Year 12 Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4
Overview
In Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, you will learn about vectors, complex numbers, and reciprocal and inverse graphs. You will also learn lots of calculus such as kinematics, dynamics, study of motion and modelling forces. Towards the end of Unit 4, you will learn about random sampling, the central limit theorem and hypothesis testing.
Who is it for?
Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 is designed for you if you enjoy the intellectual challenge of more advanced mathematics. It complements the material covered in previous years and in Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. These units are ideal if you wish to study mathematics or engineering at a tertiary level.
What do you do?
Initially you will immerse yourself in the world of vectors, circular functions and complex numbers. The major part of the remaining weeks will give you the opportunity to explore higher order algebra and calculus, as well as some advance probability theory.
What skills do you need?
To be successful in Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, you need good mathematical skills and a desire to learn new concepts. You need to have successfully completed Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 and preferably Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2. You should have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.
What skills do you develop?
You will develop skills in applying the mathematical skills you have learned over the years to solve real-world problems involving motion, forces and rates of change.
Requirements
Internet is needed to access this course. Aside from supervised School Assessed Coursework (SACs), all work will be completed and submitted online weekly.
Required Resources
CAS technology:
- for this study, you need access to a VCAA-approved CAS technology. VSV course notes are written using the TI-Nspire CAS and Casio ClassPad calculators, and Mathematica software. The textbook also contains instructions for TI-Nspire CAS and Casio ClassPad calculators. However, any of the listed VCAA-approved CAS technologies can be used
- further information on VCAA-approved CAS technologies is available on their website
- if buying a new calculator, it is highly recommended to purchase a TI-Nspire CX CAS
- you are encouraged to contact your Mathematics teacher for advice before purchasing a calculator.
Textbook:
- Cambridge Senior Specialist Mathematics VCE Units 3 and 4 (2016 edition)
- you have the option of either purchasing the textbook or the eBook.
Things to think about
Specialist Mathematics is a demanding subject and studying online makes it even more difficult. You will need to develop a weekly routine to ensure you spend sufficient time to understand the concepts and to complete the required work. Specialist Mathematics is very challenging, yet ultimately rewarding subject.
Things you can do now
A good place to start is to view the material available on the Khan Academy website There is a wealth of material available from this site. We recommend that you initially concentrate on the vectors, circular functions and complex numbers topics.
Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.