Course information
Mathematical Methods focuses on the development of the use of calculus, probability and statistical analysis. The study of calculus provides a basis for an understanding of the physical world involving rates of change, and includes the use of functions, their derivatives and integrals, in modelling physical processes. The study of statistics and probability in Mathematical Methods develops the ability to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation. Students who have studied the Australian Curriculum 10A material and achieved A or B grades in Australian Curriculum Year 10 would be recommended to study this course.
Post-school pathways
Do you enjoy or are you good at Mathematics? (pdf, 110kb)
This course is designed to prepare students for study at university in courses which require a good level of mathematical knowledge and skills. This course includes calculus which is often required knowledge for science and engineering degrees. Other areas might include architecture, computer science, business or economics.
Workload expectation
Mathematical Methods requires commitment and a positive work ethic to complete the required study in class and at home. Students are expected to be completing at least three hours of study per week and more in preparation for examinations.
Course pattern
Available as a Minor or Major
Suggested Minor course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Unit 1: Mathematical Methods |
2 | Unit 2: Mathematical Methods |
Suggested Major course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Unit 1: Mathematical Methods |
2 | Unit 2: Mathematical Methods |
3 | Unit 3: Mathematical Methods |
4 | Unit 4: Mathematical Methods |
Unit descriptions
Unit 1: Mathematical Methods
Review of Basic Algebraic concepts, Introduction of Functions and their Graphs, Review the Fundamentals of Probability and Introduction of Conditional Probability and Independence.
Unit 2: Mathematical Methods
Exponentials and Logarithms, Rates of Change, Average and Instantaneous, Calculus introduced through study of the Derivative
Unit 3: Mathematical Methods
Calculus continues, Derivatives of Exponential and Trigonometric Functions, Integration and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Unit 4: Mathematical Methods
Statistics and Probability continued through Discrete and Continuous Random Variables and the Normal Distribution.