| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The major in Mathematics at Macquarie is fully accredited by the Australian Mathematical Society. It features a modern, balanced curriculum, designed to provide a sound foundation for a future career or further study in any of the major branches of Mathematics, drawn together in a way that ensures that each aspect of the curriculum takes full advantage of the insights and perspectives of traditional pure and applied approaches to the study of mathematics. The major features a variety of entry points, tailored to suit students commencing the program with a range of mathematical backgrounds.
In addition to enjoying the experience of being taught mathematics by faculty members who are internationally recognised as leaders in their field, suitably qualified students will also have access to advanced units which extend the undergraduate curriculum to allow early access to areas which are at the forefront of current mathematical research, together with the opportunity to engage in their own mentored research experience through the Mathematics Department's Vacation Research Scholarship program. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. demonstrate a well-developed knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of a broad range of areas in algebra, analysis and applied mathematics, with significant depth in at least one of these areas (K, C, T)
2. demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of mathematics, the multi-disciplinary role of mathematics and the way it contributes to the development in other fields of study (K, L, J)
3. construct sustained logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning (K, T, P, I)
4. formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods drawn from algebra, analysis and applied mathematics (K, P, T)
5. apply mathematical principles, concepts, techniques and technology efficiently to solve practical and abstract problems across a range of areas in algebra, analysis and applied mathematics (K, T, P, I)
6. appropriately interpret mathematical information communicated in a wide range of forms (K, T, C, J)
7. present mathematical ideas, information, reasoning and conclusions in forms tailored to the needs of diverse audiences (K, T, I, J, C)
8. demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues relating to professional mathematical work, identify and address ethical issues arising in such professional work and make ethical decisions while collecting and analysing data and reporting findings (K, C, E, A, J)
9. work effectively, responsibly and safely in individual and team contexts (C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Most mathematics units use lectures and tutorials (or practicals) as the main formal learning and teaching activities. Students are expected to read text books and other material to enhance their understanding, and to develop their understanding and skills through applying their newly acquired techniques and understanding to a wide range of exercises outside of the formal teaching times.
• Lectures are where ideas, techniques and theory are introduced, and illustrated by a range of well chosen, illustrative examples.
• Tutorials provide a context in which students are actively involved in applying the ideas and techniques introduced in lectures. Tutorials typically involve a mixture of individual and group work, with guidance and assistance from the tutor. Students also have opportunities to develop and practice their skills at explaining and presenting mathematical arguments and ideas.
• Practicals are often a feature of early mathematics units; providing opportunities to explore a greater range of examples and to engage with the process of understanding how to approach the task of developing strategies to approach mathematical problems and developing the required insight to select appropriate mathematical techniques. Practicals typically involve an interactive discussion between a faculty member and students to develop solutions to questions related to material recently introduced in lectures. |
| Assessment |
Various assessment methods are used in the units that constitute the mathematics major. These includes problem solving, producing reports, oral presentations, active participation in lectures and/or tutorials, online quizzes, individual and group projects and formal examinations.
Where group work is involved, a self reflection and peer assessment/feedback form on each students contribution to the assessment task is incorporated into the requirements of the assessment so that the individual contribution of each student can be identified.
The assessment in most mathematics units includes a number of regular low-stakes formative assessment tasks, such as the submission of weekly tutorial exercises, designed to assist students in their learning development; in addition to a range of summative assessment tasks.
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| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduates possessing a major in mathematics are highly sought after in many sectors including aerospace and defence, engineering, finance and economics, IT and computing, insurance, environment, exploration geophysics and mining, meteorology, telecoms and utilities, education and academic research.
These areas of employment depend, at some point on handling and interpreting data, on modelling and predicting outcomes, and rely on the sort of complex quantitative problem-solving skills and more fundamental logical and analytical skills offered by graduates in mathematics.
Students with a major in mathematics at Macquarie University are well prepared for further study and research in mathematics, either at Macquarie, or to follow in the footsteps of many of our earlier graduates who have proceeded to engage in Doctoral programs at a wide range of leading international institutions. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This major is accredited by the Australian Mathematical Society. Review for renewal of accreditation is scheduled for 2014. |
