Course Description

Mathematics is an important part of our culture, both as a science and as a tool in a variety of fields, including other sciences. Mathematics also plays a central role in many forms of creative activity. Therefore, mathematics is a central subject in primary and secondary schools and in the general teacher education programme. Through the study of mathematics in the general teacher education programme students will encounter the subject in a variety of contexts. In addition to gaining knowledge of mathematics, there is a special focus on the nature of the subject and teaching mathematics.
Target areas are described in greater detail in the curriculum for teacher education (1999), and this will be followed with some adjustments.

Mathematics 3 Module 1 presents an introduction to number theory related to topics:

natural numbers, reasoning and proof in mathematics - factors, divisibility and remainders – the meaning of prime numbers – analysis of numerical sequences – figurate numbers and geometric shapes – diophantine equations – congruence calculation - linear congruencies and systems of such – special division rules – basic cryptography – some principle number theory functions – some basic equations in number theory – Pythagorean triple.

Didactic topics that will be focused on are problem solution and discovering, children’s perception of mathematical reasoning and proof, the development of children’s use of concepts related to numbers and some more general didactic topics. Further, the historical development of number theory will be discussed.

Topics for the subject-didactics assignment in Mathematics 1 are: Problem solution and discovering as a working method in mathematics. In Part 1 of the assignment, theory and basic questions will be studied. This will form the basis for Part 2, where an examination of pupils’ work will be carried out.

Assessment Methods

The grade in Mathematics 3 is calculated on the basis of the grades for the two 5-hour written examinations and the subject-didactics work. In calculating the final grade, the written examinations count for 80% and the subject-didactics work counts 20%.
All components must receive passing marks before the final grade may be awarded.
Letter grades from A to F will be awarded, where A is the highest grade, and E is the lowest passing grade. F is a failing grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean