The Year 9 Mathematical Modelling elective is an enrichment subject that provides capable and interested students with an opportunity to study the skills important to mathematicians in research, science and industry. Mathematical modelling is a process in which situations and relationships are developed and described using mathematics.
The topics covered in this subject include:
The mathematical modelling process
Linear and non-linear modelling
Statistical modelling
Techniques for collecting data and using technology to work with large data sets
Evaluating and validating mathematical models
Writing a written report and communicating mathematical solutions and findings to non-mathematical audiences
Applying non-routine measurement techniques to irregular shapes
Population modelling via recurrence relations
Modular arithmetic and its applications in cryptography
Noticing patterns and making conjectures
Proving and disproving conjectures
Students should have an interest in mathematics and be achieving at least Excellent grades in Year 8 Mathematics.
This elective is not a prerequisite for any subject options in later years and does not provide an advantage for entry into the accelerated Year 10 Mathematical Methods pathway.