Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

A sound understanding of the language and techniques of mathematics is essential for any quantitative discipline. This unit provides an introduction to the aspects of mathematics especially applicable to science, technology and business and is directed at those students whose mathematics preparation does not include Maths C or an equivalent. For this purpose, it is located in first semester of the first year of your course.

Aims

This unit introduces you to the fundamental mathematical ideas of functions, calculus, vectors and matrices, through the use of contextualized problems. In solving these problems you will develop both an understanding of the mathematical concepts and competency in appropriate solution methods.

Objectives

Successful completion of this unit will enable you to:
1. Demonstrate competency in the use and interpretation of mathematical notation.
2. Recognise, manipulate and solve mathematical expressions involving elementary functions, their derivatives and integrals, complex numbers, matrices and vectors.
3. Employ mathematical techniques to solve elementary problems provided in a particular context.

Content

The major topics covered are elementary functions, their derivatives and integrals, the algebra of complex numbers, vectors and matrices.

The elementary functions covered include polynomial, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions. Their properties, the principle of composite functions, and the use of functions as representations of data are emphasized.

The processes of differentiation and integration of elementary functions are introduced as ways to model simple problems for functions of one variable, including those defined parametrically. Techniques such as implicit differentiation, product and chain rules, and integration by substitution are all employed to solve contextualized problems.

The algebra of complex numbers, vectors and matrices are covered in this unit by defining each of them mathematically, illustrating how each may be used in representations of systems in real world applications, and algebraically manipulating them to solve simple relevant problems. Techniques covered include solving equations containing complex numbers; addition, subtraction, scalar, dot and cross products of vectors; matrix addition, subtraction and products, matrix determinants and the solution of simple linear systems of equations using inverse matrices or Gaussian elimination.

Where appropriate relevant mathematical software will be introduced to support and illustrate concepts covered in the content of this unit.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures: 3 hrs/wk
Workshops: 1 hr/wk
Maths Access Centre: Strongly recommended for students needing further practice with concepts and applied techniques.

You are expected to attend lectures in which the unit content will be introduced and the associated skills will be demonstrated and discussed. You should also attend and participate in workshop sessions, designed to reiterate key elements of content and to provide you with directed assistance to develop your competency in the techniques required.

Participation in the voluntary Mathematics Access Centre support sessions is recommended for those students needing additional specific learning support.

Lecture, workshop, homework and related resources are provided via QUT Blackboard and you are strongly encouraged to make use of these.

Assessment

The assessment items in this unit are designed to determine your level of competency, measured against criteria, in meeting the unit outcomes while providing you with a range of tasks with increasing levels of skill development and difficulty.Formative feedback will be provided for the in-semester assessment items by way of written comments on the assessment items, discussion in workshops, student perusal of the marked assessment piece and informal interview as required.

Summative feedback will be provided throughout the semester with progressive posting of results via QUT Blackboard.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Exposition of techniques, with an emphasis on short answers required.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Exposition of techniques, short answers only.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Exposition of techniques and problem solving, with a distribution of short and long answers required.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Mallet DG, Pettet GJ & Farr AC (2010) Introductory Algebra and Calculus, Pearson.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit since lectures and workshops are held in ordinary lecture theatres or computer laboratories. Basic safety procedures in computer laboratories will be given to you when entering the computer laboratory for the first time. In addition, emergency exits and assembly areas will be pointed out in the first few lectures. You are referred to the university's health and safety website for further information.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 29-Aug-2012