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MATH1000 – Introduction to Mathematical Modelling

2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Catherine Penington
Contact via email
12WW 717
Please refer to iLearn
Elena Vynogradova
Christine Hale
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is an elementary unit designed for Engineering, Mathematics and Physics students whose mathematics background has not met the recommended standard for students entering these programs. One half of the unit provides an introduction to the ideas and techniques of differentiation and integration which are pervasive in the theoretical and practical models that underpin areas of science, engineering, economics and technology. The other half of the unit develops the algebraic skills and techniques including exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.

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:

  • ULO1: Perform calculations, including rates of changes and integrals, of elementary functions used in science and economics (including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) and interpret results of these calculations.
  • ULO2: Communicate mathematical concepts, pertaining to foundation level science topics, in a variety of forms including graphically, numerically, in writing and by using equations.
  • ULO3: Apply mathematical reasoning to simple problem solving in the context of elementary algebra and calculus.
  • ULO4: Test mathematical conjectures involving elementary functions.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in the learning process.
  • ULO6: Create, communicate and interpret the content of mathematical models relevant to foundation level science topics.

General Assessment Information

HURDLES: Midterm test performance - A score of 40% or more on the test is required to pass the hurdle. A score between 30% and 40% entitles you to a resit of the test. If a resit is allowed, the required mark is still 40%, and the mark allocated to the assessment is capped at this mark. (So if a mark of 70% is achieved on the resit, a mark of 40% is awarded.)

Students are expected to participate in SGTA classes, either face-to-face or online, at the timetabled time of the class they have registered for. Additional details will be communicated on iLearn. As this is a hurdle requirement, students that are unable to participate in the SGTA class they have registered for must contact the Unit Convenor as a matter of priority.

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION: Assignment submission will be online through the iLearn page. Submit assignments online via the appropriate assignment link on the iLearn page. A personalised cover sheet is not required with online submissions. Read the submission statement carefully before accepting it as there are substantial penalties for making a false declaration.

• Assignment submission is via iLearn. You should upload this as a single scanned PDF file.

• Please note the quick guide on how to upload your assignments provided on the iLearn page.

• Please make sure that each page in your uploaded assignment corresponds to only one A4 page (do not upload an A3 page worth of content as an A4 page in landscape). If you are using an app like Clear Scanner, please make sure that the photos you are using are clear and shadow-free.

• It is your responsibility to make sure your assignment submission is legible.

• If there are technical obstructions to your submitting online, please email us to let us know.

You may submit as often as required prior to the due date/time. Please note that each submission will completely replace any previous submissions. It is in your interests to make frequent submissions of your partially completed work as insurance against technical or other problems near the submission deadline.

LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK: All assessment tasks must be submitted by the official due date and time. In the case of a late submission for a non-timed assessment (e.g. an assignment), if special consideration has NOT been granted, 20% of the earned mark will be deducted for each 24-hour period (or part thereof) that the submission is late for the first 2 days (including weekends and/or public holidays). For example, if an assignment is submitted 25 hours late, its mark will attract a penalty equal to 40% of the earned mark. After 2 days (including weekends and public holidays) a mark of 0% will be awarded. Timed assessment tasks (e.g. tests, examinations) do not fall under these rules.

FINAL EXAM POLICY: It is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is, the final day of the official examination period. The only excuse for not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these special circumstances, you may apply for special consideration via ask.mq.edu.au. If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during this supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation in SGTA classes 0% Yes Weekly
Midterm Test 20% Yes Week 6
Assignment 1 15% No Week 7
Assignment 2 15% No Week 12
Vodcast 10% No Week 13
Final Exam 40% No Examination period

Participation in SGTA classes

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to engage with the unit by participating in SGTA classes.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in the learning process.

Midterm Test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Set of questions with short answers required (using words, numerical analysis, graphs and formulas).

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Perform calculations, including rates of changes and integrals, of elementary functions used in science and economics (including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) and interpret results of these calculations.
  • Communicate mathematical concepts, pertaining to foundation level science topics, in a variety of forms including graphically, numerically, in writing and by using equations.
  • Apply mathematical reasoning to simple problem solving in the context of elementary algebra and calculus.
  • Test mathematical conjectures involving elementary functions.

Assignment 1

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 15%

 

Problems are chosen to explore concepts and techniques learned in the unit. Students will solve the problems using logical mathematical arguments and submit clearly written solutions.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Perform calculations, including rates of changes and integrals, of elementary functions used in science and economics (including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) and interpret results of these calculations.
  • Communicate mathematical concepts, pertaining to foundation level science topics, in a variety of forms including graphically, numerically, in writing and by using equations.
  • Apply mathematical reasoning to simple problem solving in the context of elementary algebra and calculus.
  • Test mathematical conjectures involving elementary functions.
  • Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in the learning process.
  • Create, communicate and interpret the content of mathematical models relevant to foundation level science topics.

Assignment 2

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 15%

 

Problems are chosen to explore concepts and techniques learned in the unit. Students will solve the problems using logical mathematical arguments and submit clearly written solutions.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Perform calculations, including rates of changes and integrals, of elementary functions used in science and economics (including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) and interpret results of these calculations.
  • Communicate mathematical concepts, pertaining to foundation level science topics, in a variety of forms including graphically, numerically, in writing and by using equations.
  • Apply mathematical reasoning to simple problem solving in the context of elementary algebra and calculus.
  • Test mathematical conjectures involving elementary functions.
  • Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in the learning process.
  • Create, communicate and interpret the content of mathematical models relevant to foundation level science topics.

Vodcast

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

 

A 3 to 5 minute vodcast, prepared in a group of 3-4 students, presenting a mathematical model utilizing content taught in the unit.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Perform calculations, including rates of changes and integrals, of elementary functions used in science and economics (including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) and interpret results of these calculations.
  • Communicate mathematical concepts, pertaining to foundation level science topics, in a variety of forms including graphically, numerically, in writing and by using equations.
  • Apply mathematical reasoning to simple problem solving in the context of elementary algebra and calculus.
  • Test mathematical conjectures involving elementary functions.
  • Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in the learning process.
  • Create, communicate and interpret the content of mathematical models relevant to foundation level science topics.

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Examination period
Weighting: 40%

 

This will be an invigilated exam, held during the final exam period. The students will required to demonstrate understanding of concepts in calculus and algebra, implement mathematical techniques to solve problems in a wide variety of applications, and communicate mathematical ideas in writing.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Perform calculations, including rates of changes and integrals, of elementary functions used in science and economics (including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) and interpret results of these calculations.
  • Communicate mathematical concepts, pertaining to foundation level science topics, in a variety of forms including graphically, numerically, in writing and by using equations.
  • Apply mathematical reasoning to simple problem solving in the context of elementary algebra and calculus.
  • Test mathematical conjectures involving elementary functions.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Delivery Two 1-hour online lectures per week. (1 hour in the calculus stream, and 1 hour in the algebra stream). There are no repeat lectures. One 1-hour Small Group Teaching Activity (SGTA) per week, starting in week 2.

Resources No single book covers the content of MATH1000 precisely. Each of the following books contains material useful and relevant to the unit. Main textbook (highly recommended but not compulsory) Calculus - single & multivariable, Hughes-Hallett, Gleason & McCallum (7th edition), John Wiley. See http://www.wileydirect.com.au/buy/calculus-single-multivariable-7th-edition/

The library allow you to download a significant portion of the book. On the "advanced search" link for multisearch, put in the title "calculus" and the author "hughes-hallett", and it is the first result. (You will see "7 versions of this record exist.") Choosing the seventh edition takes you to where you can obtain online access, and download or view pdfs.

As indicated by the title, the text is predominantly calculus. However, Chapter 1 contains excellent material for the algebra part of the unit, covering exponentials, logarithms, trigonometry, and polynomials. Later sections in the text cover geometric series.

Recommended books

1. Active Prelude to Calculus by Boelkins. Extensive videos here.

2. Active Calculus by Boelkins et al

3. Modeling Life by Garfinkel et al (free download from Macquarie University internet connection)

4. MUMS modules. Material from the Numeracy Centre.

5. Precalculus by Stitz and Zeager. See 3rd corrected edition.

6. Calculus by Strang

Unit Schedule

Week Algebra Calculus Assessment Due
1 Notation. Modelling & Algebraic Skills Lines.  
2 Algebraic Skills Functions.  
3 Quadratics Functions.  
4 Proportionality, Exponentials Differential calculus: Limits, First Principals      
5 Logarithms Rules of differentiation, Second derivative, Tangents, Normals, Chain rule  
6 Trigonometry Derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions, Applications of Differential calculus Midterm Test
7 Trigonometry Applications of Differential calculus, Stationary points Assignment 1
8 Trigonometry Stationary points, Modelling  
9 Polynomials Derivatives of trigonometric functions, Curves sketching  
10 Inequalities Integral Calculus: Antiderivatives, Indefinite integral, Substitution  
11 Sequences Integral Calculus: Upper & lower sums, Definite integral, Fundamental Theorem of Integral calculus  
12 Series Substitution, Areas, Modelling Assignment 2
13 Revision Revision Vodcast

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

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


Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook