Introduction to Mathematics (MAST10012)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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Students will strengthen and develop algebraic and conceptual skills, building a firm mathematical base for MAST10005 Calculus 1.
Fundamental concepts about number systems and set theory will be followed by introductory counting principles and techniques. These will be applied to the laws of probability, leading to the study of discrete and continuous random variables. Basic ideas about functions and their inverses will be introduced using examples such as the logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions. Differential and integral calculus will be studied with applications to graph sketching and optimization problems. Students will also learn integration techniques, with applications to areas between curves.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Understand fundamental concepts of number systems and counting techniques and be able to use logic and set notation;
  • Understand the concept of a mathematical function, domain, range and inverse function;
  • Be able to apply transformations and the ideas of sum, difference, product and composite functions to graphing polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and circular functions;
  • Understand the derivative as a limit and use the product, quotient and chain rules of differentiation with polynomial, circular, exponential and logarithmic functions and apply these techniques to graph sketching and optimisation problems;
  • Understand the process of integration as anti-differentiation and be able to find definite and indefinite integrals of polynomials, exponential and circular functions with application to calculating the area of a region under a curve and between curves;
  • Understand the fundamental concepts of probability and be able to calculate probabilities for discrete and continuous random variables, including binomial and normal probabilities.

Generic skills

In addition to learning specific mathematical skills, students will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any career path. These include:

  • Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
  • Analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
  • Collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;
  • Time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Successful completion of VCE Mathematical Methods 1/2 or equivalent

OR

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10017 Fundamentals of Mathematics No longer available

OR

Subject Coordinator approval

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Students with a study score of 25 or more in VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4 or equivalent will not be permitted to enrol in this subject for credit.

This subject is not available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

Semester 1

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Attendance

Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend at least 16 out of 22 practice classes to be eligible for assessment.		During the teaching periodN/A

Six to eight assignments (written or online) due at regular intervals amounting to a total of up to 40 pages (Up to one half of the assignment based assessment will be completed online)

  • 40 pages
During the teaching period15%

A written mid-semester test

  • 45 minutes
Mid semester15%

A written examination

  • 3 hours
During the examination period70%

Additional details

 

 

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorSally Kuhlmann
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week, 2 x one hour practice classes per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024
    Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024
    Census date 3 April 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024
    Assessment period ends21 June 2024

    Semester 1 contact information

    s.kuhlmann@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025