Students

MATH106 – A View of Mathematics

2015 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Carolyn Kennett
Contact via carolyn.kennett@mq.edu.au
AHH 2.632
Lecturer
Gerry Myerson
Contact via gerry.myerson@mq.edu.au
AHH 2.639
Gerry Myerson
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to BEd(ECE) or BEd(Prim) or BEd(Sec) or BEd(TESOL) or BTeach(BS) or BTeach(0-5) or BTeach(ECS) or BABEd(Prim) or BA DipEd or BA-Psych DipEd or GDipEd or GDipEarlyChildhood
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is principally designed for students intending to teach in primary schools. It emphasises the use of imagination and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve a wide variety of interesting problems. In addition, the material is selected in a way that encourages students to appreciate the importance of mathematics as part of our cultural heritage. The material in this unit is accessible to students who have studied little mathematics at secondary level.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Develop an appreciation for the underlying mathematics found in everyday scenes and occurances.
  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.
  • Ability to work effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Six assignments 36% Week 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
Two web-based quizzes 0% Week 3
One Test 14% Week 7
Final examination 50% University Examination Period

Six assignments

Due: Week 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
Weighting: 36%

Assignments based on the material taught in the unit, requiring written answers with explanations. Some assignments will require students to do their own research and use some creativity.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Develop an appreciation for the underlying mathematics found in everyday scenes and occurances.
  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.
  • Ability to work effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.

Two web-based quizzes

Due: Week 3
Weighting: 0%

Worth 0%, but nevertheless compulsory


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form

One Test

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 14%

-
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.

Final examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

-
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Lectures: you should attend three hours of each lectures each week.

Tutorials: you should attend one tutorial each week.

Optional Workshop: There is an optional workshop run by the Numeracy Centre each week commencing Week 2

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

There is no textbook suitable for this unit. However there are many general books on mathematics and many of these can be found on library shelves. Some of them will contain material at an appropriate level and cover the material taught in this course and others will treat the material at a more advanced level.

The following are some good modern websites with material for “Mathematical Outreach”. Some of the material is suitable for primary level, other secondary; but all is good for general interest in mathematics and its varied uses:

Magazines such as the following contain much relevant material:

There will also be some references made to reading material which will be made available during the unit via the website. 

There are other resources which may be of use in your later Primary teaching. The Mathematics Department in no way endorses these products, but merely informs you of their existence.

Numeracy Centre

The Numeracy Centre (Room C5A 225) offers free drop in help to students enrolled in first year courses with a math component. This help is available for students who are studying MATH106. See the Centre's website for further information http:/www.maths.mq.edu.au/numeracy.html

Technology Used and Required

Students are expected to have access to an internet enabled computer with a web browser and Adobe Reader software. Several areas of the university provide wireless access for portable computers. There are computers for student use in the Library and the C5C labs.

Difficulties with your home computer or internet connection do not constitute a reasonable excuse for lateness of, or failure to submit, assessment tasks.

There have been changes in the teaching staff to this unit since the last offering. 

Unit Schedule

WEEK

THUR. 10:00

Thurs. 13:00

FRI. 12:00

TASK DUE

1

Carolyn K

Carolyn K

Carolyn K

 

2

Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

 

3

Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

Assignment 1, Quizzes 1 & 2

4

Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

 

5

Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

Assignment 2

6

Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

 

7

Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

Test- on campus

Assignment 3

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

   

On Campus Session (eXternals only)

Test - externals 

8

Gerry M.  Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

 

9

Carolyn K.  Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

Assignment 4

10

Carolyn K.  Carolyn K. 

Carolyn K. 

 

11

Gerry M.  Gerry M. 

Gerry M.

Assignment 5

12

Gerry M.  Gerry M. 

Gerry M. 

 

13

Revision

Revision

Revision

Assignment 6

STUDY DAYS BEFORE EXAMS

   

optional on campus session (open to all)

 
    EXAM    

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.

Assessment tasks

  • Six assignments
  • Final examination

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Ability to work effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.

Assessment task

  • Six assignments

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Develop an appreciation for the underlying mathematics found in everyday scenes and occurances.
  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.

Assessment tasks

  • Six assignments
  • Two web-based quizzes
  • One Test
  • Final examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Develop an appreciation for the underlying mathematics found in everyday scenes and occurances.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.

Assessment tasks

  • Six assignments
  • Two web-based quizzes
  • One Test
  • Final examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Application of mathematical principles and logical thinking in developing mathematical approaches to solve practical and abstract problems.
  • Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using the methods taught in 106
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106

Assessment tasks

  • Six assignments
  • Two web-based quizzes
  • One Test
  • Final examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage.
  • Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning at the level appropriate for Math106
  • Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
  • Appropriate presentation of information, reasoning and conclusions in both written and spoken form to their peers and their teachers.
  • Ability to work effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.

Assessment tasks

  • Six assignments
  • One Test
  • Final examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Ability to work effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.

Assessment task

  • Six assignments

Extra requirements

In order to obtain a passing grade in this unit, students are required to demonstrate their mastery of the required basic skills and techniques by passing both on-line quizzes. Students who do not meet this requirement will have their grade capped at F 49.

Satisfactory performance on supervised assessment tasks, such as tests and the final exam, is necessary to pass this unit. If there is a significant difference between a student's marks on supervised assessment tasks and on unsupervised assessment tasks, the scaling of these tasks may be adjusted when determining the final grade, to reflect more appropriately that student's performance on supervised tasks.