MAT9004 Mathematical foundations for data science and AI
Faculty of Information Technology
MAT9004 Mathematical foundations for data science and AI is a level 9, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton, Malaysia and Monash Online. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 8 units, leading on to 28 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia, Monash Online
- Assessment
- No exam
- 5 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before MAT9004
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MAT9004
8 units list MAT9004 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- FIT5047Fundamentals of artificial intelligenceNo reviews yet
- FIT5197Statistical data modellingNo reviews yet
- FIT5201Machine learningNo reviews yet
- FIT5215Deep learningNo reviews yet
- FIT5226Multi agent systems and collective behaviourNo reviews yet
- ITO5047Fundamentals of artificial intelligenceNo reviews yet
- ITO5197Statistical data modellingNo reviews yet
- ITO5201Machine learningNo reviews yet
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
Mathematical topics fundamental to computing and statistics including trees and other graphs, counting in combinatorics, principles of elementary probability theory, linear algebra, and fundamental concepts of calculus in one and several variables.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Teaching period 1 | Monash Online | Mo |
| Teaching period 4 | Monash Online | Mo |
Assessment
- Continuous assessment40%
- Scheduled final assessment (3 hours and 10 minutes)Threshold hurdle60%
- Assignment 130%
- Assignment 230%
- Mathematical challenge40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Use trees and graphs to solve problems in computer science;
- 2
Apply counting principles in combinatorics;
- 3
Describe the principles of elementary probability theory, evaluate conditional probabilities and use Bayes' Theorem;
- 4
Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills of linear algebra, including the manipulation of matrices, solution of linear systems, and evaluate and apply determinants;
- 5
Explain fundamental concepts in calculus including basic differentiation and integration, and composite, inverse and parametric functions;
- 6
Perform key skills in the calculus of functions of several variables including the calculation of partial derivatives, find tangent planes and identify stationary points, root findings and convexity for optimisation.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars36 hours
- Workshops12 hours
- Applied sessions16.5 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled activities. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.
On-campus
On-campus and Monash Online
Learning resources
Recommended resources
This unit covers many standard mathematical skills, so you'll find many useful resources online.
We recommend the following sections of Strang's "Calculus"
Functions: 1.1, 1.2
Single variable calculus: 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.2, 6.4
Linear algebra: 11.2, 11.4, 11.5, 16.1
Multivariable calculus: 13.1, 13.2, 13.4
Probability: 8.4
Graphs and combinatorics: 16.3
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Sheila Ilangovan
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Gregory Markowsky
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MAT9004?
MAT9004 has no prerequisites.
What can I take after MAT9004?
MAT9004 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 8 units, including FIT5047, FIT5197, FIT5201, FIT5215, FIT5226 and ITO5047. Those lead on to 28 units in all.
When is MAT9004 offered?
In 2025, MAT9004 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton, Malaysia and Monash Online.
How much work is MAT9004?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MAT9004 have an exam?
No. MAT9004 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.