UNP 7383 Mathematics Communication Level C

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

This course is designed to provide students with the basic mathematical competencies for entry into the Bachelor of Science (other than Psychology and Mathematics), Bachelor of Technology, Associate Degrees of Engineering, Surveying, Mathematics and Computing, Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking, Software Engineering and Applied Computer science). Students also need to develop and practise language and problem solving skills in English so that they can build upon their existing knowledge and express themselves adequately in the mathematical context. This course is designed to allow students to appreciate the diverse applications and power of mathematics; the precise language and structure of mathematics; and to develop confidence and reduce anxiety by using mathematics skills in a variety of problem solving sessions.

SYNOPSIS:

There are two compulsory parts of the course. Part A consists of the mastery of the content of selected topics within algebra for calculus, algebra and graphs, trigonometry, application of calculus and integral calculus. Students are also expected to show competence in communicating using mathematical language in English. Part B consists of group work designed to develop the mathematical communication and problem solving skills of students. This work utilises some of the content mastered in Part A of the course.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course a student should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of mathematical topics essential for tertiary study as detailed below;
2. demonstrate an ability to select and use appropriate technology such as calculators, measuring instruments and computers with selected software:
3. select and use appropriate mathematical procedures:
4. work accurately and manipulate formulae;
5. transfer and apply mathematical procedures to a range of situations;
6. demonstrate problem solving through using a range of problem solving strategies, selecting appropriate mathematical procedures, identifying the problem, reflecting on the solutions, extending and generalizing from problems:
7. on successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate communication through:
8. understanding, organising and presenting information in a variety of forms (such as oral, written, symbolic, pictorial and graphical);
9. using mathematical terms and symbols accurately and appropriately;
10. using accepted spelling, punctuation and grammar in written communication;
11. translating material from one form to another when appropriate (eg words to formulas);
12. recognising necessary distinctions in the meanings of words and phrases according to whether they are used in a mathematical or non-mathematical situation.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Students are expected to have a scientific calculator.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   Students are required to attend at least 80% of the mathematics communication group work sessions and ensure their attendance is registered with the staff member in charge of the activity. It is the students' responsibility to study all course material to pass the mathematics assignments. Students need to attend module sessions to correct these assignments and seek support as necessary.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks. Students do not have to satisfactory complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course. All assignment items must be received prior to the start of the examination period for the semester in which the course is offered. Students may be required to resubmit an assignment that is unsatisfactory.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without an approved extension of time then a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for the assignments may apply for each day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks for Group A, 50% of the total weighted marks for group B, at least 40% in the final test and at least 50% of the total weighted marks availabe for the course. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard. It is expected that such students have gained at least 40% of the total marks available for all assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a restricted examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials the candidate may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials, English translation dictionary, a non-programmable scientific calculator and one (1) A4 sheet of notes prepared by the candidiate.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary exam for this course will be held at a time arranged by the examiner in consultation with the students.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students should have a knowledge of Part A of UNIPREP Applied Communication Level B or equivalent.
2. Part A is predominantly a self-paced course. Students work sequentially through the modules at their own pace, completing this part of the work by the end of the term.
3. Part B consists of different activities each week. Students must participate actively in the group work of the problem solving sessions. Students also must submit written work as required.