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Specialist Maths is definitely not for those who don’t like commitment! This course challenges you right from the very first lesson but the rewards that it can give you are worth the time that you put in. We study lots of new concepts (some of which will blow your mind!) Who knew that numbers could be imaginary? That graphs would have boundaries that can never be crossed? That surd is not a dirty word? These ideas are found in the topics studied in Specialist Maths.
NOTE: There is no Year 10 equivalent of Specialist Maths.
Specialist Maths
Specialist Maths
Units 1 & 2
Units 1 & 2
In Unit 1 and 2 Specialist Maths, you will learn how to work with algebra in very complex settings, how to graph the same kind of functions that can be used to represent real life energies like sound, velocity and acceleration, how to work out forces and tensions - just like an engineer would in real life! If you love Maths, your year 10 Methods results are high and you are willing to work hard and complement your year 11 Methods studies, then this is the course for you!
Topic studied include:
Algebra, Number and Structure (proof and number, graph theory, logic and algorithms)
• Discrete Mathematics (Sequences and Series, Combinatorics, Matrices)
Data Analysis, Probability and Statistics (simulation, sampling, sampling distributions)
• Space and Measurement (Trigonometry, transformations, vectors in the plane)
• Algebra Number and Structure (complex numbers)
• Functions, Relations and Graphs (trigonometric identities, reciprocal functions, restricted functions, inverse functions, locus, relations, kinematics)
For further information please refer to page 94 of the St. Joseph's College Subject Information Handbook.
Specialist Maths
Specialist Maths
Units 3 & 4
Units 3 & 4
Students must be studying (or have studied) Units 3 and 4 Maths Methods in order to study Specialist Maths Units 3 and 4. This course provides opportunities to build on the knowledge, skills and understandings gained in Maths Methods. As such, Specialist Maths contains topics in functions and calculus that build on and deepen the ideas presented in the Methods course, as well as demonstrate their application in many areas. The Specialist course also extends understanding and knowledge of statistics and introduces the topics of vectors, kinematics and complex numbers. Even if it is not stipulated as a prerequisite for a specialised university courses such as engineering, physical sciences and mathematics, study of Specialist Maths is strongly recommended as it will make the transition to tertiary education much smoother and provide a solid foundation (and often assumed knowledge).
Topic studied include:
AREAS OF STUDY:
• Discrete mathematics: logic and proof
• Functions, relations and graphs
• Space and Measurement
• Algebra, number and structure
• Differential and integral calculus
• Calculus
• Space and Measurement
• Data analysis, probability and statistics
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers re Units 1 and 2 Specialist Maths
How much harder is Specialist Maths than Maths Methods?
Specialist is definitely harder than Methods in Year 11. Much of this is because nearly all of the things you learn about are new (in comparison to Methods where you have seen some of the topics before). You will need to be sure that you can put the time into both subjects as they often have assessments which are close to each other (around the same time) and this means that you need to be preparing for both of them almost all of the time.
Can I do Specialist Maths but not do Maths Methods?
No, you have to be enrolled in Maths Methods in order to be enrolled in Specialist.
What happens if I do Year 11 Specialist but I decide not to continue in Year 12?
You can either choose to continue with Maths Methods only in Year 12 and choose a non-maths subject to replace Specialist from another area or you can change into Further Maths and do Methods and Further instead. Please remember though, that the content in Further Maths is very different to both Methods and Specialist and you will still need to work hard to catch up with the content that you missed in Year 11.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers re Units 3 and 4 Specialist Maths
Can I do Units 3 & 4 Specialist Maths if I haven’t done (or am doing) Units 3 & 4 Maths Methods?
No… as the background from Units 3 & 4 Maths Methods supports the understanding and skills needed in Units 3 and 4 Specialist Maths
Can I do Units 3 & 4 Specialist Maths if I haven’t done Units 1 & 2 Specialist Maths?
Units 1 & 2 Specialist Maths provides a sound foundation for Units 3 & 4 Specialist Maths, and so it is strongly recommended that students intending to study Units 3 & 4 Specialist Maths have studied at least one of either Units 1 & 2 Specialist Maths.
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