Mathematics Requirements

Many degree programs in the Faculty of Science and Information Technology assume some knowledge of mathematics. However, it is often difficult for students to predict whether their mathematics background is adequate.

A Maths Diagnostic Quiz has been introduced for the first time this semester for students studying in the Faculty of Science and IT. It has been designed to gauge your understanding of basic mathematical concepts and processes, and provides information that may help you choose the most appropriate courses for your program. The Mathematics Diagnostic Quiz is available to all students in the Faculty via the Blackboard site FSCIT STUDENT GUIDE. If you have any trouble accessing this please see the Blackboard help for Students site.

The quiz does not contribute in any way to the assessment for any of your courses. You can take the quiz at any time, and immediate feedback will be provided. It is a self-diagnostic tool, that is it should help YOU to

  • assess your maths ability at a basic level
  • work out for yourself if you already have the necessary skills to study courses with maths content
  • work out what to do if you don't and who you can see or contact if you have questions
  • work out if you need to adjust your program to allow you more time to build maths skills if you need to

The following degree programs assume prior mathematics knowledge:

  • Bachelor of Biotechnology (all students must take a Maths course and a Statistics course)
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (all students must take a Statistics course)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Maths is required in all Engineering programs)
  • Bachelor of Mathematics (obviously!)
  • Bachelor of Psychology (all students must take a Statistics course)
  • Bachelor of Science (all students must have a minimum standard in mathematics, and take a Statistics course)

Some mathematics skills are also recommended for the following programs:

  • Bachelor of Development Studies (all students must take a course in Microeconomics)
  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Statistics is required in the accreditation sequence)
  • Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition (Statistics is highly recommended)

Which Mathematics course must/should I take in my degree program?

A basic level of mathematical competency is necessary in many degree programs and career paths. The following list shows all 1000 level ("first year") Mathematics courses on offer in the Faculty of Science and Information Technology, highlighting those you should take depending on your background and interests. Please consult your Program Convenor about mathematics courses at 2000 level and above.

Students taking the Bachelor of Science program should instead look at Which Mathematics course must/should I take in the Bachelor of Science?

Course Semester Assumed Knowledge Comments
MATH1100
Preliminary Mathematics
S1 Basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry Bridging course for entry to MATH1110
MATH1110
Mathematics 1
S1, S2 HSC Mathematics Bands 5 or 6, or MATH1100 Cannot count for credit with MATH1210
MATH1120
Mathematics 2
S1, S2 MATH1110 or MATH1210 Cannot count for credit with MATH1220
MATH1210
Advanced Mathematics 1
S1 HSC Mathematics Extension 1 Band 4 Cannot count for credit with MATH1110
MATH1220
Advanced Mathematics 2
S2 MATH1210 Cannot count for credit with MATH1120
Follows on from MATH1210
MATH1510
Discrete Mathematics
S1 HSC Mathematics Bands 5 or 6 -
MATH1900
Elementary Mathematics
S2 Basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry Only for BTeach/BArts (Primary) and BTeach/Early Childhood Studies