Unit rationale, description and aim
Mathematics is the study of space, number and quantity. It is the language of science, providing concepts and tools to help understand the complex reality in which we live. It is therefore assumed or prerequisite knowledge for many university degree subjects.
This unit is designed to build on learnings from Mathematics 1 and to equip students further with the mathematical skills they need to commence tertiary studies. In this unit students develop their ability to solve problems within a range of mathematical contexts including sets, functions and graphs, trigonometry, financial mathematics and introduction to calculus. Development of the students’ ability to understand and produce the language of Mathematics is embedded in the learning and teaching activities for each topic.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ ability to solve problems within a range of mathematical contexts including data analysis, mechanics, trigonometry and probability.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe number sets and analyse functions and the...
Learning Outcome 01
Use concepts and techniques of trigonometry to exp...
Learning Outcome 02
Use concepts and apply techniques in financial mat...
Learning Outcome 03
Use introductory calculus techniques of differenti...
Learning Outcome 04
Apply problem-solving skills and techniques across...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Sets, Functions, and Graphs
- Trigonometry
- Financial Mathematics
- Introduction to Calculus
- Problem Solving Language and Techniques
- Appropriate Mathematical Language and Expression.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment in this unit is supported in class. Each of the assessed criteria is included in the assessment details before the task is submitted to ensure that students know which mathematical skills are being assessed.
Assessment Task 1 is designed for students to demonstrate their problem-solving and modelling skills. Students will present their own understanding of the task, the methods used and the solutions in writing
Assessment Task 2 is an opportunity for students to apply their mathematical knowledge to a problem-solving task from topics within the unit. Students will communicate their understanding of the task and its solution in appropriate spoken academic and mathematical language.
The final exam is designed to evaluate the extent of students’ understanding and skill in the topics covered over the term. These tasks provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that relate to the learning outcomes of the unit
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Problem Solving and Modellin...
Assessment Task 1:
Problem Solving and Modelling Task: individual written responses describing and evaluating the process of problem solving and the techniques and strategies used
25%
Assessment Task 2: Oral presentation based on a...
Assessment Task 2:
Oral presentation based on a problem-solving task. Students must explain the problem and the method used to solve it using appropriate mathematical language,
35%
Assessment Task 3: Final Examination
Assessment Task 3:
Final Examination
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode for International Students: This unit includes five hours of class contact per week.
Mode for Domestic Students: This unit includes 2.5 hours of class contact per week, and 2.5 hours asynchronous online study.
Duration: 10-week Term
This unit facilitates an active and multi-modal (for domestic students) approach to learning. Classes include expert input but are student focused and collaborative and are designed to maximise opportunities for students to interact with mathematical concepts in various contexts as well as interact with each other. Students are encouraged to actively participate in classes and will be assigned learning activities to complete online. Students will be required to build on past experiences of learning and assisted in transferring this knowledge to new learning contexts.
Classroom strategies will centre around establishing the students’ current level of knowledge and skill level, and then build on that to bring it up to be comparable in standard to content covered in the Australian Year 12.
Students will be taught to use appropriate technologies to support their learning. This could include scientific calculators, Casio Class-pads. DESMOS, Excel spreadsheets, etc.
There will continue to be a focus on the language encountered in the topics, thereby extending and enriching the language skills of the students in this context
Collaborative learning will continue to be developed through small group and class activities. Students will continue to contribute to the glossary of mathematical terms, and to hints and tips for problem-solving. These will be posted on the Learning Management System.
Representative texts and references
Required Texts
Evans, M., Lipson, K., Jones, P., & Greenwood, D. (2015). Mathematical methods units 3&4: Cambridge senior mathematics Australian curriculum/VCE. Cambridge University Press.
Jones, P., Evans, M., Lipson, K., & Staggard, K. (2016). Further mathematics revised units 3&4: Cambridge senior mathematics Australian curriculum/VCE. Cambridge University Press.
References
Fitzpatrick, J. B., & Aus, B. (2019). New senior mathematics. Advanced. For Years 11 & 12: NSW Stage 6. Pearson Australia.
Grove, M. (2017). Maths in focus: Year 11 Mathematics advanced. Cengage Learning Australia.
Grove, M. (2019). Maths in focus. Year 12: Mathematics advanced. Cengage Learning Australia.
Powers, G. (2018). Cambridge maths stage 6 NSW maths standard two Year 12: Print bundle (textbook and Hotmaths). Port Melbourne, Vic: Cambridge University Press.