Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4

Further Mathematics consists of a compulsory core area of study ‘Data analysis’ and then a selection of three from six modules in the ‘Applications’ area of study. Unit 3 comprises the ‘Data analysis’ area of study which incorporates a statistical application task, and one of the selected modules from the ‘Applications’ area of study. Unit 4 comprises the two other selected modules from the ‘Applications’ area of study.

Assumed knowledge and skills for the ‘Data analysis’ area of study are contained in the topics: Univariate data, Bivariate data, Linear graphs and modelling, and Linear relations and equations from General Mathematics Units 1 and 2.

The appropriate use of technology to support and develop the teaching and learning of mathematics is to be incorporated throughout the units. This will include the use of some of the following technologies for various areas of study or topics: graphics calculators, spreadsheets, graphing packages, statistical analysis systems, dynamic geometry systems, and computer algebra systems. In particular, students are encouraged to use graphics calculators, spreadsheets or statistical software in ‘Data analysis’, dynamic geometry systems in ‘Geometry and trigonometry’ and graphics calculators, graphing packages or computer algebra systems in the remaining areas of study, both in the learning of new material and the application of this material in a variety of different contexts.

Structure

Each unit deals with specific content and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of outcomes. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and skills. The assumed knowledge and skills for Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4 are drawn from General Mathematics Units 1 and 2. Students who have completed Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 will also have had access to knowledge and skills to undertake Further Mathematics.

Assessment

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to define and explain key terms and concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study, and use this knowledge to apply related mathematical procedures to solve routine application problems.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to use mathematical concepts and skills developed in the ‘Data analysis’ area of study to analyse a practical and extended situation, and interpret and discuss the outcomes of this analysis in relation to key features of that situation.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to select and appropriately use technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches in the area of study ‘Data analysis’ and the selected module from the ‘Applications’ area of study.

Unit 4 Outcomes

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to define and explain key terms and concepts as specified in the content from the ‘Applications’ area of study, and use this knowledge to apply related mathematical procedures to solve routine application problems.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply mathematical processes in contexts related to the ‘Applications’ area of study, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics.

Outcome 3

On the completion of this unit the student should be able to select and appropriately use technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches related to the selected modules for this unit from the ‘Applications’ area of study.

Levels of Achievement

Units 3 and 4

In Mathematics: Further Mathematics the student’s level of achievement will be determined by school-assessed coursework and two end-of-year examinations. Percentage contributions to the study score in Mathematics are as follows:

Further Mathematics

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 20 per cent
• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 14 per cent
• Units 3 and 4 examination 1: 33%
• Units 3 and 4 examination 2: 33%

Note: Students undertaking Further Mathematics are expected to have access to either a TI-84Plus graphics calculator or a TI-Nspire(CAS+) calculator. These calculators will be available for purchase through the school as applicable.