VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2

Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 provide acourse of study for students who wish to undertake an in-depth study of mathematics, with an emphasis on concepts, skills and processes related to mathematical structure, modelling, problem solving and reasoning. This study has a focus on interest in the discipline of mathematics in its own right and investigation of a broad range of applications, as well as development of a sound background for further studies in mathematics and mathematics related fields. Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2, taken in conjunction, provide a comprehensive preparation for Year 12 Specialist Mathematics.

In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational, real and complex arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations and graphs with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.

Entry

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3; however, students undertaking Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 or Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 are assumed to have a sound background in number, algebra, function, geometry, probability and statistics.

Areas of study

1. Arithmetic and number
Principles of counting
Number systems and recursion

2. Discrete mathematics
Graph theory

3. Algebra and structure
Logic and algebra
Transformations, trigonometry and matrices

4. Geometry, measurement and trigonometry
Geometry in the plane and proof
Vectors in the plane

5. Graphs of linear and non-linear relations
Kinematics
Non-linear relatins and functions

6. Statistics
Simulation, sampling and sampling distributions
Number systems and recursion

Outcomes

For each unit the student is required to demonstrate achievement of three outcomes. As a set these outcomes encompass all of the selected areas of study for each unit. For each of Unit 1 and Unit 2 the outcomes as a set apply to the content from the areas of study and topics selected for that unit.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to define and explain key concepts in relation to the topics from the selected areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.

Outcome 2

On completion of each unit the student should be able to apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics in at least three areas of study.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to use technology to produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches in at least three areas of study.

Pathway

• VCE Further Mathematics (Units 3 and 4)
• VCE Mathematical Methods (Units 3 and 4)
• VCE Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 and 4)

Students successfully completing both year 11 Specialist Mathematics  and Mathematical Methods are recommended to study any one of the following combinations:

• Further Mathematics & Mathematical Methods
• Mathematical Methods only
• Mathematical Methods & Specialist Mathematics