Personal Blogs

Week 3 – Recap

I began the week with a progress review and discovered that I had not completed the “Are you ready for M140?” quiz. After completing it, I revisited and retook the MU123 Unit 1 quiz to improve my overall gradebook performance.

This week, my primary focus was MU123 Unit 2, which introduced mathematical modelling and formulas. After completing the unit, I allocated time to print and work through MU123 TMA01. This allowed me to engage with the questions more deeply and ensure I understood the underlying concepts before preparing the final submission.

In addition, I began studying M140 Unit 2, which introduces the concept of prices and their representation in statistical contexts.

Weekly overview

• Completed the “Are you ready for M140?” quiz

• Retook the MU123 Unit 1 quiz to improve my score

• Completed MU123 Unit 2: Mathematical Modelling

• Planned and completed MU123 TMA01 on paper (to be reviewed and submitted as a PDF)

• Began studying M140 Unit 2: Prices

MU123 – Key learning points

In MU123, I worked with maps and scale to calculate real-world distances and applied formulas to determine time, distance, and speed. This reinforced my understanding of the relationships between these variables and how mathematical models represent real-world situations.

One particularly useful technique was the formula triangle method, which helps visualise the relationship between time, distance, and speed. By covering the variable to be calculated, the remaining variables indicate the required operation. For example:

• Time = Distance ÷ Speed

• Speed = Distance ÷ Time

• Distance = Speed × Time

This visual approach simplifies formula rearrangement and strengthens conceptual understanding.

I also learned important conventions for writing mathematical formulas. Specifically, numbers are written before letters, and variables are arranged in alphabetical order where appropriate. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid ambiguous letters such as l and o, which may be confused with the numbers 1 and 0. This improves clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

I am particularly satisfied that I was able to complete all MU123 TMA01 questions and am now ready to review and submit the assignment.

M140 – Progress

Although not the primary focus this week, I made initial progress with M140 Unit 2: Prices. This has introduced new statistical ideas, and I will continue developing my understanding in the coming week.

Other activities

I explored datasets on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Eurostat websites and identified several areas of interest for future statistical analysis, particularly relating to economic inequality and structural economic trends.

Reflection

Overall, I am satisfied with my progress this week. I am maintaining a consistent study pace and adapting well to the academic workload. My time management is improving, and I feel confident in my ability to balance MU123 and M140 effectively without experiencing burnout.

Next week – Plan and objectives

My primary focus next week will be M140 Unit 2: Prices. I aim to complete the reading early in the week and begin the exercises and activities immediately afterwards.

My objectives are to:

• Submit MU123 TMA01

• Complete M140 Unit 2: Prices

• Begin working on M140 TMA01

• Explore statistical datasets from ONS and the Royal Statistical Society, particularly related to inequality and K-shaped economic patterns

. 

Week 1 – Recap

My first week studying MU123 and M140 began with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, particularly around whether I would be able to balance my study commitments with my existing professional responsibilities.

I am pleased with how the week developed. Despite a demanding schedule, I completed 29 hours of study, tutorials, exercises and additional learning activities. Establishing this rhythm early has given me confidence that consistent progress is achievable.

Weekly overview

• Began Unit 1 for both modules.

• The early part of the week focused on orientation, understanding module websites, and submitting the dummy TMA00.

• Mid-week, I made a strategic decision to prioritise M140. I found the MU123 material more familiar, including preparation for the upcoming iCMA, so concentrating on statistics felt like the best use of time.

In MU123, I revised key numerical skills such as BIDMAS, unit conversions (miles to kilometres, grams to milligrams, metres to centimetres) and rounding. I also attended the introductory tutorial with my tutor, Ms Morris, which helped clarify expectations and available support.

Most of my energy went into M140, where I completed 52 of 72 pages of Book A, Unit 1. Topics included recognising patterns, calculating fuel consumption, rounding, measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode), range, stem-and-leaf diagrams, and distribution shape. I began applying these ideas in Minitab, using functions such as Display Descriptive Statistics and the stem-and-leaf plot.

Other activities

• Reviewed assessment structures and began forward planning.

• Installed and started exploring Minitab beyond the guided examples.

• Took steps to build my professional network, communicating with tutors and joining the Royal Statistical Society.

Reflection

Although a significant portion of the week involved orientation, it was essential in building confidence with the systems and expectations. I am particularly happy that I pushed myself to make early progress in M140, which initially felt less comfortable.

Next week

My attention will shift more strongly back to MU123 while maintaining momentum in M140. I plan to deepen my understanding of Minitab, especially formulas and graphical tools, and begin exploring potential career opportunities related to quantitative and statistical work.