Course Title: Apply mathematical techniques for software development

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: COSC7400C

Course Title: Apply mathematical techniques for software development

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to the course start date to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance.

The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in course requirements. It is advisable for students to keep in contact with their teachers regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 520T Future Technologies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4410 - Certificate IV in Information Technology

Course Contact: Saud Khan

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4612

Course Contact Email: saud.khan@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to use basic mathematical methods and operations in standard computer notation, Boolean algebra, data types and computer storage.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTPRG442 Apply mathematical techniques for software development

Element:

1. Establish task requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify and configure software development environment according to business need

1.2 Discuss and confirm software development task and intent according to business need

1.3 Identify and discuss different mathematical techniques in software development

Element:

2. Manipulate number and character representation systems in a software development context

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Convert numbers between binary, decimal and hexadecimal number systems

2.2 Add, subtract and multiply numbers in binary

2.3 Determine binary memory storage of an integer and a character

Element:

3. Manipulate algebraic terms and solve linear equations in a software development context

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Position number types on number line

3.2 Evaluate various numerical expressions involving integers, fractions and indices

3.3 Simplify various algebraic expressions involving integers, fractions and indices

Element:

4. Construct, simplify and evaluate expressions and mathematical formulas in a software development context

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Solve simple equations

4.2 Convert formulas between standard algebraic form and computer notation

4.3 Create formulas in standard algebraic form and in computer notation

4.4 Simplify and evaluate Boolean expressions and formulas

4.5 Complete truth tables using simple Boolean expressions and logic

4.6 Save and confirm work with required personnel


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course the candidate will demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include theory sessions, practical lab sessions, tutorial sessions, and out-of-class research and homework.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities. It enhances the skills and knowledge required to use basic mathematical methods and operations in standard computer notation, Boolean algebra, data types, and computer storage. 

 


Teaching Schedule

WeekDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1

10 - 16 February

Introduction. Overview of arithmetic operations. Manipulating negative integers. BODMAS

Pre-Assessment Quiz.

Week 2

17 - 23 February

Fractions, Decimals and Indices

 
Week 3

24 February - 02 March

 Introduction to Algebra. Algebraic expressions and equations. Solution of linear equations

Practice Quiz for Assessment 1
Week 4

03 - 09 March

Flowcharts and algorithms

Assessment Task 1 - Online Test 1
Topics covered:
Week 1-2

Week 5

10 - 16 March

Computer models for linear algebra

 
Week 6

17 - 23 March

Computer models for linear algebra

 
Week 7

24 - 30 March

Data representation. Decimal and binary number systems. 

Assessment Task 2 -Lab Assessment 1 Algebra Modelling

Topics covered:
Week 3-6

 

Mid-semester break  31 March - 06 April 

 

Week 8

07- 13 April

Decimal and binary number conversions. The hexadecimal numbering system.

 
Week 9 14- 20 April

Digital codes (Binary, BCD, Gray code). 

 
Week 10

21- 27 April

Binary arithmetic, negative number representation in binary

Practice Quiz for Assessment 3
Week 11

28 April - 04 May

Introduction to digital logic, logic gates and truth tables.

 Assessment Task 3 - Online Test 2 -Number Systems

Topics covered:
Week 7-10

 

Week12        

Week 13

05- 11 May

12- 18 May

Simplification of digital logic using Boolean algebra.

 

 

Week 14

19- 25 May

 

Converting logic expression to a logic circuit and vice versa.

Practice Quiz for Assessment 4

Week 15

Week 16

26 May - 01 June 

02 - 08 June

Applications of Boolean algebra in logic circuit minimization

Assessment Task 4 -Lab Test 2 Boolean Algebra

Topics covered:
Week 9-14

Week 17

09 - 15 June

 

Revision during the class. Discuss logic gates, Boolean algebra.

 
Week 18 16 - 22 June Catch up class/Assessment’s Final Re-submissions (if available)  

 

*Please note that this timeline is subject to change based on semester requirements. We recommend checking your Canvas course shell regularly to stay updated with the latest schedule.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Please refer to Canvas for details on other courses.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises and various types of assessments.

Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment

Task 1: Online Test 1

  

Assessment

Task 2: Lab Test 1

  

Assessment

Task 3: Online Test 2

  

Assessment

Task 4: Lab Test 2

  

 

You must be competent in all elements to successfully complete the course.

 


Assessment Matrix

Assessment

Task 1: Online Test 1

  

Assessment

Task 2: Lab Test 1

  

Assessment

Task 3: Online Test 2

  

Assessment

Task 4: Lab Test 2

  
  Assessment Matrix
Elements Performance Criteria

 

  

 

  

Assessment

Task 1: Online Test 1

  

Assessment

Task 2: Lab Test 1

  

Assessment

Task 3: Online Test 2

  

Assessment

Task 4: Lab Test 2

  

1. Establish task requirements

 

 

  

1.1 Identify and configure software development environment according to business need

  

 

  

AT2 :Activity 1  and 2

  

 

  

 

  

1.2 Discuss and confirm software development task and intent, according to business need

  

 

  

AT2: Activity 3  and 4

 

  

 

  

 

  

1.3 Identify and discuss different mathematical techniques in software development

  

AT1-Q 24

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

2. Manipulate number and character representation systems in a software development context

  

2.1 Convert numbers between binary, decimal and hexadecimal number systems

  

 

  

 

  

AT3Q1-3,6-7

  

 

  

2.2 Add, subtract and multiply numbers in binary

  

 

  

 

  

AT3Q5,Q9-10

  

AT4 Section 1

  

2.3 Determine binary memory storage of an integer and a character

  

 

  

 

  

AT3 Q11-13

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

3. Manipulate algebraic terms and solve linear equations in a software development context

  

3.1 Position number types on number line

  

AT1 Q23

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

3.2 Evaluate various numerical expressions involving integers, fractions and indices

  

AT1 Q1- Q23

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

3.3 Simplify various algebraic expressions involving integers, fractions and indices

 

  

 

  

AT2

Q 3a & 3b

 

  

 

  

 

  

4. Construct, simplify and evaluate expressions and mathematical formulas in a software development context

 

  

4.1 Solve simple equations

  

 

  

AT2

Q1b,1c,2a,2b

  

 

  

 

  

4.2 Convert formulas between standard algebraic form and computer notation

  

 

  

 

AT2Q1b/c,2a/b, 3a/b

  

 

  

 

  

4.3 Create formulas in standard algebraic form and in computer notation

  

 

  

AT2 Q1b/c,2a/b, 3a/b

 

  

 

  

AT4-Section 2b

  

4.4 Simplify and evaluate Boolean expressions and formulas

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

AT4 -Section 3

  

4.5 Complete truth tables using simple Boolean expressions and logic

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

AT4 Section 3

AT4 Section 4

  

4.6 Save and confirm work with required personnel

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

AT4 Section 4

  

 

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
  • Current
  • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 

  • assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
  • maths and science developmental support and advice 
  • English language development 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support

Apply for credit

If you have undertaken relevant prior study or learning, you can apply for this to count towards your current RMIT program.

Special consideration: 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration 

Plagiarism: 

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. 

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

Other Information: 

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview