This module builds on the concepts and techniques in Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) to provide a complete foundation for higher-level mathematics studies. It introduces enjoyable and essential topics, such as proof, differential equations, mechanics and discrete mathematics, and extends your knowledge of calculus and its applications. You’ll also use mathematical software and learn how to typeset mathematics.
What you will study
There are twelve study units in this module.
In the first unit, you’ll revise and consolidate the mathematics taught in Essential mathematics 1 (MST124).
In the remaining study units, you’ll cover the following topics.
Number theory: you’ll learn about divisibility properties of the integers. These have many practical applications, such as in cryptography.
Conics: these are the curves obtained by slicing a cone along a plane. Their applications include modelling the motion of planets and other heavenly bodies.
Geometric transformations: these include reflections, rotations and translations, and other similar ways of transforming geometric figures. You’ll use an algebraic approach, involving matrices and vectors.
Mathematical language and proof: you’ll look at how mathematical results can be stated clearly, and how they can be proved to be true.
Further calculus: you’ll extend your knowledge and skills in calculus.
Differential equations: these are equations that involve an unknown function and one or more of its derivatives. They are used extensively in applied mathematics to model various situations involving quantities that change.
Mechanics: you’ll analyse forces that act on stationary objects, and the motion of moving objects.
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors: these are numbers and vectors associated with matrices, which arise in a range of situations in both pure and applied mathematics.
Combinatorics: you’ll learn how to solve problems involving the positive integers, such as how many different ways there are to choose objects from a set. You’ll also study some interesting sequences of numbers, such as the Fibonacci sequence.
You’ll learn how to typeset mathematics with a choice of typesetting software.
You’ll work mainly from the module books, which are available in electronic formats as well as in print. You can view some of the worked examples in the books in an alternative video format, in which tutors work through and discuss the examples. You’ll use specially designed software applications to help you understand the concepts taught, and the same mathematics computer package used in Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). There are many online interactive practice questions to help you consolidate your learning.
The full content list is on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Entry requirements
You must have passed, or currently be studying, one of the following modules:
Or be able to provide evidence you have the required mathematical skills.
You can check you’re ready for MST125 and see the topics it covers here.
Preparatory work
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:
algebraic manipulation and solving equations
quadratics and parabolas
geometry and trigonometry
exponentials and logarithms.
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) is ideal preparation.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
Examination
This module includes an exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a US-based service with whom you must agree to third-party terms of service. You’ll have the opportunity to take a Mock Invigilated Experience (MIE) to familiarise yourself with the process ahead of the exam. Find out more about online invigilation.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
access to computer applications.
We also provide physical:
module books.
You will need
a scientific calculator (Casio fx-83GTX PLUS or fx-85GTX PLUS recommended).
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device or for taking your online exam.
Peripheral devices – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials, plus an external webcam and a microphone for the online invigilated exam.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – A broadband or mobile connection with at least 3 Mbps upload and download speed.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable. You'll need to use Google Chrome with a supplied free extension for the online exam.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software, including any required to complete the online invigilated exam, will be provided or is generally freely available.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying MST125 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.
Future availability
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) starts twice a year – in October and January/February.
It will next start in January 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.