Unit Outline
XAB090
Bridging Maths
Semester 1, 2024
Jane Stratton
University College
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Jane Stratton
Email: Jane.Stratton@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
Bridging Maths explores essential foundation skills and knowledge in mathematics. This unit is designed to help you to improve your maths skills, build self-confidence, develop logical thinking skills, and encourage good study habits to support independent study. You will have the opportunity to practice fundamental skills before applying your knowledge to solve problems. This unit can help you prepare for further study in business and science related courses and is recommended as a starting point for students who have not studied pre-tertiary mathematics in years 11 & 12. Topics covered include: order of operations, basic algebra, linear/quadratic/exponential equations, graphical methods and modelling, indices and logarithms, sequences and series, trigonometry, and basic statistics.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Use conventional mathematical notation and terminology to communicate fundamental algebraic techniques.
2.
Demonstrate mathematical fluency and proficiency through diverse skills practice.
3.
Apply appropriate mathematical techniques to interpret equations, tables, graphs, and solve word-based problems in a range of contexts.
4.
Independently select and carry out relevant mathematical procedures.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
Additional ‘Guided Applications’ resources in weekly workflow to assist with solving worded problems.
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Online
Independent Learning
5-hrs preparation activities, skills practice & assessments/assignments
5
Weekly
Online Class
2-hr workshop
2
Weekly
Online Class
1-hr tutorial
1
Weekly
Online Class
2-hrs online learning support (for unit content & assessment tasks)
2
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Skills Check
See the MyLO site for the due date
10 %
LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Study Skills
See the MyLO site for the due date
20 %
LO2
Assessment Task 3:
Written Assignments
See the MyLO site for the due date
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
Final Exam/Online Test
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Skills Check
Task Description:
Each study module 1 - 13 (Content > Study Materials) has a Skills Check MyLO Quiz designed to help you assess your current skills and monitor your progress.

Each quiz contains 5 randomised multiple choice questions and you have unlimited attempts (while the quiz is available) with only your highest attempt score being recorded.

See the Assessment Info. Folder in MyLO Content for further details.

Task Length:
5 multiple choice questions per attempt. Recommended time allocation: 1 – 2 hours per week (as part of your 10 hours of study per week for this unit).
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
10 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Correctly use and interpret basic mathematical terminology
LO2, LO3
2
Demonstrate a commitment to regular skills practice
LO2, LO3
3
Apply effective time-management techniques
LO2, LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: Study Skills
Task Description:
This assessment task rewards ongoing engagement, effort, and commitment to study throughout the semester. Each week you will complete/submit 3 activities via MyLO:

a) A completed Content Summary Template using the Self-study Content webpage to complete Part A (independently), and the Guided Applications during online workshops to complete Part B (supported). Recommended time allocation: 2 - 3 hours per week plus the 2 hour online workshop (weighting 40%).

b) A minimum of 2 admissible MyLO quiz attempts in the MathemagiX MyLO unit during your allocated timetabled Zoom tutorial. Recommended time allocation: 1 – 1.5 hours per week (weighting 40%).

c) A Self-reflection via Microsoft Forms. Recommended time allocation: 10 – 15 minutes per week (weighting 20%).

See the Assessment Info. Folder in MyLO Content for further details.

Task Length:
AT2a: Fill-in-the-blank/short answer questions and own handwritten notes (equivalent 3 – 5 pages) per week. AT2b: Minimum of 10 short answer maths questions. AT2c: 10 - 15 Multi-select/Likert scale/short answer self-reflection questions per week. Recommended time allocation: 4 - 5 hours total per week (as part of your 10 hours of study per week for this unit).
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
20 %
 

 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Effective preparation for, and attendance of tutorials (or asynchronous equivalent).
LO2
2
Demonstrate a commitment to regular skills practice and reflection on progress.
LO2
3
Apply effective time-management techniques,
LO2
 
Assessment Task 3: Written Assignments
Task Description:
There are 4 short written assignments in this unit (due on or before Wednesday in weeks 3, 6 ,9 & 12). Written Assignments will include 8 – 10 multi-part short answer exam style questions to allow you to practice your skills and get feedback from your teacher in preparation for the end of semester exam.
For each Written Assignment you need to download/print the assignment, hand-write your answers in the spaces provided, and upload a single PDF file of your work to MyLO.
We suggest allocating 2 - 3 hours per week to completing this task and strongly recommend that you plan to attend the 'optional online' Zoom Help Sessions on MyTimetable to get real-time, personalised support.

See the Assessment Info. Folder in MyLO Content for further details.

Task Length:
8 – 10 multi-part short answer questions per assignment.
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret question scenarios, identify methodology and/or formulae required, and produce a solution.
LO3, LO4
2
Effectively communicate quantitative information.
LO1
3
Apply effective time-management techniques.
LO2
 
Assessment Task 4: Final Exam/Online Test
Task Description:
The exam is an open-book online test and may cover any of the Module Learning Objectives for this unit. It will consist of 15 multi-part short-answer questions to assess all topics covered in Modules 1-13 (similar to those covered in your weekly Content Summary Templates and Written Assignments). Exams are timetabled by the Exams Office, and you are expected to make yourself available at the allocated time which will be released to you in eStudent towards the end of semester.

The online exam process has a 4-hour overall time limit (adjusted if you have a Learning Access Plan) - on the day you will need to organise yourself so that you can download/print the exam from MyLO, complete all the questions showing your working out in your own handwriting, and upload your completed exam to the MyLO Assignments. Zoom/phone support will be available at the start and end of the Exam for students who encounter any technical difficulties.

See the Assessment Info. Folder in MyLO Content for further details.

Task Length:
15 multi-part short answer questions (3 hours writing time + 1 hour reading/admin. time).
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Correctly use basic mathematical terminology.
LO1
2
Effectively communicate quantitative information.
LO1, LO3
3
Interpret question scenarios, identify methodology and/or formulae required, and produce a solution.
LO3, LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
All required readings are available online and accessed via the online content and activities through MyLO.
 
Recommended reading materials
If needed, any Grade 10/11 maths textbook (e.g. Maths Quest 10) should cover a majority of the topics covered in this course, however, the equivalent content can be accessed at no cost to students (other than internet access charges) from the following open-source websites:
Khan Academy – Maths:  https://www.khanacademy.org/math
Some students may find it useful to consult alternative resources as part of their study program. Students should note that notation may vary, and that in some cases even different formulae may be used. Students should not concern themselves with any extra material covered in other resources that is beyond what is covered in the Study Materials on MyLO. MyLO materials should be considered the primary resource for any topic.
 
Other required resources
It is essential to have a non-programmable scientific calculator.

Recommended calculator models include:
o Casio fx-82AU plus
o Canon F-717SGA
o Any other ‘natural display’ scientific calculator

NB CAS calculators, mobile phones, online calculators or other equivalent apps (including Generative AI technologies) are not permitted and their use will be deemed a breach of academic integrity.

General stationery for this unit should include, note paper, pens (useful to have different colours), pencils, a ruler, and graph paper. It would also be useful to have a ring binder for collating notes and handouts. Please have a workbook dedicated to this unit to keep all your work in one place.