Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Teachers of mathematics in secondary schools, particularly in the middle-years and vocational areas, need a broad knowledge of the applications of mathematics in life-related situations. In this unit you will explore mathematics in a range of life-related situations, including mathematics in history. As well as building your knowledge of the uses of mathematics in specific situations, the unit will assist you to deepen your understanding of the mathematics that underlies these situations.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the ways mathematics is used in life-related situations.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate your understanding of the content, processes and skills of mathematics relevant to everyday applications (QCT Standard 1);
2. Demonstrate your ability to solve mathematical problems in life-related contexts;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the socially, culturally and historically constructed nature of mathematics (QCT Standard 1);
4. Demonstrate effective mathematical and professional communication.

Content

Mathematics throughout history (eg, Pythagoras, early number systems, Euclid); Financial mathematics (simple and compound interest, compound growth, annuities); Operations research (networks and queuing); Measurement; Earth Mathematics (time, position, movement, location).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is delivered through a series of lectures and workshop/tutorials supported by materials on the Blackboard site and in the CMD. Your learning will be enhanced by actively participating in the weekly workshop activities and practice questions and by engaging with the readings.

Assessment

Assessment in this unit is both formative and summative. Formative assessment will be provided through feedback on draft assignment work and feedback on in-class exercises.
There are two items of summative assessment in the unit, an assignment and an examination.

Assessment name: Assignment 1
Description: A research assignment on an historical or practical mathematics application.
Length: 1500 words or equivalent
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 & 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Assignment 2
Description: Examination: A series of mathematical questions and problems.
Length: 2500 words or equivalent
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of 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

Text

There is no set textbook for this unit.

References

Braxton, B., Gonsalves, P., Lipner, L. & Barber, J. (2000). Math around the world. Berkeley, CA: Lawrence HAll of Science.
Burton, D. M. (1991). The history of mathematics: An introduction. Dubuque, IA: Wm C. Brown Publishers.
Mentlikowski, A., Abbott, M. & Van Eekelen, T. (1991). Application in space and number, reasoning and data. Port Melbourne, Vic: Heinemann.
Shield, M. & Adamson, S. (2002). Mathematics for Queensland: Year 12A. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford.

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply.

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: 31-Oct-2012