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

Building upon the foundations established in MAB125 or Senior Maths C, this unit addresses the significant role of mathematical modelling using differential equations for the description and resolution of simple and complex problems relevant to the discipline of engineering. The formulation and solution of such problems is supported by appropriate advanced mathematical concepts used for function approximation, differentiation and integration. The unit is located in first year for application in core engineering units throughout the rest of the course.

Aims

Undertaking this unit will allow you to develop your problem solving skills, especially in the context of mathematical techniques applied to ordinary differential equations used to model engineering relevant problems.

Objectives

Successful completion of this unit will enable you to:

1. Demonstrate competency in the use and interpretation of mathematical notation.
2. Recognise, construct and solve ordinary differential equations, especially for engineering related problems and interpret their solution.
3. Recognise, manipulate and solve mathematical expressions involving functions, their derivatives and integrals.
4. Demonstrate your ability to reduce complex problems to smaller elements.

Content

Various classes of differential equations will be discussed and appropriate solution methods described. Differential equations that may be classified as 1st order linear or non-linear, and 2nd order linear with constant coefficients will be the principal focus here, together with the use of Taylor and Fourier series for approximating functions. Advanced techniques such as Laplace Transforms will be introduced.

Techniques for integrating such as by parts and trigonometric substitution will be covered as well as simple approximations for integrals based on the Riemann sum. Applications of using integrals may include the calculation of volumes of revolution and centres of mass.

Where appropriate MATLAB or other 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 hr/wk
Workshops: 1 hr/wk

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.

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 varying 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, 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 Blackboard.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Planning and execution of mathematical problem solving strategies for simple engineering related problems. An emphasis on short answers.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Exposition of techniques with an emphasis on fundamental skills required for problem solving. Short answers only to be required.
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 strategies and skills across a range of mathematical and engineering contexts, with a distribution of short and long answers required.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
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

1. Anton, Bivens and Davis. Calculus early transendentals, 9th Edition. Wiley

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: 03-Oct-2012