2017 Quantitative Thinking PDF

Preview

Summary

Download 2017 Quantitative Thinking PDF

Description

300831 Quantitative Thinking Spring 2017

Unit Details 300831

Unit Code: Unit Name:

Quantitative Thinking

Credit Points:

10

Unit Level:

1

Assumed Knowledge:

Basic competence in algebraic manipulation and some familiarity with elementary probability and statistical concepts.

Modes of Delivery Mode

Hours

Lecture

2

Tutorial

1

Practical

1

Note: Students with any problems, concerns or doubts should discuss those with the Unit Coordinator as early as they can.

Unit Coordinator Name: Dr Charles Zworestine Phone: (02) 4620 3411 Location: Campbelltown Campus, Building 26, Room 1.30 Email: [email protected] Consultation Arrangement: Tuesdays 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Thursdays 11:00 am - midday and 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Penrith). Mondays 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Wednesdays midday - 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Campbelltown). These are subject to change; see vUWS site for confirmation.

Teaching Team Name: Ms Preethi Kottegoda Phone: (02) 4570 1512 Location: Hawkesbury Campus, Building K8, Room K8.G.07 Email: [email protected] Consultation Arrangement: Mondays 10:00 am - 12:00 midday and Wednesdays 9:00 am - 10:00 am. These are subject to change; see vUWS site for confirmation.

Edition: Spring 2017 University Western Sydney trading as Western Sydney University ABN 53 014 069 881 CRICOS Provider No: 00917K No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, Copyright 2017 c electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission from the Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering & Mathematics. Copyright for acknowledged materials reproduced herein is retained by the copyright holder. All readings in this publication are copied under licence in accordance with Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968.

Contents 1 About Quantitative Thinking 1.1 An Introduction to this Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 What is Expected of You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 Changes to Unit as a Result of Past Student Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 2 2 2

2 Assessment Information 3 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2.2 Approach to Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2.3 Contribution to Course Learning Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.4 Assessment Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.5 Assessment Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.5.1 Class Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.5.2 5 x Practical Quizzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2.5.3 5 x Tutorial Quizzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.5.4 Final exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.6 General Submission Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3 Teaching and Learning Activities

12

4 Learning Resources 14 4.1 Recommended Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Note: The Learning Guide Companion supplements this document 1

1 1.1

About Quantitative Thinking An Introduction to this Unit

This level 1 unit develops the quantitative skills that underpin many fields of study in the sciences. The content covered includes basic algebra, functions, graphs, equations, linear and quadratic, introductory probability and descriptive statistics. These mathematical/statistical concepts will be revised and developed using scientific concepts such as molarity and dilution, optical density, population growth, and predator-prey models. In all aspects of this unit, students will be developing and using critical thinking skills to solve mathematical/statistical problems set in a scientific context.

1.2

What is Expected of You

Study Load A student is expected to study an hour per credit point a week. For example a 10 credit point unit would require 10 hours of study per week. This time includes the time spent within classes during lectures, tutorials or practicals. Attendance Lecture and tutorials are designed to scaffold learning and assist students to gain an understanding of the unit content, and subsequently to complete their assessments. Students are encouraged to attend lectures and tutorials, as assessable items conducted in these sessions. Online Learning Requirements Unit materials will be made available on the unit’s vUWS (E-Learning) site (https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/) You are expected to consult vUWS at least twice a week, as all unit announcements will be made via vUWS. Teaching and learning materials will be regularly updated and posted online by the teaching team. vUWS site. Unit outline, learning guide, lecture notes, podcasts/vodcasts, reading list. Discussion board & email, Elluminate Special Requirements Essential Equipment: Scientific calculator, access to a computer with the appropriate mathematics software. Legislative Pre-Requisites: Not Applicable

1.3

Changes to Unit as a Result of Past Student Feedback

Student feedback pays a vital role in improving the quality and educational effectiveness of Western Sydney University units and in ensuring academic staff keep in touch with student needs. You are welcome to provide feedback that is related to the teaching of this unit. At the end of the semester you will be given the opportunity to complete a Student Feedback on Unit (SFU) questionnaire to assess the unit. If requested by your unit coordinator, you may also have the opportunity to complete a Student Feedback on Teaching (SFT) questionnaire to provide feedback for individual teaching staff. As a result of student feedback, the following changes and improvements have recently been made: – Group Project removed, as it was causing students unnecessary stress and not serving the function for which it was intended. – More of the Practical Quizzes included as part of student assessment, thus giving students more progressive assessment and feedback and encouraging practical attendance. – Five Tutorial Quizzes included as part of student assessment, again giving students more progressive assessment and feedback and encouraging tutorial attendance.

2

2 2.1

Assessment Information Unit Learning Outcomes

Note that these outcomes are all extremely important for students of Mathematics and Science. Outcome 1

Manipulate algebraic and numeric expressions

2

Recognise and draw graphs representing linear, quadratic , logarithmic and exponential functions

3

Solve linear equations, and quadratic equations.

4

Use modelling techniques to represent basic biological systems.

5

Describe data in both numerical and graphical forms

6

Communicate mathematical and statistical ideas using standard practices.

7

Employ critical thinking skills to solve mathematical and statistical problems set in a scientific context.

2.2

Approach to Learning

This unit has been developed to provide many opportunities for students to gain confidence (and knowledge) in their pursuit of the study of mathematics. You will gain this confidence and knowledge by attending all lectures, tutorials and computer practical sessions, where various techniques and strategies will be discussed and the mathematical content will be presented. In these face-to-face sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, revisit already learned skills and to practise both. You will then apply these skills to solve scientific problems; and conversely, you will be able to take a scientific problem and ”extract” the mathematics from it. You will receive feedback on your progress in the face-to-face sessions, and also via your responses to the online activities in the computer practical sessions. Feedback plays a critical role in assessing your progress; so you are strongly encouraged to participate in all activities, and to make one-on-one appointments throughout the session with your lecturer and/or tutor to monitor your progress. In addition, this unit will emphasise the following areas that will help you meet the challenges that studying mathematics at university presents: identifying your particular learning style and the study strategies that complement your style; and enhancing your knowledge of mathematical concepts, while building your confidence in your own mathematical ability. However, you will achieve the maximum benefit from this unit only if you put these strategies into practice and schedule SUFFICIENT AND REGULAR TIME to this unit. This includes IN YOUR OWN TIME, out of class. This may mean changing your long-held attitudes/beliefs towards study and mathematics in general. You will also find this unit is linked to the content and learning activities of the other first year units that you could be studying. This relationship further emphasises the importance and relevance of mathematics in the study of science. There is no easy way to learn maths, but an analogy with a sport like tennis holds: it looks easy when you see someone else do it, but doing it oneself requires hours of practice. Read the definitions, look at examples in the book and in class, and then try doing it yourself; and keep trying until you can do it alone. Do tutorial problems, practise and then practise some more. Lectures are available online and can be viewed at any time. The lecture notes also provide problems. Work through them rather than just reading the solutions. You will learn so much more by doing rather than just watching or reading solutions. You will get stuck; but in the struggle to understand and solve you will begin to master the material. Historically this unit has quite a high failure rate each semester; and this is largely due to lack of student engagement. If you do not wish to be one of these students, you are strongly encouraged to work hard at this unit. Attend all scheduled classes; work on the tutorial questions both in and out of class time; and utilise not only sample assessments and past papers but also tutorial problems and examples from lectures to study for all your assessments. If you find you are struggling, you should also make use of all the free support services: PASS, MESH (https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/mesh; note the big red box on the right, the online answer service ”I don’t get it”, and the events page https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/mesh events which has Library Roving times and is updated regularly with unit workshops, along with other MESH events), and so on. You are also encouraged to seek help from your unit coordinator and/or the teaching staff during their consultation times.

3

Type

Approach

Lecture

DO attend lectures; it is far more efficient than just reading lecture notes or watching recorded lectures! By attending lectures, you can (and are encouraged to) ask questions to ensure you understand the lecture material. This then allows you to put the knowledge you learn into practice quickly and sharpen your problem solving skills.

Tutorial

You should attempt weekly tutorial problems BEFORE coming to your tutorial. Some problems will be easy; others may cause you difficulties and require you to look at examples or re-read the lecture notes. At the tutorial you can ask for help on problems you are still stuck on. There will not be enough time to go through all problems; so by attempting some of the problems before the tutorial, this will allow you to identify areas you need help on. There will be a tutorial quiz each week from Week 3 onwards. Your best five of these tutorial quizzes will count towards your assessment. You should attend ALL scheduled tutorial classes and attempt ALL tutorial quizzes to ensure the maximal marks. The computer practical sessions will allow you to practise your maths skills and get fairly immediate feedback. Questions are randomised; so by repeating a computer practical session, you will get practice with different problems.

Practical

vUWS

There will be a computer practical quiz each week from Week 3 onwards. Your best five of these computer practical quizzes will count towards your assessment. You should attend ALL scheduled computer practical classes and attempt ALL computer practical quizzes to ensure the maximal marks. You should check vUWS site or emails for announcements and reminders. Lecture notes, tutorial problems, computer practical quizzes and other study materials are available on vUWS.

4

2.3

Contribution to Course Learning Outcomes

Western Sydney University Graduate Attributes Graduate Attributes 1. Command multiple skills and literacies to enable adaptable lifelong learning 2. Demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous Australia through cultural competency and professional capacity 3. Demonstrate comprehensive, coherent and connected knowledge 4. Apply knowledge through intellectual inquiry in professional or applied contexts 5. Bring knowledge to life through responsible engagement and appreciation of diversity in an evolving world

ULO 1 Developed

ULO 2 Developed

ULO 3 Developed

ULO 4 Introduced

ULO 5 Introduced

ULO 6 Introduced

ULO 7 Introduced

Developed

Developed

Developed

Developed

Developed

Developed

Developed

5

2.4

Assessment Summary

The assessment items in this unit are designed to enable you to demonstrate that you have achieved the unit learning outcomes. Completion and submission of all assessment items which have been designated as mandatory or compulsory is essential to receive a passing grade. To pass this unit you must: - Score at least 40% in the final examination, AND - Achieve at least 50% or more overall, from the assessment tasks. Item

Weight

Due Date

ULO’s Assessed

Threshold

Class Test

20%

Week 11, in your allocated tutorial session

1,4,5,6,7

No

5 x Practical Quizzes

10%

Computer Practical Sessions in Weeks 3-8, 10, 13, and 14. The best five of these Computer Practical quizzes will count towards overall assessment.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7

No

5 x Tutorial Quizzes

20%

Tutorial Sessions in Weeks 3-8, 10, 12, and 13. The best five of these tutorial quizzes will count towards overall assessment.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7

No

Final exam

50%

Formal Examination Period

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Yes

Note: Results may be moderated before you receive your results. Moderation is a process whereby the unit coordinator regulates the marking of individual markers to achieve consistency in the application of unit objectives, performance standards and marking criteria. Marks for an individual piece of assessment will not be changed after you have your results. You should note that, consistent with the Assessment Policy - Criteria and Standards-Based Assessment (http://policies.uws.edu.au/view.current.php?id=00227), the final marks for the cohort may also be adjusted if marks are very high or low or there are inconsistencies between groups. Feedback on Assessment Feedback is an important part of the learning process that can improve your progress towards achieving the learning outcomes. Feedback is any written or spoken response made in relation to academic work such as an assessment task, a performance or product. It can be given to you by a teacher, an external assessor or student peer, and may be given individually or to a group of students. As a Western Sydney University student, it is your responsibility to seek out and act on feedback that is provided to you as a resource to further your learning. In this unit you can expect written feedback on your assessment solutions, normally within one week of any assessment submission. Further informal feedback will be provided in the tutorial sessions. You are also welcome to email the unit coordinator, Dr Charles Zworestine ([email protected]) to discuss your progress.

6

2.5 2.5.1

Assessment Details Class Test

Weight:

20%

Type of Collaboration:

Individual

Due:

Week 11, in your allocated tutorial session

Submission:

In class

Format:

Written Closed Book Test

Length:

50 minutes

Curriculum Mode:

Short Answer

Instructions: This closed book written class test will cover the material presented in Weeks 4 - 10. It is a mandatory assessment item. It will consist of a number of short answer questions. This test is designed to examine students’ knowledge in the content areas Uncertainty and Probability, and Algebra. Students MAY use a scientific non-programmable calculator in this test, if needed. If you are sick on the day of the Class Test, or you have urgent matters/misadventures that will really affect you in the test, do NOT attend the test. If you are sick, go to see your doctor and get a medical certificate, and then apply for a supplementary Class Test through Student Central. Special consideration will NOT be given for students who choose to sit the test while knowingly ill or otherwise impaired. Resources: Textbook, lecture notes and tutorial questions. A sample class test with solutions will also be available from the vUWS site in Week 9. Marking Criteria: Criteria

High Distinction

Distinction

Credit

Pass

Unsatisfactory

Marking Criteria

Excellent; score 85% or higher.

Very Good; score less than 85% but greater than or equal to 75%.

Good; score less than 75% but greater than or equal to 65%.

Passing; score less than 65% but greater than or equal to 50%.

Not achieving an appropriate level in order to pass this unit; score less than 50%.

7

2.5.2

5 x Practical Quizzes

Weight:

10%

Type of Collaboration:

Individual

Due:

Computer Practical Sessions in Weeks 3-8, 10, 13, and 14. The best five of these Computer Practical quizzes will count towards overall assessment.

Submission:

In your assigned Computer Practical session

Format:

Closed Book Online Quiz

Length:

30 minutes each

Curriculum Mode:

Quiz

Instructions: The Computer Practical quizzes will cover the material presented in the previous week’s computer practical. They will consist of a small number of short answer questions. Students MAY u...