Mathematics: Methods

Learning Area Leader: Mr Wilson

Students who wish to study Units 3-4 Mathematical Methods need to have completed Units 1-2 Maths Methods.

Career Paths / Future Directions:

This course is directed towards Mathematical Methods 3-4 in Year 12. It is a pre-requisite for some Tertiary courses. Career paths may include: Banking and Finance, Business, Biological and Physical, Sciences, Computer Programming, Statistics, Education, Engineering, Medicine.

Units 1 and 2 – Mathematical Methods (Code: MATM11; MATM22)

Description

A fully prescribed course of:

• Algebra

• Polynomial, Trigonometric and Exponential Functions and Graphs

• Probability and Combinatorics

• Rates of Change and Calculus

Outcomes

• Define and explain key concepts; apply mathematical routines and procedures.

• Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts.

• Use technology to investigate and solve problems.

Assessment

Demonstration of achievement of the outcomes is based on the student’s performance on a selection of the following tasks:

• Assignments

• Tests and Semester Examinations (some Tests and Examinations will be technology free)

• Summary or review notes

• Projects

• Short written responses

• Problem solving and modelling tasks.

Units 3 and 4 – Mathematical Methods (Code: MATM33; MATM44)

Description

A fully prescribed course of:

• Coordinate geometry

• Polynomial, power, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and graphs

• Calculus

• Algebra

• Probability distributions and functions

Outcomes

• Define and explain key concepts; apply mathematical routines and procedures.

• Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts.

• Use technology to investigate and solve problems.

Units 3 & 4 Assessment

Written Examination 1 22% (No calculators or notes permitted in Examination 1)

Written Examination 2 44% (Calculator and one bound reference permitted in Examination 2)

Units 3 and 4 Coursework 34%

Comments from Current Year 12 Mathematical Methods Students:

“Maths Methods is a serious challenge, which might not sound like fun but it's very satisfying when you get a good result.”

Ethan Bains

“Maths Methods acts as a good stepping stone to more advanced topics in maths that may be covered in some uni courses.”

Drew Blanchfield

“As a prerequisite subject for many university courses, it allows you to keep your options open, more so than any other subject. It is also possible to do very well if you are able to grasp the concepts and interpret the questions to apply processes.”

Liam Collins

“Doing math methods is great as some of the content really helps with understanding topics in other subjects such as Physics and Further Maths“

Jake Dunne

“If you want to do a mathematical subject that will prepare you for numerous aspects of your future Maths Methods is perfect. If you're trying to decide whether to Further Mathematics or Mathematical Methods, from the perspective of someone who does both, I would highly recommend Methods.”

Flynn Wilkins