Using maths and statistics
Do you think that the maths or statistics used on your course is going beyond your comfort level? You’ll find resources, hints and tips on maths that can develop your general skills and improve how you interpret numerical information.
Want to brush up your maths skills?
- Lots of topics are covered at Maths Help.
Thinking of taking a maths course?
- Maths Choices explains all the options for starting at Level 1.
- Starting with Maths (Y162) - has no entry requirements and is great for those who want to start with the basics.
Taking a science course?
- S104 Exploring Science and some of the Science Short Courses require a good understanding of basic maths
- Use the Maths Skills ebook to help you refresh your mathematical skills for the science course you are studying.
Further advice
- Maths for Science and Technology toolkit - for post-Level one students having difficulties with mathematical skills on a science or technology course.
- Working with charts, graphs and tables toolkit - Try this toolkit if you are having difficulties working with numerical information. It is relevant for courses with small amounts of mathematical, scientific or technical content that still need you to work with charts, graphs and tables.
- More charts, graphs and tables toolkit - This is helpful if you have some experience of interpreting numerical data and understand basic statistics, but are not fully confident in producing charts, graphs and tables
Mobile stats
The mobile stats tool will help you to understand averages (mode, median, mean) and learn more about charts (histograms, pie charts and bar charts). You can enter real life data on your phone and calculate different averages from them, then generate a chart.
As mobiles vary a great deal, we can’t guarantee that it will work on your phone so please check your mobile phone compatibility before downloading.
Go to download page.
The mobile stats tool is part of our research and development activity. We’d like to know if you find the tool useful and whether you'd like to see more tools like this. Once you have used it, please come back and complete this online form to say what you think and what you’d like to see in future.
Note: you will need your OU computer username and password to download the Mobile stats tool, to follow instructions and to check your phone compatibility.
OU websites
- Use Skill Math for links to mathematics study skills resources.
- Tips for studying maths – advice on reading, writing and practising maths, ideas for assignments and what to do you if you get stuck.
- Mathematical study skills – guidance for Level 2 and 3 students on reading and writing maths, plus strategies for tackling problems.
Remember...
For specific advice and support relating to your current course contact your tutor, or go to your course website or course guide.
Other websites
- BBC Skillswise – help with basic number work, and links to other sites from their maths area.
- Mathematical thinking – examples of maths applied to real-world situations.
- Mathcentre – practice and revision material.