MAT1100 Foundation Mathematics

Contents

• Staffing
• Other requisites
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

OTHER REQUISITES

RATIONALE

Students entering tertiary studies in science, engineering, surveying and business require expertise in mathematics and problem solving. This course will provide students with basic mathematical competencies for tertiary studies in the above areas or for students requiring core mathematical expertise.

SYNOPSIS

This course uses self-paced computer managed instruction methods and group problem solving techniques to encourage students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts that provide a foundation for the mathematics encountered in tertiary programs in science, engineering, surveying and business. Topics included are: basic algebra, functions and graphing, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, introductory matrix algebra, and introductory calculus. The self-paced structure and the flexibility of two alternative entry points into the course allow students to work at their own level thereby developing confidence in mathematics and general problem solving.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate a sound understanding of a number of mathematical topics that are essential for tertiary studies in science, engineering, surveying and business (Assignments 2 and 3, Quizzes, Exam);
2. interpret and solve a range of authentic problems involving mathematical concepts relevant to this course (Assignments 2 and 3, Exam);
3. effectively communicate the mathematical concepts and arguments contained in this course (Assignments 2 and 3, Exam).

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).

Scientific calculator

Study Book 2008, Course MAT1100 Foundation Mathematics, USQ Distance Education Centre, Toowoomba.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

Quiz Q1, Q2 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 21/03/2008.

2.

Q3 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 28/03/2008.

3.

Quiz Q4 and Q5 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 11/04/2008.

4.

Quiz Q6 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 2/05/2008.

5.

Quiz Q7 and Q8 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 16/05/2008.

6.

Quiz 9 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 06/06/2008, and Entry Point 3 is 21/03/2008.

7.

Quiz 10 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 01/08/2008, and Entry Point 3 is 28/03/2008.

8.

Quiz 11 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 15/08/2008, and Entry Point 3 is 11/04/2008.

9.

Quiz Q12 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 29/08/2008, and Entry Point 3 is 02/05/2008.

10.

Quiz 13 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 03/10/2008, and Entry Point 3 is 16/05/2008.

11.

Quiz Q14 advisory due date for Entry Point 1 is 24/10/2008, and Entry Point 3 is 06/06/2008.

12.

Assignment 2 Part A is to be submitted by all students. Part B may be required of some continuing students at the request of the examiner, due date will be advised by the examiner.

13.

All students gain workshop marks through participation in weekly workshop discussions.

14.

Assignment 3 Part A only required to be submitted by Entry Point 3 students and other students wishing to complete by end of Semester 1. Part B which will be issued at the beginning of Semester 2 is due for continuing students on 27/10/2008.

15.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to Examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the assignment. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination. To complete each of the quizzes satisfactorily, students must gain at least 50% of the marks available for the quiz. Students may attempt a quiz for a module as many times as they wish up to the number of quizzes available. The final mark for a quiz will be the maximum mark of all attempts made by the student. To complete the tutorial workshop satisfactorily, students must gain at least a grade of C- for the tutorial workshops.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty 5% of the marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working 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 available for the course
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In an Open Examination, candidates may have access to any material during the examination except the following: electronic communication devices, laptop computers, bulky materials, devices requiring mains power and material likely to disturb other students.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
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

This version produced 29 May 2008.