Specialist Mathematics

Description

Specialist Mathematics is a challenging and interesting course designed to target students who wish to explore more abstract mathematical concepts. The course integrates already learnt concepts of calculus into other fields of Mathematics giving Specialist Mathematics a more practical orientation than Mathematical Methods. Students will study techniques, routines and processes, involving rational, real and complex arithmetic, algebraic manipulation, diagrams and geometric constructions, solving equations, graph sketching, differentiation and integration related to the areas of study, both with and without the use of technology. Students are encouraged to use digital technologies, including the CAS calculator, to enhance their learning.

Satisfactory completion of Units 1 and 2 Mathematical Methods and Units 1 and 2 Specialist Mathematics is a required prerequisite for this course.

Areas of Study

• Discrete mathematics

• Functions, relations and graphs

• Algebra, number and structure

• Calculus

• Space and measurement

• Data analysis, probability and statistics

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

• Define and explain key concepts in relation to the topics from the selected areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.

• Apply mathematical processes with an emphasis on general cases, in non-routine contexts, and analysis and discuss these applications of Mathematics.

• Select and appropriately use numerical, graphical, symbolic and statistical functionalities of technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem- solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches.

Assessment

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on the decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the learning outcomes above. This decision will be based on student completion of work requirements as specified in the Course Outline document, which is provided to students at the commencement of each unit.

The student’s level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 will be determined by school-assessed coursework tasks and two end-of-year examinations as follows:

• Unit 3 School-assessed coursework (20% of final grade)

• Unit 4 School-assessed coursework (20% of final grade)

• Semester Examination1 (1 hour Technology Free) (20% of final grade)

• Semester Examination2 (2 hours Technology Active) (40% of final grade)

Semester Examination1 assesses students’ knowledge of mathematical concepts, their skills in carrying out mathematical algorithms and their ability to apply concepts and skills in standard ways without the use of technology. Semester Examination2 assesses students’ ability to understand and communicate mathematical ideas, and to interpret, analysis and solve both routine and non-routine problems using technology.

Pathways

• TAFE & University

• Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies

• Architecture and Building

• Creative Arts

• Education

• Engineering and Related Technologies

• Food, Hospitality and Personal Services

• Health

• Information Technology

• Management and Commerce

• Mixed Field Programs

• Natural and Physical Sciences

• Society and Culture