Course Title: Apply mathematical techniques to scientific contexts
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2013
Course Code: MATH7064
Course Title: Apply mathematical techniques to scientific contexts
School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4327 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Course Contact: Nancy Varughese
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4713
Course Contact Email: nancy.varughese@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 70
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
The purpose of this unit is to provide learners with knowledge and skills related to basic statistics, functions and their graphs, circular functions, exponents and logarithms.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20934 Apply mathematical techniques to scientific contexts |
Element: |
1 Use unit circle definitions of trigonometric quantities, graphs of the three basic trigonometric functions and radian measure to solve mathematics problems |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 sinθ, cosθ and tanθ are defined in terms of the unit circle and symmetry properties are used to convert the function of a negative angle or an angle greater than 90° to the function of an acute angle.
|
Element: |
2 Use simple algebraic functions and their graphs to solve mathematics problems |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Simple problems involving direct and inverse proportion are solved |
Element: |
3 Determine non-linear laws by transforming them into a linear form |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 A set of non-linear data is transformed to a linear form and the line of best fit is drawn |
Element: |
4 Solve problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Exponential expressions are simplified using the laws of indices |
Element: |
5 Collect and process numerical data to illustrate its statistical properties |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Statistical data is presented using tables and graphs |
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand technical mathematical terminology.
- Apply mathematical logic to a scientific context.
- Use a scientific calculator for complex calculations.
Details of Learning Activities
- Class discussions of mathematical theories and proofs.
- Worksheets.
- Puzzle extension questions.
- Completion of a Theory Workbook.
Teaching Schedule
Date | Element | Topic | Assessment |
10th July |
2.1 |
Linear Equations |
|
11th July | 2.1 | Linear Graphs | |
17th July | 2.1, 2.7 | Simultaneous Linear Equations | |
18th July | 2.2, 2.4 | The Definition of a Function and Function Notation | |
24th July | 2.1, 2.4 | Properties of Functions: shape, intercepts and asymptotes | |
25th July | 2.1, 2.5 | Expanding and Factorizing Quadratics | |
31st July | 2.1, 2.5 | Solving Quadratic Equations | |
1st August | 2.3, 2.5 | Sketching and Drawing Quadratics | |
7th August | 2.6 | Determining the Rule of a Quadratic from its Graph | |
8th August | 2.1, 2.7 | Simultaneous Quadratic and LInear Equations | |
14th August | 5.1 | Representations of Statistical Data | |
15th August | 2.1 - 2.7 | ASSESSMENT | QUIZ 1 |
21st August | 3.1 | Scatterplots and Curves of Best Fit | |
22nd August | 3.2 | Linearizing Curves of Best Fit | |
28th August | 5.2, 5.3, 5.6 | Frequency Curves and Percentiles | |
29th August | 5.1, 5.4, 5.6 | Mean, Median and Mode, Stem and Leaf Plots | PROJECT set |
2nd - 8th September | Mid-Semester Break | ||
11th September | 5.1, 5.5, 5.6 | Interquartile Range and Box and Whisker Plots | |
12th September | 5.1, 5.5, 5.6 | Variance and Standard Deviation | |
18th September | 4.1, 4.2 | Index Laws and Solving Indicial Equations | |
19th September | 4.3, 4.4 | Logarithm Laws and Solving Logarithmic Equations | |
25th September | 4.6 | Graphing Exponential Functions | PROJECT due |
26th September | 4.6 | Graphing Logarithmic Functions | |
2nd October | 4.5 | Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | |
3rd October | 4.1 - 4.6 | ASSESSMENT | QUIZ 2 |
9th October | 1.1, 1.2 | Converting Between Degrees and Radians and the Unit Circle | |
10th October | 1.3 | Trigonometric Ratios | |
16th October | 1.4, 1.5 | Sine Graphs and Their Transformations | |
17th October | 1.4, 1.5 | Cosine Graphs and Their Transformations | |
23rd October | 1.4 | Tangent Graphs | |
24th October | 1.6 | Applications of Circular Functions | |
30th October | All | Revision Class | |
31st October | All | Revision Class | |
EXAM PERIOD | EXAM | EXAM |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Theory Workbook (Provided in Class) |
|
Scientific Calculator (not CAS or Graphing) |
|
SUGGESTED: Blank A4 Binder Book for Exercises or Loose-Leaf Paper and a Folder. |
References
COFFEY, D. et al. (2000) Heinemann Outcomes Mathematics 10: CSF 11 Edition. Port Melbourne: Heinemann. |
|
HEFFERNAN, J., HODGSON, B. & PARKHURST, S. (1993) Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2. Milton: The Jacaranda Press. |
|
IAMPOLSKY, I. et al. (2013) Maths Quest 11 Standard General Mathematics. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd. |
|
NOLAN, J. et al. (2006) Maths Quest 12 Further Mathematics. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd. |
|
NOLAN, J. et al. (2000) Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd. |
|
NOVAK, A. et al. (2013) Maths Quest 12 Further Mathematics. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd. |
|
WILLIAMS, R. et al. (2013) Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods CAS. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd. |
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessments for this course may include the following:
assignments, quizzes and written exams
Assessment Tasks
Quiz One: This quiz is worth 20 per cent of your final mark and is sat within normal class time. It covers all aspects of linear and quadratic algebra, graphs, and function notation.
Project: The project is worth 20 per cent of the final mark and is to be completed outside of class. It assesses students ability to apply statistics in everyday life.
Quiz Two: This quiz is worth 20 per cent of the final mark and is sat within normal class hours. It covers all aspects of indices and logarithms.
Exam: The exam is worth 40 per cent of the final mark and is sat during the exam period at the end of the semester. It assesses everything learnt in this course, with slightly more detail being paid to circular functions.
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Breakdown of Nominal Hours:
- 48 hours in class
- 22 hours expected outside of class
- Total: 70 Hours
Note: This course will contribute to your grade average result in the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Science) qualification. Please note that you must achieve a CREDIT average across the program to be granted a guaranteed pathway in the following programs.
Diploma of Nursing (subject to passing the VETASSESS)
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)
Diploma of Technology (Pathology Testing)
Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
Diploma of Dental Technology.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview