This module will be of particular interest to you if you use mathematics or mathematical reasoning in your work and feel that you need a firmer grounding in it, or if you think you might find it helpful to extend your application of mathematics to a broader range of problems. The module is also very suitable for those planning to teach applied mathematics.
Around half of this module is about using mathematical models to represent suitable aspects of the real world; the other half is about mathematical methods helpful in working with such models. The work on models is devoted mainly to studying classical mechanics, although non-mechanical models – such as those used in population dynamics – are also studied. The process of mathematical modelling, based on simplifying assumptions about the real world, is outlined. You will work in groups to create a mathematical model and to produce a mini-report. The work on methods comprises topics chosen for their usefulness in dealing with the models; the main emphasis is on solving the problems arising in the real world, rather than on axiom systems or rigorous proofs. These methods include differential equations, linear algebra, advanced calculus and numerical methods.
You’ll begin the mechanics part of the module with statics, where there are forces but no motion. Then you’ll be introduced to the fundamental laws governing the motions of bodies acted on by forces – Newton's laws of motion. These are applied to model:
In the methods part of the module, you’ll cover both analytic and numerical methods. You’ll explore the analytical (as opposed to numerical) solution of first-order and linear, constant-coefficient, second-order ordinary differential equations, followed by systems of linear and non-linear differential equations and an introduction to methods for solving partial differential equations. The topics in algebra are vector algebra, the theory of matrices and determinants, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. You’ll develop the elements of the calculus of functions of several variables, including vector calculus and multiple integrals, and start studying Fourier analysis. Finally, the study of numerical techniques covers the solution of systems of linear algebraic equations, methods for finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices, and methods for approximating the solution of differential equations.
The full content list is on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should improve your skills in being able to think logically, express ideas and problems in mathematical language, communicate mathematical arguments clearly, interpret mathematical results in real-world terms and find solutions to problems.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
We’re using a new examination verification process for this module. We may ask you to attend a 15-minute post-exam video discussion, where you’ll present a photo ID and discuss your answers to a small number of questions with a tutor or member of the module team. The discussion isn’t graded; it’s only to verify that you completed the exam yourself.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
MST210 is a compulsory module in our:
MST210 is an option module in our:
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210) starts once a year – in October.
It will next will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You must have passed the following module:
Or be able to provide evidence you have the required mathematical skills.
You can check you’re ready for MST210 and see the topics it covers here.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz here, and follow the advice in the quiz.
The key topics to revise include:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) is ideal preparation.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying MST210 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
