Mathematics and Scientific Communication

Subject 208-126 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four hours of lectures and 36 hours of tutorials/workshops
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Nil
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

TBA
Subject Overview:

This subject provides students with the mathematical knowledge and communication skills needed for other Land and Food Resources subjects and for entry to industry as a skilled professional. It has two main objectives:

  • to develop the mathematical knowledge and skills required to model and solve problems in agriculture, science and business contexts; and

  • to introduce the key components of scientific communication including writing reports and literature reviews and presenting scientific seminars.

The teaching emphasis in mathematics will be upon the solution of relevant examples, with technology used to support mathematical activity.

Mathematical topics studied include common area and volume formulae; Pythagoras' theorem and right-angle trigonometry; introductory probability and statistics; straight-line graphs: correlation and regression; function ­notation - linear graphs; non-linear functions - polynomial, exponential and ­logarithm functions; average and instantaneous rates of change; integral calculus and areas under graphs.

The scientific communication program will include lecture and tutorial ­sessions. Tutorial sessions will focus on the practical application of lecture material and are designed to give students the necessary skills to complete the assignments. Students will develop skills in information literacy, scientific writing styles and presenting scientific information orally to a range of ­audiences. Students will also be encouraged to develop communication skills necessary for teamwork and successful group assignment work.

Assessment: A 3-hour final examination (50%), three mathematics tests in Weeks 4, 8 and 12 (15%), and assignments in scientific communication, including a 3000-word literature review (25%) and an oral presentation (10%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Associate Degree in Agriculture

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