Mathematics Learning Support in Ireland in 2015

The provision of mathematics learning support in higher-level institutions on the island of Ireland has developed rapidly in recent times with the number of institutions providing some form of support doubling in the past seven years. The Irish Mathematics Learning Support Network aims to inform all mathematics support practitioners in Ireland on relevant issues. Consequently it was decided that a detailed picture of current provision was necessary. A comprehensive online survey was conducted to amass the necessary data. The ultimate aim of the survey is to benefit all mathematics support practitioners in Ireland, in particular those in third-level institutions who require further support to enhance the mathematical learning experience of their students. The survey reveals that the majority of Irish higher-level institutions provide mathematics learning support to some extent, with 65% doing so through a support centre. Learners of service mathematics are the primary users: first-year science, engineering and business undergraduates, with non-traditional students being a sizeable element. Despite the growing recognition for the need to offer mathematics learning support almost half of the centres are subject to annual review. Further, less than half the support offerings have a dedicated full-time manager, while 60% operate with a staff of five or fewer. The elevation of mathematics support as a viable and worthwhile career in order to attract and retain high quality staff is seen by many respondents as the crucial next phase of development.

Endothelial Function in Hypertension: Victim or Culprit?

Far from simply lining the inner surface of blood vessels, the cellular monolayer that comprises the endothelium is a highly active organ that regulates vascular tone. In health, the endothelium maintains the balance between opposing dilator and constrictor influences, while in disease, it is the common ground on which cardiovascular risk factors act to initiate the atherosclerotic process. As such, it is the site at which cardiovascular disease begins and consequently acts as a barometer of an individual's likely future cardiovascular health. The vascular endothelium is a very active organ responsible for the regulation of vascular tone through the effects of locally synthesized mediators, predominantly nitric oxide (NO), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and superoxide. NO is abundantly evident in normally functioning vasculature where it acts as a vasodilator, inhibits inflammation, and has an antiaggregant effect on platelets. Its depletion is both a sign and cause of endothelial dysfunction resulting from reduced activity of eNOS and amplified production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase, which, in turn, results in raised levels of reactive oxygen species. This cascade is the basis for reduced vascular compliance through an imbalanced regulation of tone with a predominance of vasoconstrictive elements. Further, structural changes in the microvasculature are a critical early step in the loss of normal function. This microvascular dysfunction is known to be highly predictive of future macrovascular events and is consequently a very attractive target for intervention in the hypertensive population in order to prevent cardiovascular events.

Curriculum and beyond: Mathematics support for first year life science students

The move into higher education is a real challenge for students from all educational backgrounds, with the adaptation to a new curriculum and style of learning and teaching posing a daunting task. A series of exercises were planned to boost the impact of the mathematics support for level four students and was focussed around a core module for all students. The intention was to develop greater confidence in tackling mathematical problems in all levels of ability and to provide more structured transition period in the first semester of level 4. Over a two-year period the teaching team for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provided a series of structured formative tutorials and “interactive” online problems. Video solutions to all formative problems were made available, in order that students were able to engage with the problems at any time and were not disadvantaged if they could not attend. The formative problems were specifically set to dovetail into a practical report in which the mathematical skills developed were specifically assessed. Students overwhelmingly agreed that the structured formative activities had broadened their understanding of the subject and that more such activities would help. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the package of changes undertaken resulted in a significant increase in the overall module mark over the two years of development.

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Kiviluodosta Joensuuhun

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Savonlinnasta Kaijaluotoon

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Papinsaaresta Kiviluotoon

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Karta öfver norra Qvarken med närliggande del af Finska skären

0-meridiaanit: Ferrö ja Greenwich

Karta farvatera ot o[stro]va Muraisari do o[stro]va Hannusari

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Kaijaluodosta Saviluotoon ja Varissaaresta Sorsakallioon

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Sorsakalliosta Papinsaareen

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Saviluodosta Muuraissaareen

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Lappeenrannasta Petrasaareen

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Niini- Iis- ja Virmavesi

0-meridiaani : Greenwich

Purje-väylä kartta Saimaan vesillä Pienestä Kolloniemestä Savonlinnaan

0-meridiaani : Greenwich