TECH 1001 - Mathematics for Technology

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

In this course students will learn the fundamental mathematical tools needed in areas such as mechanics , electrical systems, materials, Al etc. The emphasis of the course is on the applications of these tools in technology. Topics covered in the course include topics from Algebra (solution of equations, trigonometry, complex numbers), Calculus (functions and graphs, review of differentiation, rates of change and differential equations, integration techniques and applications) and Geometry (vectors and curves) .

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TECH 1001
    Course Mathematics for Technology
    Coordinating Unit Centre for STEM Education and Innovation
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least a C- in SAGE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods or 4 in International Baccalaureate Mathematics SL
    Incompatible ECON 1005, ECON 1010, MATHS 1009, MATHS 1010 and MATHS 1013
    Restrictions Only Available to students in the Bachelor of Technology
    Assessment Ongoing assessment, exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Stuart Johnson

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate understanding of and proficiency with introductory concepts in mathematics, relating to functions, vectors, linear equations, matrices, differential and integral calculus, and differential equations.
    2. Employ methods related to these concepts in a variety of applications.
    3. Apply logical thinking to problem-solving in context.
    4. Use appropriate technology to aid problem solving.
    5. Demonstrate skills in writing mathematics.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    all
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    A set of Outline Lecture Notes will be available as a PDF on the MyUni site for this course. These notes will be used during lectures. (More specific details will be provided on MyUni.)

    There are no required textbooks for this course.
    Online Learning

    This course uses MyUni extensively and exclusively for providing electronic resources, such as lecture notes, computer practicals and practice quizzes. Students should make appropriate use of these resources. MyUni can be accessed here: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/

    This course also makes use of online assessment software for mathematics called Mobius, which we use to provide students with instantaneous formative feedback. Further details about using Mobius will be provided on MyUni.

    Students are also reminded that they need to check their University email on a daily basis. Sometimes important and time-critical information might be sent by email and students are expected to have read it. Any problems with accessing or managing student email accounts should be directed to Technology Services.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course relies on lectures to guide students through the material, tutorial classes to provide students with small group and individual assistance, computer practicals for gaining experience at using technology in mathematical problem solving, as well as regular assessment to gain feedback on their progress.


    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.


    Activity Quantity   Workload hours
    Lectures 36 88
    Tutorials 11 22
    Computer Practicals 12 24
    Computer Tests 5 20
    Mid Semester Test  1  6
    Total 156
    Learning Activities Summary
    The following topics are covered, each in a two week modules

    1. Functions and Trigonometry
    Sets of Numbers, Definition of Functions, Inverse Functions, Trigonometric Functions

    2. Vectors and Parametric Curves
    Representations of Vectors, Vectors and Geometry, Polar Coordinates, Parametric Curves, Rotational Motion

    3. Linear Equations and Matrices
    Linear Equations, Matrices and Matrix Equations, Applications, Rotation Matrices.

    4. Differential Calculus
    Review of definition and rules of differentiation, increasing and decreasing functions, critical points, max/min problems, rates of change.

    5. Integral Calculus
    The Definite Integral and areas, Anti-derivatives, numerical integration, applications to differential equations.

    6. Complex Numbers 
    Complex arithmetic, polar form, the complex plane, applications.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcomes
    Computer Tests Formative 20% 1,2,3,4
    Practical Participation Formative 5% all
    Tutorial Participation Formative 5% 1,2,3,4
    Mid Semester Test Summative and Formative 20% 1,2,3,5
    Exam Summative 50% 1,2,3,5

    Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.

    The breakdown of assessment is unchanged, however the nature of some of the assessment tasks is different.

    Tutorials and Practicals - each 5%

    Class Tests - now done online, but at the same time (Wed 2pm in even weeks) - 20%

    Mid-Semester Test 20% - this will be replaced by a written assignment covering the first 2 . The test was due to take place on Tuesday of Week 7, instead the assignment will be due on Friday May 1st. It will be available one week before that. More detail on what is required will be published by that time.

    Final Exam 50% - the final exam will be held during the usual University Exam period. It will consist of two components, a computer
    entered component on Mobius and a written component which will be submitted online, so in particular you will not be required to attend an examination venue, it will be done from home. Full information will be published well in advance.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    An aggregate score of 50% is required to pass the course. Furthermore students must achieve at least 40% on the final examination to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Computer Tests will be held in the Practical Class in weeks 4,6,8,12.
    The mid-semsester test is in week 7.

    Practicals are every week starting in week 1, and tutorials are every week starting in week 2.

    Precise details of all of these activities will be given on the MyUni site.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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