Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 looks at mathematical structures, reasoning and proof, and applications across a range of modelling contexts. In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, functions, algebraic manipulation, equations, graphs, differentiation, anti-differentiation and integration, kinematics and sampling techniques. They should have facility with relevant by-hand approaches, as well as the use of numerical, graphical and symbolic functionality of technology (CAS calculator) for learning mathematics and for working mathematically.
Students wishing to undertake Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 must also complete Mathematics Methods Units 3 and 4.
Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 assumes familiarity with key knowledge and skills from Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2, the key knowledge and skills from some topics in Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2, and concurrent study of Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.
Topics covered are from the areas of study 'Algebra, number and structure', 'Calculus', 'Data analysis, probability and statistics', 'Discrete mathematics', 'Functions, relations and graphs' and 'Space and measurement'.
Unit 3 comprises of the topics
Logic and Proof
Circular Functions
Vectors
Complex Numbers
Calculus
Unit 4 comprises of the topics
Differential Equations
Kinematics
Vector Calculus
Probability and Statistics
The award of satisfactory completion is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of outcomes specified. Teachers use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks to provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate these.
Outcome 1: define and explain key concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.
Outcome 2: apply mathematical process in non-routine context, including situations with some open-ended aspects requiring investigative, modelling or problem-solving techniques or approaches, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics.
Outcome 3: apply computational thinking and use numerical, graphical, symbolic and statistical functionalists of technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis of situations requiring investigative, modelling or problem-solving techniques or approaches.
The award of grades and scores for the course is based on three components, school-assessed coursework and two external examinations.
School-assessed coursework contributes to 40% of the study score.
Unit 3: An Application task based on the Functions and Graphs, Algebra and Calculus Areas of study (20% of study score).
Unit 4: Two modelling or problem-solving tasks on other areas of study, one of which will be related to the 'Data anaylsis probability and statistics' area of study (10% of study score each).
External examinations contributes to 60% of the study score.
Examination 1: This examination comprises short-answer and some extended-answer questions covering all areas of study without the use of technology or notes. The examination will be of one hour duration and a formula sheet will be provided. (20% of study score).
Examination 2: This examination comprises multiple-choice questions and extended-answer questions covering all areas of the study with an emphasis on applying mathematical processes to solve problems and analyse these applications. The examination will be of two hours duration and students can access an approved CAS calculator, scientific calculator and one bound reference which may be brought into the examination. (40% of study score).
For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:
Cambridge Specialist Mathematics VCE Units 3&4 Second Edition (print and digital)
Casio Classpad 400 FX-CP400 with padded wallet