Unit Code:

MATH099

Unit Title:

Foundations of Mathematics

Semester:

Semester 1 2016

Program(s):

Diploma of Engineering,
Diploma of Commerce (Actuarial Studies, Finance)

Pre-Requisites:

HSC Mathematics

Credit Points:

3 credit points

Duration:

1 semester

Unit Supervisor:

Judyth Hayne

Document modified:

20/01/2016

Teaching Team:
Contact details and consultation hours of lecturers and tutors will be advised in class and via the SIBT Learning
Site at the beginning of semester.
Name
Email address
Judyth Hayne
Dr Ken Ly

Judyth.hayne@learning.sibt.nsw.edu.au
ken.ly@learning.sibt.nsw.edu.au

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

11

1. Welcome
1.1 Purpose
Math099 provides you with opportunities to acquire essential knowledge and skills in mathematics in areas
including algebra, functions, calculus and trigonometry. This unit provides a solid foundation for further studies
and a basic understanding of the mathematics which underlies much of the theory in fields such as Engineering,
technology, finance, economics and mathematical statistics. You will gain experience in solving problems which
may be applied to your area of study.
This unit is intended for students who have not achieved a satisfactory standard of mathematics in a calculus
based course such as Extension 1 Mathematics at HSC level in NSW. (For content of this course go to
boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au).
Math099 counts as a core unit towards SIBTs Diploma of Engineering. It may be an elective for other courses
such as Diploma of Commerce.

1.2 Student Workload

The expected student workload per week for this unit comprises of:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshop
Online study
Personal Study
Total:

2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
2 hour
4 hours
12 hours

1.2 Mode of Delivery

The lectures and tutorial session times will be advised via your personal SIBT timetable. The online study will
generally be done out of class. Online study will include the use of Mathspace program and other online
resources to complete self-directed learning in assigned topics and some assignment work.

1.4 Learning Support

SIBT is committed to providing additional academic assistance to students to maximise their opportunity to
successfully complete units of study. Learning Advisors conduct regular workshops in skill areas essential to
studies. These include: time management, goal setting, essay preparation, examination techniques, academic
writing skills and Maths. Further information on programs available can be accessed on the SIBT Learning Site
or by asking the SIBT staff on reception.

1.5 Specialist Facilities

A scientific non programmable scientific calculator is required. Graphics calculators are not allowed nor
calculators with a run, exe, prog or calc button.
Students will need access to the internet for online study. Students may use SIBT computer labs for this purpose
if they do not have access to the internet otherwise.

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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2. Academic details
2.1 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.

Apply algebra skills to manipulate and solve algebraic expressions and equations;

2.

Apply an understanding of theoretical models to solving real life problems;

3.

Summarize information in problem solving situations;

4.

Identify alternative approaches to solving problems thus developing creative and innovative thinking
skills; and

5.

Use independent learning skills to develop greater understanding of topics in mathematics and bridge
gaps in your knowledge.

2.2 Graduate Signature Capabilities

SIBT programs are designed to develop a set of capabilities that will assist graduates in further studies or the
workforce.

1. Discipline Knowledge and Skills

articulating basic facts, concepts and rules of discipline practice

applying theories and procedures to real or hypothetical scenarios

making links between theory and practice (developing professional identify/

judgement)

2. Organisation Skills

developing skills of a self-directed learner, taking responsibility for planning and goal
setting, time management

being systematic in finding, summarizing, organising and referencing sources of

information for a purpose

completing tasks successfully on time and with given resources

3. Critical Thinking Skills

diagnosing and solving problems by identifying requirements

researching, analysing and evaluating information

combining processes and ideas to propose solutions, integrative thinking)

4. Collaboration Skills

working with others respectfully, ethically and positively

negotiating roles, responsibilities, contributions

contributing discipline knowledge and interpersonal skills to team outcomes

5. Communication Skills

conveying ideas effectively in English, appropriate for academic or professional

contexts

choosing appropriate tools, technologies and formats

structuring and presenting an argument in written, visual or verbal forms

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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Specifically, this unit prioritises the following signature capabilities and performance is evaluated in the
assessment tasks listed at section 2.5 of:
1.
3.

Discipline Knowledge and Skills and

Critical Thinking Skills.

2.3 Weekly Teaching Schedule

Week

Lecture Topic

Activities

Fundamentals, graphs, absolute value, coordinate geometry.

Functions, composition, basic algebra.

Tutorial 1

Linear functions, simultaneous equations, power functions and

transformation of functions. Building theoretical models from data or
descriptions.

Tutorial 2
Textbook
reference: 1.1, 1.3
Class test 1

Matrices. Exponential functions, quadratics. Also further

transformations.

Tutorial 3
Textbook
reference:1.2, 1.6
Online quiz 1

Exponentials, the number e, asymptotes, limits, logarithms.

Tutorial 4
Textbook
reference: 1.4, 1.8

Rate of change, exponential growth and decay, trigonometry (sine

and cosine rules, three dimensional trigonometry and applications)

Tutorial 5
Textbook
reference: 2.1, 1.5
Online quiz 2

Quadratic functions. Rate of change, introduction to the derivative,

geometric interpretation of the derivative. Geometric and arithmetic
sequences and their applications to finance and repeating decimals.
This topic will be self- taught by the students using Mathspace

Tutorial 6
Textbook
reference: 2.2

Tangent lines, linear approximations and applications of the

derivative.
Mid semester examination.

Tutorial 7
Textbook
reference: 2.2
Online quiz 3

Rules for differentiation. Sketching graphs of the derivative function.

Derivatives of polynomials, exponentials and trigonometric functions.
.

Tutorial 8
Textbook
reference: 3.1-3.3,
3.5

Concavity. Optimisation problems, marginality, modelling and

physical applications of the derivative function. Rules for
differentiation continued. Applications of calculus to the physical
world.

Tutorial 9
Textbook
reference: 4.1-4.4,
App C
Online quiz 4

10

Introduction to integration, Riemann sums and numerical integration.

Properties of the definite integral, the Fundamental Theorem of
Calculus

Tutorial 10
Textbook
reference: 5.1-5.3,
7.5

11

Further integration. Applications of integration.

Tutorial 11
Textbook
reference: 5.3, 7.1
Online quiz 5

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

44

Week

Lecture Topic

Activities

12

Introduction to Vectors

Tutorial 12
Textbook
reference: App D
Sample paper

13

Revision for the Final Examination

Revision sample
paper

2.4 Prescribed and recommended reading

Hughes-Hallett, D., McCallum W, Gleason A, et.al, 2015, Calculus: single and multivariables, John
Wiley, 6th edition, USA..

2.5 Assessment
Assessment Task

Week of
Assessment

Weighting

Learning Outcomes
Assessed

SIBT
Signature
Capabilities

Diagnostic test

0%

Presentations in tutorials

Throughout
semester

10%

1, 3, 4, 5

1, 2, 4, 5

Assignment

5, 9, 12

15%

1,2,3,5

1,2,3

Mid semester exam

15%

1,2,3

1, 3

Online quizzes.

1-13

10%

1, 5

2, 3

Final Exam

Exam period

50%

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 3

Assessment Task Details

Diagnostic Test
There will be a short diagnostic test in Week 1, during the tutorial. The test will count for 0% of your grade and
will cover prerequisite material for the course.
Presentations in tutorials
You will be given a question during one of the tutorials to present to the class the following week. You may
choose to present the solution to this question using the whiteboard, a video made prior to class or perhaps using
your laptop. You may be required to answer questions arising from your solution.
This will required of you on two occasions during semester.
Special consideration for absence will only apply if the SIBT requirements are satisfied.
Assignments
There will be three homework assignments which will count for a combined 15% of the total grade for the course.
Assignments 1, 2, and 3 are to be submitted, with a cover sheet, by 5:30pm in the week that they are due, to your
tutor.
You are expected to turn in your own work. Working together is useful, but any collaborative efforts should be
written up separately. Blatant copying may result in zero marks.
A part of each assignment may be an online assignment which will be done out of class using the online material
as required.

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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Exam procedure

At both the midterm exam and the final exam you will be required to bring your SIBT student card.
All instructions at the examination must be followed. In particular, you may be instructed to not turn over
your exam until instructed, or to wait outside the examination room until allowed in, or to stop writing.
Failure to follow an instruction can result in a penalty, such as being awarded a 0 mark.

Mid semester Exam

There will be a 1.5 hour long midterm in the 7th week, during lecture time, which will count for 15% of the total
grade for the course.
The midterm exam will be based on the material covered in the lectures during the first six weeks, the first
homework assignment and the first six tutorials.
You are allowed to take into the exam a crib sheet which is a sheet of A4 paper on which you can write anything
you wish on one side. The sheet to be used can be picked up in class or from the SIBT office a week before the
exam. If both sides of the sheet are written on it will be confiscated; the side you can write on is the side on which
your name is printed.
Online quizzes
The online quizzes will count for 10% of the total grade for the course. These will be done using online resources
such as the online component of the textbook. A login for these quizzes will be supplied by SIBT.
Final Exam
There will be a three hour final exam at the end of the course which will count for 50% of the total grade for the
course. It will be comprehensive and include material from all thirteen weeks of the course including lectures,
homework assignments, and tutorials.
Exams will contain problems similar to the homework questions although more difficult problems from the
homework will be broken into small pieces for the exam. You will also be asked to give some definitions and
slight modifications of examples from sections of the book not covered in lectures may appear on the exam.
The course is divided between algebra and calculus. A reasonable level of competence is expected from each
part into order to pass the course.
You are allowed to take into the exam a crib sheet which is a sheet of A4 paper on which you can write anything
you wish on one side. The sheet to be used can be picked up in class or from the SIBT office a week before the
exam. If both sides of the sheet are written on it will be confiscated; the side you can write on is the side on which
your name is printed.
Example questions of the kind to be encountered in the final examination will be provided to aid the revision
process. These will be representative both of the content of the current offering and of the style of question in the
final examination paper. Where appropriate, these may be taken from the final examination paper for a previous
offering of the unit. Possible correct answers to these kinds of questions will be discussed, and guidance on how
to answer questions of the style given will be provided.

2.6 Submitted assessments

Assessments that are to be submitted need to be handed to the relevant teaching staff at the designated lesson
in the week that the assessment is due.
An Assignment Cover Sheet (available on the SIBT Learning Site or at SIBT reception) must be attached to the
hardcopy assessment to be submitted. Following approval, via Special Consideration arrangements, late
submissions can be handed in to SIBT reception.
Students must keep a backup copy. Students must also submit an electronic copy with any assessment task
worth > 10%.
If a student is unable to submit an assignment by the due date they must apply to a student adviser for an
extension.

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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2.7 Satisfactory completion of the unit

To satisfactorily complete the unit, you must:

have a satisfactory result overall in the assessment tasks; and

if the result on the final examination is not satisfactory, a Fail grade will be awarded.

3. Additional Unit Information

3.1 SIBT Policies and Procedures
For details on SIBTs Policies
http://www.sibt.nsw.edu.au/policies

and

Procedures

please

refer

to

the

SIBT

Learning

Site:

3.2 Special Consideration

SIBT recognises that a students performance in assessment tasks or examinations may be affected by
compassionate or compelling circumstances. Special Consideration Policy allows for reasonable adjustment to
the standard assessment requirements and ensures equitable assessment for all students.
The Special Consideration circumstances surrounding disruption to study must be of at least three (3)
consecutive days duration, or an acute instance within a study period, and prevent completion of an assessment
task or final examination.
For more information please refer to SIBTs Special Consideration Policy: http://www.sibt.nsw.edu.au/policies

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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3.3 Grades
Final marks and grades are subject to confirmation by the SIBT Examinations Committee which may adjust,
modify or otherwise amend the marks and grades for the unit, as may be required by SIBT policies. SIBTs
Examinations Committee has a set of guidelines on the distribution of grades across the range from Fail to High
Distinction. Final results will include a grade.
Grade

Numeric
value
for GPA

Range

Description

HD

High
Distinction

85 -100

Complete and comprehensive understanding of the unit

content; development of relevant skills to a comprehensive
level; demonstration of insight in interpretation, analysis
and intellectual initiative; and achievement of all major and
minor objectives of the unit.

Distinction

75-84

Very high level of understanding of the course unit;

development of relevant skills to a very high level;
demonstration of a very high level of interpretive and analytical
ability and intellectual initiative; and achievement of all major
and minor objectives of the unit.

CR

Credit

65-74

High level of understanding of unit content development of

relevant skills to a high level; demonstration of a high level of
interpretive and analytical ability; and achievement of all major
objectives of the unit; some minor objectives not fully achieved.

Pass

50-64

Adequate understanding of most of the basic unit content;

development of relevant skills to a satisfactory level; adequate
interpretive and analytical ability; and achievement of most of
all the major objectives of the unit; some minor objectives not
achieved.

Fail

0-49

An unsatisfactory quality of performance or standard of

learning achievement. There was evidence of achievement of
desired learning outcomes below the passing standard.

Satisfactory

50-100

Provides evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes,

within the context of a Pass/Fail unit.

Withdrawn

Withdrawal from a unit prior to the academic census date. This

is NOT counted as failure but is an administrative record of a
students initial enrolment in this unit. It is not included in GPA
calculations.

WF

Withdrawn Fail

Withdrawal from a unit after the academic census date with

academic penalty.

EX

Exempt

Recognition of prior learning resulting in an exemption from

undertaking the unit.

FA

Fail Absent

Required assessment tasks within the unit are not completed

and the student has not withdrawn. It is included in the GPA
calculation.

Note that your raw coursework and exam scores cannot be used directly to calculate your standardized mark or
to determine your final grade. The process of assigning grades involves moderating the performance indicated by
your raw scores against the academic standards.

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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3.4 Improvements based on feedback

Student feedback plays a vital role in improving the quality and educational effectiveness of SIBT units and in
ensuring academic staff keep in touch with student needs. Each semester you may be given the opportunity to
complete a Student Evaluation of Unit (SEU) questionnaire to assess the unit. You may also have the
opportunity to complete a Student Evaluation on Teaching (SET) questionnaire to provide feedback on individual
teaching staff.
SIBT values student feedback in order to improve the quality of its educational programs. As well as the student
feedback, SIBT also instigates improvements based on other feedback by the Unit Supervisor and Teaching
staff.
Changes since the last offering of this unit:

Unit has been restructured and readings have been updated; and
Additional tutorial exercises related to the current weeks tutorial homework have been linked to SIBT
Learning Site for further practice.

3.5 Attendance
For you to be successful in this unit, it is an SIBT requirement that you participate in scheduled activities. There
are regular on campus sessions and also activities in our online space, the SIBT Learning Site. To ensure that
your academic performance is maintained, attendance is recorded electronically for each class.
For more information, refer to SIBTs Attendance Policy and Course Progression policy on the SIBT Learning
Site: http://www.sibt.nsw.edu.au/policies

3.6 Academic Honesty

SIBT students are expected to read and comply with the SIBT Academic Honesty Policy and the SIBT Code of
Conduct. These can both be found in the Policy Library on the SIBT website. This means that:

all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim;
all academic collaborations are acknowledged;
academic work is not falsified in any way;
when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately;
students are expected to behave honestly during examinations.

For more information refer to SIBTs Academic Honesty Policy and the SIBT Code of Conduct on the SIBT
Learning Site: http://www.sibt.nsw.edu.au/policies

Unit Guide: MATH099 Foundations of Mathematics

Implementation: Semester 1 2016

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