FNSC1003
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course will explore the essential skills needed to survive and succeed at university, including understanding assessments and their rubrics, researching and evaluating sources, and understanding referencing conventions. This course will cover time management, planning, and study skills and familiarise students with the university’s support systems. Fundamental numeracy skills which are critical for studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will also be covered. These include an understanding of and competence in the skills of numeracy, arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and scale measurement, units of measurement and basic concepts of statistics.
Availability
Not currently offered.
This Course was last offered in Semester 2 - 2024.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Analyse an assignment question and interpret a rubric
2. Search an online library catalogue, evaluate the reliability of a source and create a reference list.
3. Demonstrate a sound knowledge and an understanding of numbers and arithmetic.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of mathematics relevant to STEM degrees.
5. Identify different data sets and interpret tables and graphs.
6. Apply basic mathematical and statistical concepts to real world problems.
Content
Academic skills
- Time management, study skills and planning, note-taking, brainstorming and mind mapping
- Analysing an assignment question and interpreting a rubric
- Searching an online library catalogue, evaluating source reliability, referencing, and academic integrity
Numeracy skills
- Numeracy, place value, arithmetic algorithms, mental arithmetic, order of operations, directed numbers
- Fractions, decimals and percentage calculations and approximation of numbers
- Calculator use, ratio and scale measurement
- Scientific notation, units of measurement, prefixes, unit conversions
Statistical skills
- Basic concepts of statistics, frequency distributions, tables and graphs
- Measures of centre or 'averages', identifying the different data types
- Constructing and interpreting tables and graphs from a set of data
- Calculating the mode, median and the mean from a set of data
- Measures of variability, standardising data- z scores
Requisite
This course is only available if you are active in one of the following programs:
- Diploma in Science [40318]
- Diploma in Environmental Science [40319]
Assessment items
Quiz: Quizzes on academic skills, maths, statistics
In Term Test: Mid-Semester Test
Formal Examination: Final Examination
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.