Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Justin Tzou justin.tzou@mq.edu.au Christopher Gordon chris.gordon@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 10
Prerequisites	Prerequisites (HSC Mathematics Advanced Band 4 and above or Extension 1 Band E2 and above or Extension 2 Band E2 and above) or MATH1000 or WFMA0003 or WMAT1000
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status Math 6904
Unit description	Unit description This is the first mainstream university mathematics unit; it is essential for students in engineering and many areas of science. This subject provides an introduction to basic concepts and techniques in linear algebra and calculus. In algebra, topics covered include matrices, systems of linear equations and their applications, including the use of vectors in two and three-dimensional Euclidean geometry and linear optimisation. In calculus, the concept of a function of one variable is explored, and the notions of limit and continuity are developed. The concept of the derivative as a suitable construct to describe rates of change is defined and techniques of differential and integral calculus of functions of a real variable are developed. Some simple differential equations and their role as quantitative models for dynamic processes, are discussed. Students are also introduced to the use of computers in mathematics, and develop modelling and problem solving skills through theoretical and practical problems.

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: Determine solutions to linear systems of equations using matrix tools and techniques.
ULO2: Employ techniques from linear algebra to analyse structures in 2- and 3-D Euclidean space, including vectors, lines and planes.
ULO3: Analyze a mathematical problem using concepts of limits, continuity and differentiability.
ULO4: Utilise the techniques of differentiation and integration with proficiency to a wide range of functions.
ULO5: Evaluate problems from a wide variety of applications and utilise mathematical and computational techniques to solve them.

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must:

Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%, and
Participate in, and undertake all the practice-based activities for a minimum of 10 of the 12 weekly SGTAs.

Late Assessment Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.

The submission time for all uploaded assignments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, including the homework quizzes and midterm tests, please apply for Special Consideration.

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted:

Assignment – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
Homework Quizzes - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted
Midterm Test 1 and 2 - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted

Hurdle Assessment

Practice-based skills for SGTA classes (0%): Development of knowledge and skills requires continual practice. During SGTAs you will practice a range of mathematical techniques. To pass this hurdle assessment, you must be able to demonstrate your progress in developing and communicating knowledge and skills in 10 of the 12 SGTAs. This is a hurdle assessment meaning that failure to meet this requirement may result in a fail grade for the unit. Students are permitted up to two absences: additional absences will require a Special Consideration to be applied for (see below).

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment.

Written Assessments/Quizzes/Tests: If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the written assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through ask.mq.edu.au.

Weekly practice-based tasks for SGTA classes: To pass the unit you need to demonstrate ongoing development of skills and application of knowledge in 10 out of 12 of the weekly SGTA classes. If you miss a weekly practical class due to a serious, unavoidable and significant disruption, contact your convenor ASAP as you may be able to attend another class that week. If it is not possible to attend another class, you should still contact your convenor for access to class material to review in your own time. Note that a Special Consideration should only be applied for if you miss more than two of the weekly SGTA classes.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Matlab Assignment	10%	No	Week 12
Major Test 2	12%	No	Week 11
Weekly Quiz	16%	No	Weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Major Test 1	12%	No	Week 5
Participation in SGTA classess	0%	Yes	Weeks 2-13
Final examination	50%	No	Exam period

Matlab Assignment

Assessment Type ¹: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task ²: 7 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%

The problem set will be aimed at introducing Matlab as a mathematical tool. It will ask students to perform various tasks using Matlab, such as plotting functions, computing derivatives and integrals, performing Gaussian elimination, and solving linear optimisation problems.