basic mathematics and statistics. However, if you have studied MU120 you will already have received this material.
Courses to improve maths skills
Most colleges offer evening or daytime courses that are open to adult learners. Many of them will have an advice point, so that you can telephone or drop in to discuss what you are looking for or search their websites.
Learndirect is the UK’s largest provider of skills, training and employment services. They offer courses such as:
- qualifications in everyday skills like maths, English and IT,
- vocational qualifications and apprenticeships in lots of industries,
- higher-level professional qualifications,
- short courses in subjects from software packages to languages.
Preparing for Future Study in Maths - examine key mathematical concepts and theory in preparation for a maths degree.
For more information on introductory maths courses see Lifepilot's section on Starting with Few Qualifications
Courses to prepare you for HE study
Open University
The Open University OpenLearn also has free courses to help you improve your maths.
Future Learn