35010 Foundation Mathematics
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Anti-requisite(s): 25622 Quantitative Business Analysis AND 33130 Mathematical Modelling 1 AND 33190 Mathematical Modelling for Science AND 33230 Mathematical Modelling 2 AND 33290 Statistics and Mathematics for Science AND 33401 Introductory Mathematical Methods AND 35101 Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems AND 35102 Introduction to Analysis and Multivariable Calculus AND 37131 Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems AND 37132 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis and Modelling
Description
Quantitative knowledge and skills are fundamental to many disciplines and many professions. This subject aims to provide students with opportunities to acquire essential knowledge and skills in fundamental quantitative areas including basic algebra, functions and calculus. This subject aims to increase students' confidence in the basic mathematics topics to ensure smooth and confident transition to further quantitative subjects in their chosen area of study.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | apply fundamental concepts of mathematics to solve problems in their chosen area of study |
|---|---|
| 2. | use mathematical, engineering and scientific terminology and symbols to define concepts |
| 3. | recognise different representations of the same concept, such as algebraic and graphical |
| 4. | apply mathematical knowledge and skills in a variety of situations, in both familiar and new contexts |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary knowledge
Activities in this subject develop practical skills related to algebra, functions and calculus that are considered fundamental and are required in subsequent technical subjects. Students who attain a solid understanding of these fundamentals will be able to make a confident transition to the study of other technical areas in their chosen discipline.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Students are encouraged to apply the practical skills related to algebra, functions and calculus in variety of contexts including applications to real-world problems. Thus the students learn how to approach new unseen problems, how to develop the solution strategy and decide what skills are required for solution.
Teaching and learning strategies
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject is delivered online with:
- Each week: Two 150 minute guided problem-solving activities delivered on campus and online via ZOOM;
- Each week starting from week 4: 50 min online Basic Skills Tests that are conducted during the allocated time for a computer lab.
It is expected that all students participate in the set activities during the scheduled time-slots.
Guided problem-solving activities: students are introduced to new topics and shown of examples in a variety of contexts. The students are also given an opportunity to solve a few problems on their own and obtain a feedback on their solutions from their peers and the class teacher.
Homework: sets of practice questions are available on MyMathLab software platform for each of the topics discussed during the guided problem-solving activities, and these sets are made available for students to practise gradually through semester thus encouraging self-paced learning and revision of the material as required. The feedback is immediate, and online study tools such step-by-step solution guide "Help me solve this" and "Show me an example" are available for students, thus enhancing their learning experience.
Basic Skills tests are online tests conducted during computer labs. The tests assess the fundamental concepts and techniques of the subject. Basic Skills tests ensure that all students have an opportunity to learn and achieve an adequate level of competency in the subject’s content. Marking and feedback are immediate. The students have the opportunity to target the topics requiring extra attention, and are provided with a second opportunity to demonstrate their Basic Skills - the recommended level is to achieve at least 50% of the available marks.
See the UTS Timetable for locations and available timeslots: http://timetable.uts.edu.au/
Content (topics)
- Algebra
- Functions
- Polynomial Functions
- Geometry
- Trigonometric Functions
- Calculus
- Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
- Introduction to Sequences and series
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Basic Skills Tests
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | Duration: Basic Skills Test 1 - 50 min; Basic Skills Test 2 - 50 min; Basic Skills Test 3 - 50 min. |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 2: Homework
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Duration 2 hours |
| Criteria: |
|
Minimum requirements
To pass the subject students must obtain at least 50% overall mark for the subject after conclusion of all assessments.
Required texts
Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus, A.J.Washington, 11th edition
References
• UTS Mathematics Bridging Book. Smith, Narelle, UTS 2011.
• Any HSC textbook, 2 unit or higher, would also prove very useful for this course.
Other resources
UTSOnline site - Foundation Mathematics
MyMathLab software platform by Pearson