Self-paced Maths Bridging Courses

MathsStart and MathsTrack

The MLC offers two bridging courses called MathsStart and MathsTrack.

• MathsTrack covers roughly the content in the SACE Stage 2 subject 'Mathematical Studies'.
• MathsStart covers various topics from high school mathematics up to the end of Year 11.

We can discuss with you which is the most appropriate for you, and whether it is necessary to complete the whole of MathsStart before moving onto MathsTrack.
Both courses are self-paced, which means you access the resources yourself when you are ready - so you can start at any time and take as long as you need.

How the courses are set up

• Each course has nine topics.
• The resources for the two courses are presented together in an online learning environment called a Moodle. The Moodle has an area for each topic containing various resources to help you learn the concepts and how to use them. The main resource for each topic is a booklet (in PDF form) which contains explanations, examples and exercises with answers.
• There are no classes and no deadlines - you control the pace and access the resources yourself.
• MLC lecturers are available on weekdays to help you learn. Contact us by phone, email, dropping in or via the online discussion forum on the Moodle.

The two versions of the courses

• Resources Only version: In this version you only get access to the resources for the course. This option is appropriate if you have studied maths in the past and want to refresh your memory, or if you want to fill in gaps in your background knowledge. The Resources Only version of the bridging courses is free.
• Assessment version: In this version there is a formal assessment for each topic and once these are all completed you receive a certificate. The Assessment version of MathsTrack can be used in place of SACE Mathematical Studies as a prerequisite when applying for entry or transfer into University of Adelaide programs. The Assessment version of the bridging courses costs $265.

How to start the courses

• Contact the Maths Learning Centre!
  • We will discuss with you which parts of MathsStart and MathsTrack you need to do, and which of the Resources Only or Assessment versions is the best option.
  • 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.
• Then, you can sign up to the Moodle and begin using the resources (so you start on the Resources Only version of the course).
• If you want to do the Assessment version, this will only start when you request the first assignment from us. An invoice for $265 will be sent after you submit your solutions to this assignment.

Resources Only version of MathsStart and MathsTrack

What you get

• Access to the online resources in the Moodle.
• Help from the MLC lecturers when you need it.

What you don't get

• There is no formal assessment, a certificate of completion is not provided, and you are not able to use the course as a prerequisite for entry or transfer into university programs.

How much it costs

• The Resources Only version of the bridging courses is free.

Assessment version of MathsStart and MathsTrack

What you get

• Access to the online resources in the Moodle.
• Help from the MLS lecturers when you need it.

• Formal assessment.
• A certificate of completion.
• The ability to use the course as a prerequisite for entry or transfer into University of Adelaide programs.
  (Other universities may accept the course as a prerequisite for entry or transfer, but you will need to check.)

The cost

• The Assessment version of the bridging courses costs $265.
• There is no extra cost for doing both MathsStart and MathsTrack.
• An invoice for the $265 will only be sent when you have submitted your first assessment.

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), 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 two business days.
• In total you should expect to take 5 - 8 months to complete the nine topics of MathsTrack assessment (based on working / studying at the same time).