MathsTrack: a self-paced Maths Bridging Course

The MLC offers a bridging course called MathsTrack, which covers roughly the content in the SACE Stage 2 subject 'Mathematical Studies'. This course can be used as a prerequisite at the University of Adelaide in place of Mathematical Studies, but also simply to revise the content in high school mathematics.

The course is self-paced which means you access the resources yourself when you are ready and there are no classes or timetables -- so you can start at any time and take as long as you need.

(Previously we also offered a course called MathsStart, which covered various topics from high school mathematics up to the end of Year 11. The resources for this course are still available for personal study.)

Accessing the resources

• All the resources for MathsTrack, and also the MathsStart self-study resources are available on the MLC website: Bridging Course Resources. 
• The main resources are PDF booklets for each of the topics in the course which contain explanations, examples and exercises with answers.
• Anyone is able to access these resources and use them for personal study at any time. You do not need to contact us to use them for personal study, but note that the books are copyright, so we do want you to ask permission to use them to teach students of your own.

Doing the bridging course

How the course is set up

• The course has nine topics.
• The main resources for the course are presented here on the MLC website: Bridging Course Resources. The main resources for each topic are booklets (in PDF form) which contain explanations, examples and exercises with answers.
• There are no classes and no deadlines - you control the pace and access the resources yourself.
• There is an online learning environment called Moodle where you can access further resources and also communicate with the MLC lecturers.
• MLC lecturers are available on weekdays to help you learn. Contact us by phone, email, in person at the MLC Drop-In Centre on campus or via the Moodle.

How to start the course

• In order to start the course, contact the Maths Learning Centre!
  • We will discuss with you whether you need to complete the course at all to achieve your goals, and also whether you should read any of the MathsStart topics as well. 
  • You will need to provide us with contact details such as phone, email and postal address.
  • We will give you the web address of the Moodle and instructions for how to sign up.
• When you are ready for your first assignment, contact us and we will send it to you.
• An invoice for $265 will be sent after you submit your solutions to this first assignment.
• Note that if you only want to use the resources for the bridging course, you do not need to contact us, simply access them from the website: Bridging course resources.

The cost

• The MathsTrack bridging course costs $265.
• An invoice for the $265 will only be sent when you have submitted your first assignment.

How the assessment works

• The formal assessment consists of a written assignment for each topic. You request each assignment from us when you are ready and then submit written solutions by hand, by post, by fax or scanned in an email.
• We will read your assignment solutions and give feedback. We may give you further questions to answer if we need more evidence that you understand the concepts of the topic and how to apply them.
• When we are satisfied with your assignment (and any extra questions), then we record that you have completed that topic of the bridging courses.
• Once all topics are completed, you will receive a certificate of completion, provided payment has been made for the courses.

How long it takes

• For each topic, you should allow at least the following amounts of your own time:
  • 10 - 16 hours for reading the booklet, trying the exercises and asking questions
  • 2 - 4 hours for completing the assignment
  • 2 - 4 hours for completing any extra assignment questions
• You should also allow time for us to respond to your questions. We will make every effort to respond quickly, but we cannot guarantee anything less than three business days.
• In total you should expect to take 5 - 8 months to complete the nine topics of MathsTrack (based on working / studying at the same time).