Students

MATH123 – Mathematics 123

2015 – MQC2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Matthew Tydd
Contact via matthew.tydd@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to a range of mathematical techniques from algebra and calculus. Its focus is on the modern application of these ideas, with a particular emphasis on applications to problems in economics, business and finance, and provides a sound mathematical basis for further study in these areas. Topics include algebra relevant to basic financial mathematics, the development of the techniques of differentiation and integration with applications to constrained and unconstrained optimisation, including multivariable cases, and the development and application of a variety of useful approximation techniques. A key focus of the unit is the development of a clear understanding of the role that mathematics plays in modern society, and the development of a sound grasp of how mathematics is used to provide sophisticated modelling of complex real problems.
While the mathematical content of this unit has considerable overlap with the mathematical content of MATH130, the flavour with which the material is presented is such that this unit is the appropriate choice for economics, business and finance students, while students who wish to pursue study in science will be better served by studying MATH130.

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:

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Five in class quizes 10% Wk3, Wk5, Wk7, Wk9, Wk12
Two Tests 15% Week 5, Week 9
Assignment 15% Week 11
Final examination 60% University Examination Period
Quizes 0% see the iLearn site

Five in class quizes

Due: Wk3, Wk5, Wk7, Wk9, Wk12
Weighting: 10%

The five in class quizes will be short (20-30 minutes duration) directly related to the material covered in the period immediately preceding them.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Two Tests

Due: Week 5, Week 9
Weighting: 15%

Each of these tasks will consist of a one hour in-class closed book test. The first will focus on the material from weeks 1 to 5 and the second on the material from weeks 5 to 9.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assignment

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 15%

A 1500 word essay on mathematical modelling. The details and task descriptors are on iLearn as well as a list of suggested topics.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Final examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 60%

A three hour closed book test comprehensively examining course content.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Quizes

Due: see the iLearn site
Weighting: 0%

The purpose of the quizes is to provide computational practice and to see a variety of problem types.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Lectures: you should attend two hours of each lecture stream each week, making a total of four hours.

Tutorials: you should attend one tutorial each week.

Workshops: available for students wanting to see more examples and ask further questions. Attendance is strongly recommended.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

 The main recommended text for this unit is

  • Jacques: Mathematics for Economics and Business, 7th edition

Additional required online notes for MATH123 are available for download on

You should download and study these.

The online notes are intended primarily as a source of reference. These are not intended to be treated as the only source for learning.

The same material is covered in many texts. You should try several of these, adopting one which suits your personal style of learning.

The following texts are also recommended for this unit, and are available from the CO-OP Bookshop on campus, and are in the reference section of the Library.

  • Stewart, Redlin and Watson; Precalculus: mathematics for calculus, 5th edition
  • Hughes-Hallett and Gleason; Calculus: single and multivariable, 4th edition

Other similar texts are available in the Library, and for reference in the Numeracy Centre (C5A 225).

Additional Notes

  • Numeracy Centre notes on introductory concepts and techniques that are assumed knowledge for MATH123. These notes also cover some of the material in MATH123. Students who have not studied maths for several years, or who did HSC General Mathematics often find these notes helpful.

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 in the Numeracy Centre (C5A 255).

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

 

 

Unit Schedule

 

Week

Algebra

Calculus

1

Calculators, decimals, Fractions, real numbers (Jacques 1.1, 1.2)

Graphs (Cooper Ch1)

2

Expansions and Factorisation (Jacques 1.1, 1.2, 1.6)

The xy-plane (Cooper Ch2, Jacques 1.3)

3

Powers, Linear equations (Jacques 1.4)

Differentiation (Cooper Ch3, Jacques 4.1, 4.2, 4.4)

4

Linear and Quadratic equations (Jacques 2.1, 2.2)

Marginals, Tangents and Normals (Cooper Ch4, Jacques 4.1, 4.3)

5

Linear and Quadratic equations (Jacques 2.1, 2.2)

Maxima and Minima (Cooper Ch5, Jacques 4.6)

6

exp and log functions (Jacques 2.3, 2.4)

Partial Diff. and Optimisation (

7

exp and log functions (Jacques 2.3, 2.4)

Integration (Cooper Ch7, Jacques 6.1,6.2)

8

Inequalities, absolute value (Jacques 2.3)

Calc. of Exp and Log Functions (Cooper Ch7, Jacques 4.8)

9

Progressions: arithmetic and geometric (Jacques 3.3)

Lagrange Multipliers (Cooper Ch8, Jacques 5.1-5.6)

10

Applications of GPs to finance (Jacques 3.1, 3.2, 3.4)

Newton's Method (Cooper Ch9)

11

Matrices (Jacques 7.1, 7.2)

Numerical Integration (Cooper Ch11)

12

Matrices and Linear Equations (Jacques 7.1, 7.2)

Differential Equations (Cooper Ch12)

13

Revision  

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lectures

4 lectures per week

Tutorial

1 tutorial per week

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

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Two Tests
  • Assignment
  • 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

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Two Tests
  • Assignment
  • Final examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment
  • Quizes

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

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Two Tests
  • Assignment
  • Final examination
  • Quizes

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

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Two Tests
  • Assignment
  • 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

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Two Tests
  • Assignment
  • Final examination
  • Quizes

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

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Understanding logical arguments and recognising any gaps or faults in such arguments.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Two Tests
  • Assignment
  • 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 outcomes

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment tasks

  • Five in class quizes
  • Assignment
  • Final examination

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Solving problems, including: - formulating a precise mathematical question from a "real world" problem; - identifying and applying appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Expressing yourself clearly and logically.

Assessment task

  • Assignment

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 all six 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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
10/07/2015 Fixed broken links