Course coordinator
Dr Peter Schouten
Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
This course covers basic calculations, financial modelling, geometric and trigonometric analysis, statistical analysis of data, graphical and network analysis, and growth and decay in sequences. It is the equivalent course to Queensland Secondary School General Mathematics (previously Mathematics A). Students enrol in General Mathematics (Foundation Program) for three terms.
The study of mathematics can enhance understanding of our world and also the quality of our participation in a rapidly changing society. A sound knowledge of mathematics is essential for informed citizenship. The focus throughout General Mathematics is the real-life application of mathematics. Students will learn how to manage their financial affairs in an informed way, comprehend mathematical information that is presented in a variety of forms, and make use of mathematics in everyday situations. Students are expected to develop good mathematical communication and analytical skills. The course emphasises the development of students' positive attitudes towards their involvement in mathematics, so that they can become better informed economically and socially, in an increasingly mathematically oriented society. There is also some emphasis on the development of mathematical knowledge and understanding through investigative approaches to learning. General Mathematics (Foundation Program) is based on both the Australian Curriculum General Mathematics Course and the Queensland Secondary School General Mathematics Course.
Course contact
Course staff
Course convenor
Thu Le
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beﾠavailableﾠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theﾠQLD government website for Public holiday information.
Aims and outcomes
The broad aim of General Mathematics is to give students the ability to recognise when situations in their everyday life can be dealt with through mathematical analysis and procedures, and be able to attempt such analysis or procedures with success and confidence. General Mathematics focuses on the use of mathematics to solve problems in contexts that involve financial modelling, geometric and trigonometric analysis, graphical and network analysis, and growth and decay in sequences. It also provides opportunities for students to develop systematic strategies based on the statistical investigation process for answering statistical questions that involve analysing univariate and bivariate data, including time-series data (Source: ACARA).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
Quiz
|
5% |
18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024 |
| Examination |
Quiz
|
15% |
16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project | Linear Regression Project | 20% |
28/02/2025 10:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Term 2 Exam
|
20% |
Term 2 Exam Block. |
| Examination |
Mid-Term 3 Exam
|
20% |
12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Term 3 Exam
|
20% |
Term 3 Exam Block |
Assessment details
Quiz
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Consumer Arithmetic; Algebra & Matrices.
Format: Short answer, Problem solving.
Simple Familiar (60%), Complex Familiar (20%) & Complex Unfamiliar (20%) questions.
Exam details
| Planning time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Completed during scheduled class time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Quiz
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Shape & Measurement; Univariate Data Analysis.
Format: Short answer, Problem solving.
Simple Familiar (60%), Complex Familiar (20%) & Complex Unfamiliar (20%) questions.
Exam details
| Planning time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Completed during scheduled class time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Linear Regression Project
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/02/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students will utilise their knowledge of bivariate linear relationships to evaluate correlations between simple datasets obtained from real-world situations. Desmos and/or Microsoft Excel will be used to graph and analyse these correlations.
Submission guidelines
Final Submission via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
End of Term 2 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Term 2 Exam Block.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Applications of Trigonometry; Linear Equations & Graphs; Bivariate Data Analysis; Growth & Decay Sequences.
Format: Short answer, Problem solving.
Simple Familiar (60%), Complex Familiar (20%) & Complex Unfamiliar (20%) questions.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Mid-Term 3 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Graphs & Networks; Time Series Analysis.
Format: Short answer, Problem solving.
Simple Familiar (60%), Complex Familiar (20%) & Complex Unfamiliar (20%) questions.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
End of Term 3 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Term 3 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Time Series Analysis; Loans, Investments & Annuities; Networks & Decision Maths.
Format: Short answer, Problem solving.
Simple Familiar (60%), Complex Familiar (20%) & Complex Unfamiliar (20%) questions.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Feedback on Assessmentﾠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ﾠ
Appropriate conditions for group work and collaborationﾠ
Teachers usually aim for groups of 3-4 and provide preparation for group work activities (examples can include discussions, role-playing, and identifying strengths and weaknesses) to maximise students’ learning and performance.ﾠ
Assignment submissionﾠ
Unless advised otherwise,ﾠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ﾠﾠ
Calculator policyﾠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesﾠcalculator, orﾠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsiteﾠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ﾠ
Referencing styleﾠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theﾠAPA 7th referencing style.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional learning resources are also available on the Blackboard course website (http://learn.uq.edu.au).
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Lecture |
Consumer Arithmetic Application of rates, ratios and percentages; Review rates, ratios and percentages; Wages & salary; Calculate payments based on government allowances and pensions; Budgets; Unit cost method; Further application of rates and percentages; Simple and compound interest; Percentage increase or decrease; Wages & salary; Calculate payments based on government allowances and pensions; Budgets; Inflation, mark-ups and discounts, profit or loss, and GST; Further application of rates and percentages; Exchange rates; Dividends on shares. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Lecture |
Algebra and Matrices Linear & non-linear expressions; Substitution; Find the value of the subject; Re-arranging (transposition); Matrices & matrix arithmetic; Matrix general structure and uses; Types of matrices; Operations; Problem solving using matrices. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Shape and Measurement Mensuration; Perimeter & area; Volume & capacity; Surface area; Pythagoras theorem; Similar figures & scale factor; Similarity; Scale factor; Measurements from scale diagrams/maps; Scale Factors for area, volume and surface area. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Univariate Data Analysis Making sense of data relating to a single statistical variable; Univariate data; Classification of data as categorical or numerical; Statistical analysis distribution, shape, location, spread and outliers of graphical information (dot plot, stem plot, bar charts or histograms); Determine the mean of a data set; Comparing data for a numerical variable across two or more groups; Construct parallel box plots (including the use of the Q1- 1.5 x IQR and Q3 + 1.5 x IQR Rule to identify outliers) to compare groups in terms of location (median), spread (IQR and range) and outliers; Compare groups on a single numerical variable using medians, means, IQRs, ranges or standard deviations; Determine the standard deviation of a data set and consider limitations & size of standard deviation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (16 Dec - 22 Dec) |
Workshop |
Revision and Assessment Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (06 Jan - 12 Jan) |
Lecture |
Applications of Trigonometry Review of trigonometric ratios; Area of a triangle: Area = 1/2 bc sin A; Heron s Rule; Sine Rule and Cosine Rule; Practical problems involving trigonometry angles of using depression/elevation & bearings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 14 |
Lecture |
Linear Equations and Graphs Linear equations; Identify & solve linear equations; Develop a linear formula from a word description; Straight-line Graphs & their applications; Construct straight-line graphs; Determine slope & intercepts from both its equation & plot; Interpret straight-line graphs in practical situations; Construct and analyse a straight-line graph to model a given linear relationship; Simultaneous linear equations & their applications: Solve simultaneous equations with substitution; Simultaneous linear equations & their applications; Solve simultaneous equations graphically and using elimination; Solve practical problems that involve the point of intersection; Sketch piece-wise linear graphs & step graphs; Interpret piece-wise graphs & step graphs in practical situations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 15 To Week 17 |
Lecture |
Bivariate Data Analysis Identifying and describing associations between two categorical variables; Define bivariate data; Construct two-way frequency tables and determine the associated row and column sums and percentages; Identify patterns that suggest the presence of an association; Describe an association in terms of differences observed in percentages across categories; Identifying and describing associations between two numerical variables: Construct a scatterplot to identify patterns in the data suggesting the presence of an association; Identifying and describing associations between two numerical variables; Understand and describe an association between two numerical variables in terms of direction (positive/negative), form (linear/non-linear) and strength (strong/moderate/weak); Calculate and interpret the correlation coefficient (r) to quantify the strength of a linear association; Fitting a linear model to numerical data; Identify the response variable and the explanatory variable; Use a scatterplot to identify the nature of the relationship between variables; Model a linear relationship by fitting a least-squares line to the data; Use a residual plot to assess the appropriateness of fitting a linear model to the data; Interpret the intercept and slope of the fitted line; Use the coefficient of determination to assess the strength of a linear association; Use the equation of a fitted line to make predictions; Distinguish between interpolation and extrapolation when using the fitted line to make predictions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 18 To Week 19 |
Lecture |
Growth and Decay Sequences Arithmetic sequences; Use recursion to generate an arithmetic sequence; Display the terms of an arithmetic sequence in both tabular and graphical form and demonstrate that arithmetic sequences can be used to model linear growth and decay in discrete situations; Deduce/use the rule to find the nth term of a particular arithmetic sequence and use this rule to make predictions; Use arithmetic sequences to model and analyse practical situations involving linear growth or decay; Geometric sequences; Use recursion to generate a geometric sequence; Display the terms of a geometric sequence in both tabular and graphical form and demonstrate that geometric sequences can be used to model exponential growth and decay in discrete situations; Deduce/use the rule to find the nth term of a particular geometric sequence from the pattern of the terms and use this rule to make predictions; Use geometric sequences to model and analyse (numerically, or graphically) practical problems involving geometric growth and decay. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 20 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 21 To Week 23 |
Lecture |
Graphs and Networks The definition of a graph and associated terminology; Explain the terms: graph, edge, vertex, loop, degree of a vertex, subgraph, simple graph, complete graph, bipartite graph, directed graph (digraph), arc, weighted graph, and network; Identify practical situations that can be represented by a network, and construct such networks; Construct an adjacency matrix from a given graph or digraph; Planar Graphs: Explain the terms: planar graph and face; Planar graphs; Apply Euler's formula, v + f − e = 2 to solve problems relating to planar graphs; Paths and cycles - Explain the terms: walk, trail, path, closed walk, closed trail, cycle, connected graph, and bridge; Investigate and solve practical problems to determine the shortest path between two vertices in a weighted graph; Paths and cycles; Explain the terms: Eulerian graph, Eulerian trail, semi-Eulerian graph, semi-Eulerian trail, and the conditions for their existence; Explain the terms: Hamiltonian graph and semi-Hamiltonian graph, and use these concepts to investigate and solve practical problems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 24 To Week 25 |
Lecture |
Time Series Analysis Describing and interpreting patterns in time series data; Construct time series plots; Describe time series plots by identifying features such as trend (long term direction), seasonality (systematic, calendar-related movements), and irregular fluctuations (unsystematic, short-term fluctuations) and recognise when there are outliers; Analysing time series data; Smooth time series data by using a simple moving average; Calculate seasonal indices by using the average percentage method; De-seasonalise a time series by using a seasonal index. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 26 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Loans, Investments and Annuities Compound interest loans and investments; Use a recurrence relation to model a compound interest loan or investment, and investigate the effect of the interest rate and the number of compounding periods on the future value of the loan or investment; Calculate the effective annual rate of interest and use the results to compare investment returns and cost of loans when interest is paid or charged daily, monthly, quarterly or six-monthly; Reducing balance loans: Use a recurrence relation to model a reducing balance loan and investigate the effect of the interest rate and repayment amount on the time taken to repay the loan; Annuities and perpetuity: Use a recurrence relation to model an annuity, and investigate the effect of the amount invested, the interest rate, and the payment amount on the duration of the annuity; Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 27 To Week 29 |
Lecture |
Networks and Decision Maths Trees and minimum connector problems; Explain the meaning of the terms tree and spanning tree, and also identify practical examples; Identify a minimum spanning tree in a weighted connected graph either by inspection or by using Prims algorithm; Use minimal spanning trees to solve minimal connector problems; Project planning and scheduling using critical path analysis (CPA); Construct a network diagram to represent the durations and interdependencies of activities that must be completed during a project; Use forward and backward scanning to determine the earliest starting time (EST) and latest starting times (LST) for each activity in a project; Use ESTs and LSTs to locate the critical path(s) for a project; Use the critical path to determine the minimum time for a project to be completed; Calculate float times for non-critical activities; Flow networks; Solve small-scale network flow problems including the use of the maximum-flow minimum-cut theorem; Use a bipartite graph and/or the tabular or matrix form to represent an assignment/allocation problem; Determine the optimum assignment(s) by inspection for small-scale problems, or by using the Hungarian algorithm for larger problems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 30 (09 Jun - 15 Jun) |
Workshop |
Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.