CAL3: Calculus

Most people don't sit down on a daily basis with a pen and paper, solving integration and differentiation problems to be able to live their daily lives. A lot of the people on Earth, however, use things that were created by the application of calculus.

A few examples of the applications of calculus in scientific fields are mentioned below:

• Space exploration: In order for people and equipment to be safe on their journeys, many calculations are made. The orbits of planets, gravitational forces of the sun, moon, and other bodies are computed; speed, acceleration, and distances need to be known and these things need to be very accurate.

• Telecommunication: Satellites are part of our daily lives. Things like the TV, radio, and the Internet very often use satellites to transmit information. The satellites had to get up there in the first place and in addition to that calculus is also used in the processes in the telecom industry.

• Computer Science: Calculus is used for scientific computing, computer games, image processing, machine learning, networks, and many software programs,

• Engineering: Not one of the fields in engineering would probably exist today if there was no calculus. A few examples are structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and biomedical engineers all making use of calculus.

• Medicine: Medical tests, cancer treatment, epidemiology, surgery, cardiology, neurology, pharmacology, parasitology, and medical research all make use of calculus in some form.

• Business: There are applications of calculus in economics, finance, and even credit card payments.

• Meteorology: Weather patterns are calculated and predicted using calculus. These things are important for agriculture, weather warnings, and assisting with disasters.

• Music: Calculus is used in harmonics and acoustics to provide the best listening experience possible.

Basically it is the first step to being a Rocket Scientist.

In Calculus ākonga will be exposed to higher levels of differentiation and integration skills and some more, different,  applications of these branches of Mathematics. Ākonga will further develop their mathematical ability and their critical thinking skills.  

Ākonga will learn to solve systems of equations, develop higher level differentiation and integration skills, be exposed to critical path analysis (which helps with Project Management), delve deeper into the joy of trigonometry and, if there is time, begin working with complex numbers. 

Ākonga are assessed both internally and externally.

They will do:

• Standard 91587 Apply systems of simultaneous equations in solving problems (internal)

• Standard 91575 Apply trigonometric methods in solving problems (internal)

• Standard 91576 Use critical path analysis in solving problems (internal)

• Standard 91578 Apply differentiation methods in solving problems (external)

• Standard 91579 Apply integration methods in solving problems (external)

And time allowing:

• Standard 91577 Apply the algebra of complex numbers in solving problems (external)

UE and subject endorsement are both available for this course.

Ākonga would benefit from having: 

• The Level 3 Calculus Learning Workbook

Graphics calculators, chromebooks, rulers, pens and an exercise book are all necessary items for this course.