Mathematics is the study of function and pattern in number, logic, space and structure, and of randomness, chance, variability, and uncertainty in data and events. It is both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic communication that is powerful, logical, concise and precise. Mathematics also provides a means by which people can understand and manage human and natural aspects of the world and interrelationships between these.
VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 provide a course of study for students who wish to undertake an in-depth study of mathematics, with an emphasis on concepts, skills and processes related to mathematical structure, modelling, problem solving and reasoning. This study has a focus on interest in the discipline of mathematics in its own right and investigation of a broad range of applications, as well as development of a sound background for further studies in mathematics and mathematics related fields.
VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 and VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 taken in conjunction provide a comprehensive preparation for VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4.
The areas of study for VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 are:
algebra, number and structure
graph theory
logic and algorithms
discrete mathematics
data analysis, probability and statistics
space and measurement
algebra, number and structure
functions, relations and graphs.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational, real and complex arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations and graphs with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.
This subject is a prerequisite subject for students wanting to study VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4.
Note: a CAS graphics calculator is required (see booklist).
VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 consist of the areas of study:
discrete mathematics
functions, relations and graphs
algebra, number and structure
calculus
space and measurement - vectors
data analysis, probability and statistics.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational, real and complex arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations, graphs, differentiation, anti-differentiation and integration and inference with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.
VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 assume familiarity with the key knowledge and skills from VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2, the key knowledge and skills from VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 topics 'Number systems and recursion' and 'Geometry in the plane and proof', and concurrent or previous study of VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. Together these cover the assumed knowledge and skills for VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, which are drawn on as applicable in the development of content from the areas of study and key knowledge and skills for the outcomes.
Enrolment in VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 assumes a current enrolment in, or previous completion of, VCE Mathematical Methods 3 and 4.
Note: a CAS graphics calculator is required (see booklist).
VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 provide an introductory study of simple elementary functions of a single real variable, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts. They are designed as preparation for VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 and contain assumed knowledge and skills for these units.
The focus of Unit 1 is the study of simple algebraic functions, and the areas of study for VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 are:
functions, relations and graphs
algebra, number and structure
calculus
data analysis, probability and statistics.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations, graphs, differentiation and anti-differentiation with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout the unit as applicable.
This subject is a prerequisite subject for students wanting to study VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 and VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4.
Note: It is recommended students undertaking VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 also undertake VCE General Mathematics Units 1 and 2.
Note: a CAS graphics calculator is required (see booklist).
VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 are completely prescribed and extend the introductory study of simple elementary functions of a single real variable, to include combinations of these functions, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts.
VCE Mathematical Units 3 and 4 consist of the areas of study:
functions, relations and graphs
algebra, number and structure
calculus
data analysis, probability and statistics.
Assumed knowledge and skills for VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 are contained in VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 and will be drawn on, as applicable, in the development of related content from the areas of study, and key knowledge and skills for the outcomes of VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations, graphs, differentiation, anti-differentiation, integration and inference with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.
Note: a CAS graphics calculator is required (see booklist).
VCE General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 provide for different combinations of student interests and preparation for study of VCE General Mathematics at the Units 3 and 4 levels.
The areas of study for VCE General Mathematics Unit 1 and Unit 2 are:
data analysis, probability and statistics
algebra, number and structure
functions, relations and graphs
discrete mathematics.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations and graphs with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic, financial and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.
Note: a CAS graphics calculator is required (see booklist).
VCE General Mathematics Units 3 and 4 focus on real-life application of mathematics and consist of the areas of study ‘Data analysis, probability and statistics’ and ‘Discrete mathematics’.
Unit 3 comprises 'Data analysis and Recursion and financial modelling', and Unit 4 comprises 'Matrices and Networks and decision mathematics'.
Assumed knowledge and skills for VCE General Mathematics Units 3 and 4 are contained in VCE General Mathematics Units 1 and 2, and will be drawn on, as applicable, in the development of related content from the areas of study, and key knowledge and key skills for the outcomes of VCE General Mathematics Units 3 and 4.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations, and graphs. They should have a facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic, financial and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.
Note: a CAS graphics calculator is required (see booklist).
VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2 focus on providing students with the mathematical knowledge, skills, understanding and dispositions to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning, and community settings relevant to contemporary society. They are also designed as preparation for VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 3 and 4 and contain assumed knowledge and skills for these units.
The areas of study for VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2 are:
algebra, number and structure
data analysis, probability and statistics
financial and consumer mathematics
space and measurement.
Assumed knowledge and skills for VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 3 and 4 are contained in VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2 and will be drawn on, as applicable, in the development of related content from the areas of study, and key knowledge and key skills for the outcomes.
The areas of study for VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 3 and 4 are:
algebra, number and structure
data analysis, probability and statistics
financial and consumer mathematics
space and measurement.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, contemporary data displays, diagrams, plans, geometric objects and constructions, algebra, algorithms, measures, equations and graphs, with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, are to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.