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MATHS168-23JS (HAM)
Preparatory Mathematics
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
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Ian Wagstaff
6421
M.1.04
ian.wagstaff@waikato.ac.nz
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Lecturer(s)
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Ian Wagstaff
6421
M.1.04
ian.wagstaff@waikato.ac.nz
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Administrator(s)
Librarian(s)
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
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Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
- For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
- For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
What this paper is about
This paper is part of the 2023 Jump Start programme, available to those who meet the necessary requirements. See the Jump Start website for more details: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/campaigns/jump-start
The information provided in this paper outline is accurate at the time of writing. However, changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
This paper is an intensive 'catch-up' paper in basic algebraic concepts with a brief introduction to calculus. It is intended for those students who wish to improve their basic mathematical skills, either as a background for other subjects, or prior to enrolling in MATHS165, MATHS166, STATS111, or STATS121 in a subsequent trimester.
NOTE: If you are studying MATH168 as preparation for any higher-level Mathematics paper you will need to aim for at least a B-grade.
This paper attempts to cover the minimum background skills needed for such papers. These include all algebra skills from Year 9 to Year 12 Mathematics.
How this paper will be taught
This paper runs over four weeks and students can expect roughly 6-10 hours of lectures per week. Additionally, students will be assessed via two in-class assessments per week, as well as a test per week. Note that there is no final exam for this paper.
Lectures will take place before each in-class assessment, and an overview class will take place before each test.
What is shown in the lecture timetable is a generic timetable. Full details of the actual classes are available on the MATHS168-23JS(HAM) timetable provided on the Moodle page for this paper.
Required Readings
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:
Assessments
How you will be assessed
The paper consists of four main topics with one topic covered per week. The topics are:
1) Variables and basic algebra
2) Algebra (continued) and quadratic equations
3) Exponents, logarithms, growth and decay
4) Basic calculus simultaneous equations and graphs
Assessments
For the four main topics, there will be two in-class assessments. Students are expected to complete each in-class assessment to a satisfactory standard to gain full marks. Individual in-class assessments are worth 2.5% each. So with a total of eight in-class assessments, they in total make up 20% of your final mark.
Tests
A two hour test will take place every week, for all four weeks. The tests will examine material covered in each topic. Each test will take place in L.G.05 from 11am - 1pm on the following dates:
Friday: 27 January, 3 February, 10 February, 17 February.
Each test is worth 20%, so the total of all four tests will determine the other 80% of your overall mark.
Please ensure you have your ID card with you at all the tests. If you do not, your script and mark will be withheld until you show this at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Office (G.1.21).
Calculators will be required (any basic scientific calculator will be permitted, but NO graphics or more advanced calculators will be allowed). You are strongly advised to purchase a suitable calculator at the beginning of the paper so that you have time to become familiar with it.
Suggested Calculator: Casio FX82 - available from most stationery shops.
Graphics or more advanced calculators will NOT be permitted in the in-class assessments or tests - if you do turn up to an in-class assessment or test with one of these calculators, you will be asked to put it away before the item of assessment begins. So you may be left with no calculator for the in-class assessment or test.
Your final overall mark will consist of the total marks from the eight in-class assessments and the four tests. There is NO final exam for this paper.
The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam.