Subject Outline

Subject Title Mathematical Techniques

Subject Code MA1003

Credit Points 3

Study Period 2

Attendance Mode Internal

Campus Townsville and Cairns

Prerequisite/s MA1000 or MA1101

Patrick Higgins
Subject
Coordinator/Division Division of Tropical Environments & Societies
/College College of Science & Engineering

At James Cook University, we acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which our campuses and study
centres are located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders,
past, present and future. JCU is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich
contribution to JCU and society.

© Copyright 2023
This publication is covered by copyright regulations. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private
study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by
any process or placed in computer memory without written permission.
Contents
1 Subject details .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Student participation requirements ........................................................................................................3
1.2 Teaching Staff contact details ..................................................................................................................3
1.3 Subject description...................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Subject learning outcomes and course learning outcomes .....................................................................4
1.5 Student feedback on subject and teaching..............................................................................................4
1.6 Subject resources and special requirements ...........................................................................................4
2 Assessment details ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Key dates ..................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Requirements for successful completion of this subject .........................................................................5
2.3 AccessAbility Services and Support..........................................................................................................5
2.4 Assessment items.....................................................................................................................................6
3 Submission and return of assessment ................................................................................................ 6
3.1 Submission of assessment .......................................................................................................................8
3.2 Late submissions ......................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Special Consideration (including deferrals and extensions) ....................................................................8
3.4 Academic Integrity ...................................................................................................................................9
3.5 Return of assessment...............................................................................................................................9
3.6 Review of assessment ..............................................................................................................................9
4 Learning and teaching in this subject............................................................................................... 10
4.1 Subject calendar .....................................................................................................................................10
4.2 Learning and teaching activities/expectations ......................................................................................11

This Subject Outline has been prepared by Patrick Higgins for the College of Science and Engineering,
James Cook University. Updated 17th July 2023.

The information provided in this subject outline is correct as at the time of completion and may change
in response to changing University resources. Any changes will be approved by the College Dean or
representative and will be communicated to students by the LearnJCU subject site.

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1 Subject details
1.1 Student participation requirements
The JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures (2.1.2d) indicates a typical student workload for
a three (3) credit point subject requires a 130 hour work load of study related activities, including
attendance, assessment and self-directed study over the duration of the subject with equivalency across
all attendance modes.
Note that attendance at specified classes will be a mandatory requirement for satisfactory completion of
some subjects (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures, 3.1.8e) and that additional hours may be
required per week for those students in need of English language, numeracy or other learning support.

Key subject activities

Refer to JCU Timetable

Lectures (3 hours per week)
or your eStudent personal timetable

Refer to JCU Timetable

Tutorial (1 hour per week)
or your eStudent personal timetable

For information regarding class registration, visit the Class Registration Schedule.
Learning and teaching activities may be recorded for this subject. Personal Information in the form of
images and audio may be collected by JCU during the recording. This Personal Information may appear
as part of the recording which is accessible to students and staff in this subject on LearnJCU.

1.2 Teaching Staff contact details

Teaching Consultation
Staff member Room Phone Email
team times*

Subject By email
Patrick Higgins 47814277 patrick.higgins@jcu.edu.au
Coordinator

Lecturer Patrick Higgins 47814277 patrick.higgins@jcu.edu.au By email

Tutor TBA

Visit Learning
Learning
The Learning Centre JCU Library n/a Online contact form Advice Desk –
Advisors
JCU Library

Librarian Your Liaison Librarian JCU Library n/a Library contacts

*Other consultation times by appointment only.

1.3 Subject description

To develop knowledge and advanced analytical skills in the fields of differential and integral calculus, differential
equations, series, linear algebra and complex numbers through independent and collaborative learning. To equip
students with the techniques required for the application of integral and differential calculus, differential
equations and linear algebra in disciplines where these concepts are used.

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1.4 Subject learning outcomes and course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
1. Differentiate quantities on curves defined by parametric equations; understand and use the concepts of
the differential and linear approximation for functions of a single variable and apply Newton’s method to
solve nonlinear equations involving a single variable.
2. Define hyperbolic functions and describe their properties; define inverse trigonometric and inverse
hyperbolic functions and describe their properties.
3. Use techniques presented to evaluate integrals analytically. Use the trapezoidal rule and Simpson’s rule
to evaluate integrals numerically. Apply integrals to determine volumes of solids of revolution, arc length
and surface area of revolution.
4. Solve first order differential equations and second order differential equations with constant coefficients,
including non-homogeneous cases and apply these methods to word problems.
5. Use convergence tests to determine properties of series and power series. Determine power series
representations of functions.
6. Systematically solve a system of linear equations; compute and understand the role of the determinant in
a matrix equation; solve a matrix equation using the matrix inverse.
7. Understand the rectangular, polar and exponential forms of a complex number. Perform the four
standard arithmetic operations and find roots using complex numbers. Solve equations involving complex
numbers.
8. Communicate mathematical thinking incorporating the concepts and methods presented in the course.
These outcomes will contribute to your overall achievement of course learning outcomes.

1.5 Student feedback on subject and teaching

Students are at the heart of JCU and as part of our commitment to improving the quality of our subjects
and teaching, we regularly seek feedback on the JCU student experience.
YourJCU Surveys are available to all students through LearnJCU. You will receive an email invitation
when the survey opens.

1.6 Subject resources and special requirements

All subject readings and resources, including journal articles, book chapters, websites, videos, print and
eTextbooks, are available to view online from your Readings list via your LearnJCU subject site.

There is no prescribed text book for this subject

Required:
• Lecture Notes (including tutorial exercises) – download through LearnJCU. Print single sided. Bring to every
lecture and tutorial for annotating and to write extra notes and examples.
• Workbook – blank (ruled) A4 paper for all tutorial exercises. Loose leaf paper kept in a folder is sufficient.
LearnJCU:
• Lecture notes (including exercises)
• Written solutions to most exercises
• Online quizzes
• Lecture recordings
• Gradebook for all on-course assessment marks
• Tutorial discussions boards and blogs
Textbook: (Recommended only for extra reading and exercises, not compulsory)
• “Mathematical Methods for Engineers and Scientists” by Fitzgerald and Peckham
Youtube:
• Search for “JCUmaths” on Youtube to see videos of worked examples.

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2 Assessment details
2.1 Key dates

Key dates Date

Census date and Last date to withdraw without financial penalty See Study Period and Census Dates

Last date to withdraw without academic penalty See Study Period and Census Dates

Assessment item 1: Quizzes (Tutorial: 5%, Online: 10%) Throughout semester

Assessment item 2: On-course Tests (Test 1: 10% and Test 2: 20%) In tutorials: 17th August and 5th October

Assessment item 3: Exam (55%) During exam weeks

2.2 Requirements for successful completion of this subject

In order to pass this subject, you must:
• Gain an overall percentage of 50% or higher, calculated from all assessment items above.
• Gain an overall percentage of 40% or higher on invigilated assessment (on-course tests and exam).
Final results for this subject will be graded as described in the Student Results Policy.
Graded = HD, D, C, P, F etc

When calculating a student’s final grade, the following will be taken into account:

• A mark out of 100 will be obtained by adding the marks from all the assessment items listed above.
• All oncourse assessment is compulsory.
• The percentage required for each grade is determined so that the overall discipline grade distributions are
in accord with Academic Board Grade Policy.
• This subject does not have completely fixed or predetermined pass rates.
• The college reserves the right to normalise marks so that they comply with the Academic Board Grade
Policy. This scaling will take into account the overall ability of the class and the difficulty of the assessment
in comparison to previous years.

Supplementary examinations/supplementary assessments are available for this subject, in accordance

with the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedure (3.2.10) and the Student Results Policy (2.1)

2.2.1 How do I track my progress in this subject?

All on-course assessment marks will be uploaded to the grade centre on LearnJCU.

2.3 AccessAbility Services and Support

Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist you to manage additional circumstances impacting on
your studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments
do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course.
If you believe you will experience challenges completing your degree or course because of a disability,
health condition or other reason, you should discuss your concerns with AccessAbility Services.

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2.4 Assessment items
ASSESSMENT ITEM 1: QUIZZES (TUTORIAL: 5%, ONLINE: 10%)
Aligned subject learning
• All subject learning outcomes listed above, except learning outcome 6 and 8
outcomes

Group or individual Individual assessment item

Weighting and due date 15% total for all quizzes throughout the study period

Requirements for
successful completion of You must achieve a minimum of 50% in order to pass this assessment item).
this assessment item

ASSESSMENT ITEM 1: DESCRIPTION

Tutorial Quizzes: Held in face-to-face tutorials only. Tutorial quizzes will not be emailed to students that
do not attend the tutorials.

Each tutorial quiz will comprise a number of typical mathematical problems relevant to the lecture
material previously covered in lectures. Tutorial quizzes are open book, students can ask tutors for
assistance and are encouraged to work on the quizzes together.
PLEASE NOTE: final solutions must be written out indinidually as copying and other forms of cheating
are treated as academic misconduct and are strictly prohibited.

Online Quizzes: The online quizzes will be available through LearnJCU during semester for
approximately 2 weeks each. Students should check their assessment calendar on LearnJCU for due
dates. Online Quizzes will examine all lecture material covered in lectures. The quizzes are not
invigilated but students are encouraged to attempt each quiz individually to maximise their learning.

Each online quiz comprises 10 questions including a mixture of multiple choice and numeric answer
problems. The questions in each quiz are randomly selected from a question bank of approximately 200
– 250 questions. Students will have three attempts at each assessable quiz with their highest mark
being recorded. An equivalent set of practice quizzes will be available for the entire study period. The
practice quizzes are created randomly, in the same way as the assessable quizzes and students may
attempt them as many times as they like. Marks for practice quizzes do not count towards your final
grade.

All questions in the online quizzes are marked immediately by the software as correct or incorrect and
students are given feedback immediately on completion of the quiz.

Online quizzes will examine the core skills that are taught in lectures and are required to attempt the
more challenging tutorial exercises.

ASSESSMENT ITEM 1: CRITERIA SHEET (OR RUBRIC)

Solutions to tutorial quizzes will be marked as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Satistfactory quizzes will

contribute 1 mark towards the tutorial quiz component of the overall assessment, and unsatisfactory
quizzes will contribute zero marks.

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Online quizzes are marked by the software as correct or incorrect. Each question is worth 1 mark.
There is no criteria for part marks.

ASSESSMENT ITEM 2: ON-COURSE TESTS (TEST 1: 10% AND TEST 2: 20%)

Aligned subject learning • Test 1 – Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 8
outcomes • Test 2 – All learning outcomes listed above

Group or individual Individual assessment item

Weighting and due date On-course: Test 1 (10%) on 17th August and Test 2 (20%) on 5th October

Requirements for
successful completion of You must achieve a minimum of 50% in order to pass this assessment item
this assessment item

ASSESSMENT ITEM 2: DESCRIPTION

On-course tests are supervised and are closed book with no calculators allowed. Tests will include both
multiple choice questions where no working will be marked, and questions requiring full written
solutions where part marks will be allocated. Multiple choice questions will be similar to those in the
online quizzes. Questions requiring full solutions will be similar to those in the exercises and tutorials.

ASSESSMENT ITEM 2: CRITERIA SHEET (OR RUBRIC)

For all written assessment questions, students are expected to show all necessary working. It is
insufficient to write only the answer, even if it is correct. Also, while marks are not awarded for
neatness, students may be penalised for poorly written or untidy work.

All written assessment questions will be marked by comparing student answers to a model set of
solutions and marking scheme prepared by the lecturer. The model solutions will be written to a
standard that is expected by a first year mathematics student that has gained enough knowledge about
the lecture material taught and is able to demonstrate this knowledge.

All assessment will consist of a variety of questions covering topics from most areas of the subject.
Assessment of your answers to these questions will depend on the type of question, but will
fundamentally be on the basis of:
• Correctness – is the answer provided correct, or the most correct answer that a 1st year mathematics student
could be expected to provide?
• Completeness – does the response provided answer the question completely, within the context of
information provided (or reasonably expected to have been discovered) during the study of this subject?
• Likelihood of arriving at the appropriate result – when a response is incomplete, is it likely that the ‘train of
thought’ indicated in the partial response would lead toward an appropriate outcome (based on the
knowledge and skills embodied by this subject)?
• Optimisation – does the response provided represent the highest order of knowledge and skill that could be
developed solely through the study of this subject?

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ASSESSMENT ITEM 3: EXAM (55%)
Aligned subject learning
• All learning outcomes listed above
outcomes

Group or individual Individual assessment item

Weighting and due date 55% held during exam weeks

Requirements for
successful completion of You must achieve a minimum of 50% in order to pass this assessment item
this assessment item

ASSESSMENT ITEM 3: DESCRIPTION

The exam is supervised and is closed book with no calculators allowed. The exam will include both
multiple choice questions where no working will be marked, and questions requiring full written
solutions where part marks will be allocated. Multiple choice questions will be similar to those in the
online quizzes. Questions requiring full solutions will be similar to those in the exercises and tutorial
quizzes.

ASSESSMENT ITEM 3: CRITERIA SHEET (OR RUBRIC)

See criteria sheet for assessment task 2

3 Submission and return of assessment

3.1 Submission of assessment
There are no take-home assignments for this subject. Tutorial quizzes are to be handed in during the
tutorial allocated for each quiz.

3.2 Late submissions

The Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedure (3.1.8d) outlines a uniform formula of penalties
imposed for submission of an assessment item after the due date. This formula is 5% of the total
possible marks for the assessment item per day including part-days, weekends, and public holidays. If
submitted after 20 days, the assessment item thus would be awarded 0 marks (i.e. 5% x 20 = 100% of
total possible marks in penalties). For assessment items weighted 0%, and submitted after 10 days a
DNS (Did Not Submit) grade is awarded.

3.3 Special Consideration (including deferrals and extensions)

You are encouraged to access equity measures if you are affected by extenuating circumstances while
undertaking the subject. JCU’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedure 3.1 requires that you must
must make yourself available for assessments and examinations at the scheduled times and extensions
or deferrals for an assessment item due to previously scheduled commitments such as weddings or
holidays, will not be granted.

All Special Consideration requests can be applied for through the Special Consideration application
form. The form is linked to the Special Consideration Procedure and also available on the Student
Forms webpage.

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3.4 Academic Integrity
As outlined in the Coursework Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, you are are required to
complete the Coursework Academic Integrity Modules available in your LearnJCU site. Penalties for non-
completion may be applied.

All non-examination items of assessment are required to be submitted with the Assessment Declaration
available through LearnJCU. The Assessment Declaration contains statements relating to academic
integrity under the Coursework Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures. All instances of academic
misconduct are treated very seriously by the University and students may be severely penalised for
committing any form of academic misconduct.
For more information regarding academic integrity, see
https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learningcentre/academic-integrity

3.5 Return of assessment

The requirements for an assessment’s return date, time and manner will be determined by the Subject
Coordinator in line with the JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures.
Feedback will be given, as per clause 3.5 of the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures. You will
be informed of your grade for every component of assessment as per clause 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 of
the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures. You can also request written or verbal feedback
from the marker (see Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures 3.5).

3.6 Review of assessment

Assessment items and final grades will be reviewed through moderation processes (Learning, Teaching
and Assessment Procedures, 3.6). It is important to be aware that assessment results “must always
undergo final ratification for each study period. No single grade or mark represents a final result in a
subject” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures, 3.7.4.).

Students can seek a review of individual assessment pieces through the process identified in clause 3.8
of the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Procedures.

Students can seek a review of the final subject result through the process contained in the Academic
and Statutuory Decisions Review an Appeal Procedure.

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4 Learning and teaching in this subject
4.1 Subject calendar
Please note, the sequence of some topics may change due to staff availability, resourcing, or due to
unforeseen circumstances. Please monitor announcements made via LearnJCU.

Week Topics Readings Exercises

1. Differential calculus: Parametric equations and their
1
derivatives. Hyperbolic functions and their derivatives, Inverse
2 functions and their derivatives. Inverse trigonometric functions
Notes: pp 1 – 32 Ex: 1 – 11
and their derivatives, Inverse hyperbolic functions and their
3 derivatives, Differentials, Linear approximations. Newton's
method.
2. Integration: Integration by substitution and by parts.
4 Trigonometric integrals. Trigonometric substitutions. Partial
fractions. Integrals involving completion of the square. Definite
Notes: pp 33 – 63 Ex: 12 – 21
integrals. Riemann sums. Improper integrals. Trapezoidal and
5 Simpson's rule. Applications: volume of solid of revolution, arc
length.
3. Complex numbers: Algebra of complex numbers, Solving
6 equations, Modulus, polar/exponential form. Powers and roots of Notes: pp 64 – 77 Ex: 22 – 27
complex numbers.
4. Differential equations: Separation of variables. Applications.
7
General solutions, initial and boundary value problems. First order
linear differential equations. Integrating factors. Second order Notes: pp 78 – 99 Ex: 28 – 32
linear differential equations with constant coefficients:
8
homogeneous and non-homogeneous cases.

9 5. Infinite series: Sigma notation. Geometric series. Convergence,

test for divergence. Harmonic series. Positive term series,
10 comparison test, ratio test. Alternating series test. Absolute Notes: pp 100 – 121 Ex: 33 – 41
convergence. Power series, radius of convergence. Taylor and
11 Maclaurin series.
12 6. Vectors, Linear equations and matrices: Vectors, Solid
Geometry, Systems of Linear Equations, Matrix Algebra, Notes: pp 122 – 138 Ex: 42 – 45
13 Determinants, Gaussian elimination, Matrix inverse.

STUDY VACATION

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4.2 Learning and teaching activities/expectations
Graduates with strong skills in mathematics are essential for a brighter future for life in the tropics,
world-wide.

The JCU staff involved with teaching in this subject aim to optimise the mathematics experience of all
students. In order to succeed in this subject, students must be active in their learning. Participation and
engagement is key.

Lectures (entire class) focus on the introduction and explanation of the mathematical topics discussed in
the lecture notes for this subject. Come ready to do some work – lectures come with opportunities for
you to do calculations and discuss them with your classmates. Learning in lectures will be maximised if
you are familiar with the topics being covered prior to the lecture. Read the lecture notes, study the
examples, attempt the tutorial problems and discuss topics with your fellow class mates.

Tutorials focus on developing and strengthening the techniques and concepts presented in the lectures
through independent and collaborative learning experiences in a safe and supportive learning
environment. Tutorials concentrate on tutor/student and student/student interaction. Tutorial time
will be spent writing out solutions and participating in group discussions. Students are expected to
attempt all tutorial exercises prior to the tutorial each week. Bring your lecture notes and workbook to
the tutorials.

Study Groups: Ideally you will form informal study groups amongst yourselves. Many students find this
of benefit. If you are looking to form a study group and want help in identifying others who want to do
the same please let us know and we can assist

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