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

This advanced level unit offers you the opportunity to acquire expertise in a specialised topic in the mathematical sciences that is not taught in another unit. The actual content of the unit may vary from semester to semester, depending on availability of teaching staff.

Aims

This unit, which is available to students majoring in Mathematics in the SC60 Bachelor of Applied Science Honours course and the postgraduate MA65, MA75 and MA85 courses, aims to provide a framework for you to undertake advanced level coursework in a specialised topic in the mathematical sciences. You will gain expertise in problem formulation, problem solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communication in an advanced mathematical context.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you will:
1. Be aware of and understand the advanced theories, concepts and techniques that are relevant to a specialised topic in the mathematical sciences.
2. Be able to formulate problems relevant to the special topic in mathematical terms, and perform the subsequent analysis, starting from verbal, written, experimental and/or observational information.
3. Have demonstrated advanced level skills in using a planned approach to mathematical, analytic and creative problem solving.
Have further developed your oral and/or written communication skills so as to be able to articulate and communicate ideas using high-level mathematical notation and language.

Content

You will undertake advanced level coursework in a specialised topic in the mathematical sciences, typically in one of the areas: Applied Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research and Decision Science, Financial Mathematics, or High Performance Computing and Visualisation. You will need to consult with your Course Coordinator to determine the availability of such topics from semester to semester.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Depending on the actual special topic taught in any given semester, the approach to teaching and learning may differ slightly. Typically the material presented will be context based, utilising examples from contemporary research and real-life applications. You will be expected to attend all lectures and tutorials as indicated by the Unit Coordinator, as well as study in your own time. You may also be encouraged to undertake online activities in your own time.

Assessment

The timing, weighting and type of assessment may change, depending on the advanced topic taught in any given semester. The assessment will generally include progressive assessment items within each module in order to provide you with a clear idea of your progress and areas where you may be having problems. The teaching staff will liaise with the Course Coordinator to ensure that content and assessment are appropriate and equitable in standard. It is expected that the assessment will be both formative and summative in nature.Formative and summative feedback will be provided via regular meetings with teaching staff.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative) - The final examination will allow you to demonstrate the level of newly acquired knowledge in the material of the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative/Summative) - A number of assignments that extend the unit material will be given. The assignments will be returned to you with comments and marks. These assignments may involve the use of appropriate computer software to visualise results and to present the results as a professional report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout 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

There is no prescribed text set for the unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be informed in lectures of the emergency exists and meeting points in case of emergency evacuation.

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: 11-May-2012