Introduction to Mathematics

Subject 620-173 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

Lectures and practice classes.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 one-hour lectures (three per week), 11 one-hour practice classes (one per week)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of VCE Mathematical Methods 1/2 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Mark Fackrell
Subject Overview: Students will strengthen and develop algebraic and conceptual skills, building a firm mathematical base for Calculus 1.
Fundamental concepts about number systems and set theory will be followed by introductory counting principles and techniques. These will be applied to the laws of probability, leading to the study of discrete and continuous random variables. Basic ideas about functions and their inverses will be introduced using examples such as the logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions. Differential and integral calculus will be studied with applications to graph sketching and optimization problems. Students will also learn integration techniques, with applications to areas between curves.
Objectives: .
Assessment:

Up to 25 pages of written assignments 10% (due during semester), a 45-minute written test 10% (held mid-semester), a 3-hour written examination 80% (in the examination period).

Students are required to attend at least 8 out of 11 practice classes to be eligible for assessment.
Prescribed Texts: M Evans, K Lipson, P Jones, Essential Mathematical Methods 3 & 4, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press, 2005
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: In addition to learning specific mathematical skills, students will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them them in any career path. These include:
  • Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
  • Analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
  • Collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;
  • Time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Notes:

This subject is not available for science credit or commerce credit in any course.

This subject is equivalent for pre-requisite purposes to VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4.
Students with a score of 25 or more in VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4 will normally not be permitted to enrol in this subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Agriculture

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