UNP7384 Mathematics Communication Level D

Contents

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

STAFFING

RATIONALE

This course is designed to provide students with the basic mathematical competencies for entry into the Bachelor of Information Technology (Maths and Computing) or Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics). Students also need to develop and practise language and problem solving skills in the 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, matrices, geometry, trigonometry, differentiation, integration. 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 completion of this course students will be able to:

1.

demonstrate an understanding of mathematical topics essential for tertiary study as detailed below; (Tests 9-14)

2.

demonstrate an ability to select and use appropriate technology such as calculators, measuring instruments and computers with selected software; (Tests 9-14)

3.

select and use appropriate mathematical procedures; (Tests 9-14)

4.

work accurately and manipulate formulae; (Tests 9-14)

5.

transfer and apply mathematical procedures to a range of situations; (Tests 9-14)

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: (Tests 9-14)

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); (Assignments 1,2 & 3, Logs)

9.

using mathematical terms and symbols accurately and appropriately; (Tests 9-14)

10.

using accepted spelling, punctuation and grammar in written communication; Assignments 1,2 & 3, Logs)

11.

translating material from one form to another when appropriate (eg words to formulas); (Final Test)

12.

recognising necessary distinctions in the meanings of words and phrases according to whether they are used in a mathematical or non-mathematical situation. (Final Test)

13.

Write sentences and paragraphs in class on class-related activities. (Assignments 2 & 3, Logs)

14.

Write prepared sentences, paragraphs and report on class-related activities.(Assignments 2 & 3)

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).

2007, Applied/Mathematics communication: introductory book, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.

Students are expected to have a scientific calculator and Course MAT1100 Foundation Mathematics - Study Book C.

Galligan, et al. 2007, Applied/Mathematics communication: Problem Solving Book, University of Southern Queensland, 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.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

2.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

3.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

4.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

5.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

6.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

7.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

8.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

9.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

10.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

11.

Due during term as required by the teacher.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lecturers, tutorials, 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:
   Refer to statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course. All assessment 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 re-submit an assessment piece 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 attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the final test and at least 50% of the total weighted marks available 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:
   Examinations in this course are restricted examinations. In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials the candidates can use in the Restricted Examination for this course are: writing materials; calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator (s) they use during the examination); 1 A4 page of hand written or typed notes (written on both sides).
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examination will be held within four weeks following the examintaion period by arrangement with the examiner.
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. Part A requires you to work through a series of tests to demonstrate your understanding of mathematical topics.
2. 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.

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.