At a glance
A challenging maths course that focuses on calculus and statistics. Students learn to model real situations, solve complex problems, and communicate mathematical reasoning clearly.
Students who have studied Australian Curriculum 10A and achieved A or B grades in Australian Curriculum Year 10 are usually well suited to this course.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- enjoy problem solving and using maths to explain the real world
- are confident with algebra and graphs, and are ready for a faster pace
- may need calculus or statistics for future study pathways
About this course
Mathematical Methods develops advanced skills in functions, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics. Calculus helps students understand rates of change (important in many sciences), and statistics helps students work with uncertainty and variation using data.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- science, engineering and technology pathways
- health and social sciences where statistics is important
- university study that uses mathematical modelling and data
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Unit 1: Mathematical Methods
This unit builds foundations in functions and graphs, trigonometry, and counting and probability.
Students will:
- work with functions and graphs (including key features and transformations)
- use trigonometry and probability to solve practical problems
Unit 2: Mathematical Methods
This unit introduces exponential functions, sequences and series, and the start of differential calculus.
Students will:
- model situations using exponentials and sequences (including growth and decay)
- learn what a derivative is and use it to solve rate-of-change and optimisation problems
Unit 3: Mathematical Methods
This unit extends calculus and introduces integration, and it also introduces discrete random variables.
Students will:
- use advanced differentiation and begin using integration to solve problems
- model chance and variation using discrete probability ideas
Unit 4: Mathematical Methods
This unit includes logarithms, continuous random variables (including the normal distribution), and an introduction to statistical inference.
Students will:
- use continuous probability models and interpret results
- estimate population proportions using sample data (introductory inference)