Unit Outline
XPD151
Introduction to University Mathematics
IPC Semester 1, 2025
Damien Palmer
DVC - Education
Academic Division (Division)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Damien Palmer
Email: Damien.Palmer@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 

Mathematics, equipped with the powerful tools logic and reasoning, is the key ingredient that enriches all areas of education. A sound knowledge in mathematics not only opens up numerous career options, but also helps to understand the world in which one operates. The unit aims to provide the necessary introductory knowledge that is essential to undertake university studies in mathematics, which require pre-tertiary mathematics background. Students will learn basic concepts of number and algebra, leading to the study of functions in general and the study of special functions such as trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. The concept of the derivative of a function will be discussed from first principles and applied to a range of real-world problems, emphasising the importance of understanding the material conceptually and graphically. Graph sketching and optimisation problems will demonstrate simple applications of the derivative. Students will learn skills of integral calculus, with applications to finding areas under curves. Students who successfully complete Introduction to University Mathematics will qualify for entry into units or degree programs at the University of Tasmania which have pre-tertiary Mathematics Methods 4 MTM514117 or equivalent as a prerequisite, including first year units Mathematics 1A (KMA152) and Mathematics 1B (KMA154). The unit may be taken as an elective to support other majors in the BSc or any other degree.
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 mathematical terminology and notation to convey information related to elementary algebra, functions, graphs and calculus.
2
Evaluate expressions and solve equations which contain linear, rational, quadratic, power, exponential, logarithmic or trigonometric expressions.
3
Apply the product, quotient and chain rules of differentiation and anti-differentiation rules of integration to functions.
4
Plot functions using algebra and calculus techniques to determine the x and y intercepts, and stationary points on the graph of a function.
5
Apply algebra properties, function transformations and calculus techniques to interpret and solve simple real-world mathematical problems.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)
KMA003 Mathematics Foundation Unit
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
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 or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, 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:
Mid-semester Hurdle Test
Week 6
10 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Assignment
Refer to Assessment Description
50 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:
Final Exam
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Mid-semester Hurdle Test
Task Description:
Short-answer questions covering the previous five weeks' content. Students will solve short-answer questions on quadratic, cubic, hyperbolic, truncus and square root functions, and index (surd) and log laws.
Task Length:
1 hour
Due Date:
Week 6
Weight:
10 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use appropriate mathematical terminology and notation to answer questions.
LO1
2
Solve equations containing a range of simple mathematical expressions.
LO2
3
Plot simple functions covered so far in the unit including all relevant features.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Assignment
Task Description:
Six written assignments, issued every second week. Each assignment will have approximately 4-6 questions requiring 4-6 pages of work -- typically this means around 20-30 mathematical expressions and some explanations in English.
Each assignment will address a selection of current topics covered in the previous two weeks.
Task Length:
4-6 pages each
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
50 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use appropriate mathematical terminology and notation.
LO1
2
Solve equations containing linear, rational, quadratic, power, exponential, logarithmic and/or trigonometric expressions.
LO2
3
Apply the rules of differential and integral calculus to functions for their solution.
LO3
4
Plot, with all relevant features, functions defined in the unit.
LO4
5
Interpret simple mathematical "real-world" problems using appropriate algebraic, functional and calculus techniques.
LO5
 
Assessment Task 3: Final Exam
Task Description:
Students will solve short-answer questions on topics covered during the semester. It is expected that students produce hand written solutions.
Task Length:
3 hours
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use appropriate notation and terminology in answers.
LO1
2
Evaluate expressions and solve equations based on material covered throughout the unit.
LO2
3
Solve simple problems in integral and differential calculus.
LO3
4
Plot functions including intercepts, asymptotes and other special features.
LO4
5
Interpret and solve real-world written problems using mathematical techniques from the unit.
LO5
 
 
 

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.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
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.