Well, I have launched my study of Pure Mathematics M208 with the Open University; and I can say, straight away, that I am impressed with the quality of the unit books, that form the main text of the course.
I was able to launch straight into the first book of 24 that make up the entire course, which is entitled 'Real Functions and Graphs'.
The course notes state that it is a quick introduction to the topics that you should have met before, but then adds a little more detail to them, in preparation for the later blocks that cover analysis.
The content is fairly straight forward, although the more advanced graph sketching techniques of hybrid trigonometric functions, is something that I usually struggle with, so it is welcome practise. I have looked through 4 previous M208 exam papers and the specimen paper that was sent out with the course books. From what I can gather, there is usually just one 5 point question on sketching a graph, in each exam.
They also appear to usually have just 5 key method points to cover, so I would suspect that some of the more lengthy and difficult trigonometric sketches, involving up to 10 / 15 different calculations / decisions, may not come up in the actual exam.
However, I am sure that one will probably pop up in the first piece of coursework (TMA) that is due in March 2012. We shall see.
It has been 'so far so good':
2 days of study (6.4hrs)
Mindmap of unit 1 created and annotated with my study plan for this topic
1st pass of the whole unit done
Several exercises attempted (had to use the book solutions, to go through the hybrid/trig sketches)
I am feeling okay so far and now plan to use the rest of the allotted 18hrs of week one study, to repeat approximately 3/4 of the exercises, until they are second nature. I'll leave the other 1/4 for exam revision.
Also, If I can work out how to do it, I may post copies of my mindmaps, (without annotations), onto the blog.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Saturday, 31 December 2011
M208. Mindmap complete; ready to go.
Happy new year to all.
Having now done all the pre-study that I needed to, I have now prepared a detailed mind-map of the entire M208 course, drilled down to the section level, using my Mindgenius software. I plan to use this map, to hang off all the study material and study periods, as they happen. The software allows me to convert the map into a Gantt chart, to keep track of critical path items of study such as TMA's and important topics, so that I don't get side-tracked, if short of time.
I have also exported it to a word file which is now plastered all over my office walls. As each section is studied, I plan to measure how many study passes each section has had, noting any difficulties and also counting the repetitions of example questions attempted.
I have also created a 'proofs book', a rather nice handmade 'Moleskine' A5 journal, in which I plan to write down all of the proofs that I now encounter, from M208 and beyond. I hope to make this book a permanent feature of my coat pocket; browsing through it, in all of those moments of waiting that life creates, such as in queue's for buses and the like.
I am very excited and have made a pact with myself to commit 100% of my spare-time, to learning the contents of M208 this year. I have used this approach before, when studying for professional exams, years ago; so it is a well trodden path, that I hope will not have too many pot-holes in it! (wife allowing)
So, again, happy new year to all. The first big step on my quest for mathematical maturity, begins today.
Having now done all the pre-study that I needed to, I have now prepared a detailed mind-map of the entire M208 course, drilled down to the section level, using my Mindgenius software. I plan to use this map, to hang off all the study material and study periods, as they happen. The software allows me to convert the map into a Gantt chart, to keep track of critical path items of study such as TMA's and important topics, so that I don't get side-tracked, if short of time.
I have also exported it to a word file which is now plastered all over my office walls. As each section is studied, I plan to measure how many study passes each section has had, noting any difficulties and also counting the repetitions of example questions attempted.
I have also created a 'proofs book', a rather nice handmade 'Moleskine' A5 journal, in which I plan to write down all of the proofs that I now encounter, from M208 and beyond. I hope to make this book a permanent feature of my coat pocket; browsing through it, in all of those moments of waiting that life creates, such as in queue's for buses and the like.
I am very excited and have made a pact with myself to commit 100% of my spare-time, to learning the contents of M208 this year. I have used this approach before, when studying for professional exams, years ago; so it is a well trodden path, that I hope will not have too many pot-holes in it! (wife allowing)
So, again, happy new year to all. The first big step on my quest for mathematical maturity, begins today.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
M208...Is Here
It arrived today. I feel like Christmas has come early. The smell of new books; the anticipation of reading them; the shear amount of them!
I had a bit of a shock as they have delivered the entire course in one package. They usually deliver half of it first and then the second half later in the year. So I did have a moment of panic when I saw all of the books, before realising that what was in front of me, was the entire course.
The plan? Quite simply to begin by lightly browsing through the books and getting a feel for the treasures inside; perhaps read the odd passage that takes my fancy. Before finally settling down to some serious business between Christmas and new year (depending on hangovers).
Oh my goodness, what have I done!
I had a bit of a shock as they have delivered the entire course in one package. They usually deliver half of it first and then the second half later in the year. So I did have a moment of panic when I saw all of the books, before realising that what was in front of me, was the entire course.
The plan? Quite simply to begin by lightly browsing through the books and getting a feel for the treasures inside; perhaps read the odd passage that takes my fancy. Before finally settling down to some serious business between Christmas and new year (depending on hangovers).
Oh my goodness, what have I done!
Monday, 12 December 2011
The Calm Before the Storm
I am having a little rest from study and posting for part of this month, until my M208 study books arrive, signalling what will be a heavy and pre-longed period of chaos! Not only will it be full steam ahead for M208 between the end of December 2011 until the exam in mid October 2012; but I will then start Complex analysis and also Number Theory and Logic, just before the final exam for M208.
Once those courses are complete, that will have been a full-on 19 months of study without any break. Ouch!
So, I am taking this brief lull in my preparation, to prepare for a traditional family holiday at home. I may even partake in a few bottles of Bishop's Finger and the odd mince pie. Yum.
Once those courses are complete, that will have been a full-on 19 months of study without any break. Ouch!
So, I am taking this brief lull in my preparation, to prepare for a traditional family holiday at home. I may even partake in a few bottles of Bishop's Finger and the odd mince pie. Yum.
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