ENG1090 Foundation mathematics
Faculty of Engineering
ENG1090 Foundation mathematics is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 127 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 5 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review ENG1090.
Requisites
Before ENG1090
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After ENG1090
4 units list ENG1090 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisite: Australian VCE Mathematical methods (Units 3 & 4) or equivalent
Overview
This unit introduces foundational mathematics required for all disciplines of engineering. It is equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Specialist Mathematics and a prerequisite for ENG1005. Major concepts taught using engineering contexts include functions and their properties, complex numbers, vectors, differentiation, integration and application.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Blended |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| October intake teaching period, Malaysia campus | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Applied class quizzesQuiz / Test10%
- AssignmentsProject10%
- Semester 1 - Seminar quizzesQuiz / TestCompetency hurdle10%
- Semester 2, Oct - Competency hurdle quizzesQuiz / TestCompetency hurdle10%
- Mid-term testQuiz / Test20%
- Final assessmentExamination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify foundational mathematical theory that is essential to engineering applications.
- 2
Describe mathematical techniques and arguments clearly in written and spoken format.
- 3
Discuss mathematical theory as part of a team of peers.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops36 hours
- Seminars36 hours
- Assessments1.5 hours
- Applied sessions22 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Face-to-face classes for students studying on campus, and online/distance education for students who are studying remotely. The main learning approach is active learning which requires you to be involved as a proactive learner in the activities and assignments rather than a passive listener.
Learning resources
Technology resources
An internet-enabled device (laptop, tablet, mobile phone) is required for the seminars, workshops and applied classes in order to access online activities.
Where it fits
ENG1090 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Zhi Qi Tan
- Mr Nader Kamrani
- Dr Victor Villalba Rojas
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Victor Villalba Rojas
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ENG1090?
ENG1090 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after ENG1090?
ENG1090 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including ENG1014, PHS1001, PHS1002 and PHS1011. Those lead on to 127 units in all.
When is ENG1090 offered?
In 2026, ENG1090 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is ENG1090?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ENG1090 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ENG1090?
ENG1090 is part of Mathematics.