Admission and Unit Information – Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science)

This level one unit provides a solid foundation in the theory and applications of differential calculus, as well as some introductory work on complex numbers. It is the first of two units developing aspects of calculus.

This unit is designed to provide students with scientific literacy and generic skills required to successfully undertake science-related undergraduate studies. Students learn, develop and utilise academic and interpersonal methodologies within the context of applied scientific principles in society and take responsibility for their own learning. Students are introduced to the contestable and uncertain nature of science and the scientific method. Activities encourage development of self-confidence, self-efficacy, creative thinking through problem solving, group process, communication and peer support. Academic skills include scientific reading and report writing, researching scientific information and library skills, oral presentation, taking tests and exams, effective personal and group based learning strategies, peer assessment, and online learning.

This Level 1 unit introduces set theory, symbolic logic, graph theory and some counting problems. It serves as a grounding for further study in mathematics or computing.

How many species walk, fly, swim or slither, crawl, hop, wriggle or just float, hitchhike or move so slowly that they appear not to move at all? No one knows and new species appear almost every day. This unit focuses on this spectacular diversity of living things and the process of evolution. Students explore and classify biodiversity and how organisms function, acquire and assimilate resources and co-ordinate growth and reproduction. Organisms interact with one another and their environment forming a complex set of interactions in ecosystems. It is these interactions that have driven evolution. Ultimately human survival depends on the sustainable use of this biodiversity and ecosystems.

This unit provides an introduction to some of the essential knowledge, concepts and skills of chemistry, to serve the needs of students majoring in chemistry and those requiring a working knowledge of chemistry. Observable chemical facts and phenomena including structure, dynamics, and energetics, are explained in terms of current mathematical and visual models and further developed in Essential Chemistry 2. Evidence for chemical understanding is provided using IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and computer molecular modelling. Laboratory skills relate theory to practice through the development of practical skills required to determine the concentration of an analyte using volumetric and spectrophotometric analysis.

This unit provides an introduction to physics for science and medical science students as well as providing a basis for further study of more advanced physics for students pursuing courses in nanotechnology, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences. It provides a foundation to understand the physical principles which underlay scientific instrumentation and analysis Topics covered include systems of units; Introductory mechanics, Newtons laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum; Electricity, electrostatics, DC and AC circuits and components, introductory electromagnetism; Waves and optics, electromagnetic radiation, reflection, refraction, image formation, polarisation, interference and diffraction.

The unit covers the nature of the Earth's surface and its physical properties; properties and behaviour of the crust and interior of the Earth; mineral products, especially energy, water and mineral products; maps and geological structures; minerals, rocks and fossils. This Unit will give you a broad appreciation of the Earth, and the Earths' changing and dynamic properties and evidence spanning a geological time scale of billions of years. We will examine the way the Earth works, and our place in the system.

This introductory unit gives students an insight into the history, structure, operations and uses of computers, and their impact on society. This will be complemented by hands-on use of computers and popular application software packages in a graphical user interface environment. Students gain a basic understanding of the uses of computers, and the skills necessary to use popular applications software, including word processing, spreadsheet and database packages, and Internet tools and services.

This Level 1 unit provides a solid foundation in the theory and applications of integral calculus, as well as some introductory work on linear algebra and infinite sequences and series. It is the second of two units developing aspects of calculus.

Biometry introduces students to various statistical techniques necessary in scientific endeavours. Presentation of the content will emphasize the correct principles and procedures for collecting and analysing scientific data, using a hands-on approach. Topics include effective methods of gathering data, statistical principles of designing experiments, error analysis, describing different sets of data, probability distributions, statistical inference, non-parametric methods, simple linear regression and analysis of categorical data.

Objective of this unit is to present the main fundamentals of linear algebra and includes such topics as solving systems of linear equations, matrix algebra, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Euclidean vector spaces, general vector spaces, inner product spaces and linear transformations.

This unit is designed for students undertaking studies in mathematics, statistics, operations research and mathematical finance. It provides further mathematical training in the areas of multivariable and vector calculus, which is essential to the understanding of many areas of both pure and applied mathematics.

As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

Differential equations arise naturally, both in abstract mathematics and in the study of many phenomena. This unit provides the theory of ordinary differential equations and an introduction to partial differential equations, together with methods of solution. Examples are drawn from a wide range of biological, chemical, physical and economic applications.

The unit builds on the basic statistical concepts introduced in first year, and also prepares students for broader application of statistics for those majoring in science or business. Topics include some common probability distributions; revision of hypothesis testing; analysis of categorical data; analysis of variance; simple and multiple linear regression analysis and correlation; some nonparametric methods; and fundamentals of time-series analysis.

Cells are the most basic form of all life, and underlying normal cell function are the molecules used to build complex cellular structures, generate energy, and propagate dynamic life. The unit will study the fundamental processes through which key biomolecules, including lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids and nucleic acids, are manipulated to generate and store energy, and build a broad array of important biological macromolecules including DNA, membranes and proteins. To sustain life, cells respire for energy and replicate for growth and sexual reproduction. Accordingly the unit will examine cellular respiration, transcription, translation, mitosis, meiosis, transmission and how the genetic code is inherited and modified providing students insights into the phenomena of life. The role of DNA technology in the fields of medicine, biomolecular plant and animal science, food, forensic and environmental science will provide students with real world applications.

This unit introduces an investigation of the reactivity of covalent molecules, in particular, of carbon-based compounds. Focussing on introductory chemical dynamics and thermodynamics, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the structure, nomenclature and reactivity of the principal organic functional groups, extending their basic principles of chemistry. They will also understand how molecules are synthesised and the ways they react being important in the function and role of chemistry in biological systems in our domestic and industrial worlds.

This unit develops a deeper understanding of physics for students pursuing courses in nanotechnology, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences. Topics covered include Mechanics: Equilibrium, stress and strain, harmonic oscillators, rotational motion, moment of inertia. Gravitation, types of force in nature. Thermal Physics: temperature, specific & latent heat, heat transfer, kinetic theory of gases, first law of thermodynamics, isothermal, isobaric & adiabatic processes. Introduction to Modern Physics: special relativity, time dilation, length contraction, momentum, mass, rest energy, velocity addition. Basic quantum theory, Planck's hypothesis, wave nature of matter, quantum mechanical view of atoms. Nuclear physics, radiation, half-life, nuclear reactions.

The exploration for resources requires knowledge of rocks and minerals as chemical systems. This unit investigates the chemical aspects of ore genesis, minerals and phase equilibria, and biogeochemistry of the elements. The chemical principles for the formation of Earth are detailed and applied to real-world examples. Field and laboratory work will include the acquisition, presentation, and use of geochemical data. A three day field trip to Burraga will be undertaken during the mid-session break.

This unit develops algebraic thought to a high level. The abstract concepts involved in the main topics (group theory and number theory) have many applications in science and technology, and the unit includes an application to cryptography.

This unit covers regression analysis and experimental design. The regression section of the unit develops the theory and application of one of the most commonly used statistical tools: regression analysis. Topics covered include simple linear regression, multiple regression, and model diagnostics and selection. The experimental design section deals with completely randomized design, randomized block design, Latin square design, and factorial experiment models. Such design models are useful for applications in engineering and physical sciences and in the business and behavioural disciplines. The integration of the theory and practice of the two sections will be enhanced by using the statistical computing package MINITAB.

Analysis provides the theoretical basis of real and complex numbers, including differentiation and integration. Topics include: field axioms and completeness, sequences, series, convergence, compactness, continuity, differentiability, integrability, and related theorems in both the real and complex number systems.

Science Research Project is a final-year capstone unit that gives students an introduction to scientific research, while extending their knowledge and practical skills. Each student undertakes a research project supervised by an academic staff member. With the assistance of their supervisor, students will research the literature and define the problem to be studied, carry out a risk assessment, develop the appropriate experimental methods, carry out research on their project, and present a final written report and a poster or oral presentation. This unit offers a challenge to final-year students, and allows innovation by the student with respect to both method and research direction.

Time Series and Forecasting presents the basic techniques of time series analysis with emphasis on model identification, parameter estimation and diagnostic checking. The use of time series models for the process of forecasting future behaviour is discussed. In addition, alternative forecasting approaches, in particular econometric methods, are introduced and evaluated.

Mathematical Modelling is about solving real world problems. The real world is a complicated place which we often need or want to understand better. One way to do this is to set up a mathematical model which we hope can provide insights, predictions and a greater understanding of a complex system. Selected real-world problems are approximated by mathematical models that are amenable to being written in terms of linear and non-linear equations or differential equations. Once equations are solved emphasis is placed on interpreting solutions, modifying models as required and using models for prediction.