Mathematics: Specialist

Learning Area Leader: Mr Wilson

Students selecting Unit 3-4 Specialist Mathematics should have completed four (4) Units of Mathematics at Year 11. They also need to complete Maths Methods, Units 3-4. This course is taken in conjunction with Mathematical Methods 1-2. It is necessary as preparation for Specialist Mathematics 3-4, but is also useful as a good foundation for Mathematical Methods 3-4. It focuses on algebraic applications and analysis.

Career Paths / Future Directions:

This course has an emphasis on algebraic applications and analysis, and is directed towards Tertiary courses in Mathematics, Engineering and Physical Sciences. Also: Actuarial, Banking, Business, Computer Programming, Education, Engineering, Government Organisations, Medicine, Statistics

Units 1 and 2 – Specialist Mathematics (Code: MATS11, MATS22)

Description

The areas of study include:

• Arithmetic

• Algebra

• Graphs of linear and non-linear relations

• Geometry and Trigonometry

• Vectors

• Complex Numbers

• Probability

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 Exams (some Tests/Exams will be technology free)

• Summary or review notes; Projects; Short written responses

• Problem solving and modelling tasks

Units 3 and 4 – Specialist Mathematics (Code: MATS33, MATS44)

Description

A fully prescribed course of:

• Functions, relations and graphs

• Algebra; Calculus

• Vectors

• Mechanics

• Probability

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% A calculator and one bound reference permitted in Examination 2

• Units 3 and 4 Coursework 34%

Comments from Current Year 12 Specialist Mathematics Students:

“Specialist can help with Maths Methods because you learn a lot of the same things across both subjects”

Jack Dawson

“In Specialist the concepts are more interesting and complex, and often there are multiple unique and creative ways to solve problems.”

Will Devlin

“Specialist is great to do with Maths Methods, topics will be covered in Spesh with more detail, giving you a head-start in methods.”

James Kalpakoff

“Specialist Maths is perfect if you enjoy a challenge in maths as it involves different ways of thinking when compared to a lot of the Methods work you do.”

Sam Murray

“Specialist is challenging, but it does have easier topics within it as well. Specialist is more application based, you expand on certain topics covered in Methods, and Physics becomes involved as well.”

Ben Robson