TFCMATHS 93F : Foundation Mathematics 3

Science

2025 Semester One (1253) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

This mathematics course aims to promote an understanding of numerical and algebraic skills at a deeper level than TFCMATHS 91F. Students will learn how to use simple technology and develop their problem solving abilities.

Course Overview

This is a one-semester course designed for students who, at present, lack the necessary background for tertiary courses in mathematics. Some knowledge of basic material found in TFCMATHS 91F is assumed, and extension work on the same topics is presented. The course focuses on the development and understanding of mathematical skills and concepts. The aim is to build confidence and foster enjoyment in mathematics, as well as to provide a preparation for further study. Entry to this course is guaranteed for TFC students enrolled in the Engineering Pathway. Any remaining places will be offered to students ranked by their grades in the TFC Mathematics diagnostic assessment.

Course Requirements

Restriction: MATHS 93F, 93P

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication
Capability 7: Collaboration

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Develop a knowledge of the accepted conventions of mathematical notation and representation. (Capability 3, 5 and 7)
  2. Develop an understanding of basic arithmetic processes. (Capability 3 and 5)
  3. Understand and develop algebraic manipulative skills. (Capability 3, 4, 5 and 7)
  4. Develop an understanding of some applications of algebra. (Capability 3, 4 and 5)
  5. Identify and experience problem solving techniques. (Capability 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7)
  6. Engage and collaborate with peers to solve mathematical problems (Capability 3, 4, 5 and 7)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Final Test 40% Individual Test
Quizzes 3% Individual Coursework
Assignments 18% Individual Coursework
Coursework 9% Group Coursework
Tests 30% Individual Test
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Final Test
Quizzes
Assignments
Coursework
Tests

Students must achieve at least 35% in the final test to pass the course.

Key Topics

  • Number representations including number sets, rounding, factorials, exponents, logarithms, fractions, percentages, surds and numbers in bases other than 10.
  •  Algebra including simplifying, expanding and factorising algebraic expressions. Algebraic fractions and re-arranging the subject of formulae.
  • Linear Algebra Skills  including sketching straight lines and finding equations and intersections of straight lines.
  • Co-ordinate Geometry including finding the mid-point of a line, the distance between two points, and the gradient of a straight line. Also included is proving various triangle properties and properties of parallel and perpendicular straight lines.
  • Further Algebra Skills including solving simple linear equations and inequations. Solving simultaneous equations with two or three unknowns and the geometric interpretation of any solutions. Solving quadratic equations. 
  • Sequences including sigma notation, arithmetic and geometric sequences.

Special Requirements

Students are expected to attend all tutorials and assessments in person on campus.

Tuākana

Whanaungatanga and manaakitanga are fundamental principles of our Tuākana Mathematics programme which provides support for Māori and Pasifika students who are taking mathematics courses. The Tuākana Maths programme consists of workshops and drop-in times, and provides a space where Māori and Pasifika students are able to work alongside our Tuākana tutors and other Māori and Pasifika students who are studying mathematics.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15-point course that they are enrolled in. For each week of this course, students can expect 4 hours of lectures, 3 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 3 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

  • Attendance is required at scheduled activities including tutorials, group activities, and tests.
  • Lectures will be available as recordings. 
  • The course will not include live online events.
  • Attendance on campus is required for all tests.
  • The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Students are supplied with a course book, lots of work sheets for practice, lecture slides and recordings. No additional text book is required, but students are also directed to websites for further practice of mathematical problems. Access to an online Maths site is also provided.

A calculator is required for this course, a graphics calculator is recommended but not compulsory.

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

Student feedback is appreciated and is used to make improvements to the course. In the past this has meant that weighting and modes of submission for assignments has been amended.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 31/10/2024 08:18 a.m.