Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit prepares students for many of the more specialised postgraduate units that assume a basic familiarity with key mathematical concepts relating to statistics, calculus, graph theory, and linear algebra, as well as standard mathematical notation. Mathematics is a common language for describing our world - perhaps the only true universal language - and strong foundations in critical thinking, quantitative analysis and problem solving skills are highly relevant for studies and future employment in IT. The unit covers foundations in functions of one and many variables, differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and graph theory. Applications of these topics to IT are emphasised. Students will also gain hands-on experience using computer-aided tools including MATLAB.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will:

• have a common foundation-level knowledge of mathematical concepts relating to functions, linear algebra, differential and integral calculus, probability and statistics, and graph theory, upon which the remainder of their studies can be built;
• be confident in their use and understanding of mathematical notation and language;
• have skills to manipulate matrices and solve systems of linear equations, to differentiate and integrate functions of several variables and to find the maximum and minimum of such functions, to understand the basic principles of probability theory and techniques for statistical analysis, and to understand the basic concepts of graph theory;
• understand the relevance of such methods of quantitative analysis as they apply to the field of information technology;
• be able to apply their knowledge to solve mathematical problems by hand, as well as using computer-aided tools such as MATLAB and Excel spreadsheets.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Contact hours

4 hrs/wk