UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

MTH1010 Functions and their applications

Faculty of Science

MTH1010 Functions and their applications is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 3 units, leading on to 199 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Semester 1, Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 1 other task

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before MTH1010

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: It is recommended that you will have successfully completed either VCE Mathematical Methods 1/2 or VCE Further Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent. If you do not have one of these, you may need to undertake additional private study beyond the normal workload requirements.

PROHIBITION: ENG1005, ENG1090, ENG1091, MTH1049, MTH1020, MTH1030, MTH1035 and MTH1040.

Note that MTH1010 can only be completed prior to MTH1020 and MTH1030/MTH1035 or equivalent. If you have achieved a raw study score of at least 25 in VCE Mathematical Methods units 3/4 (or equivalent) you are not permitted to enrol in MTH1010.

Overview

Functions, domain and range, function representation; different types of functions including linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial and rational functions; function algebra; composition of functions; inverse of functions; transformations; modelling with functions; rates of change; introduction to differentiation and integration, including techniques and applications.

Offerings in 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Continuous assessmentDemonstration
    50%
  • Final assessment (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    50%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the properties of elementary functions by means of tables, graphs and mathematical expressions;

  2. 2

    Manipulate functions using a range of methods from algebra and calculus;

  3. 3

    Apply functions and appropriate mathematical tools to model simple physical systems;

  4. 4

    Communicate mathematical arguments in written form.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions16.5 hours
  • Seminars36 hours
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Three 1-hour seminars;
  • One 1.5-hour applied class (in weeks 2-12) and
  • 7.5 hours of independent study per week.

Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and practical work.

Active learning will occur in lectures and applied classes.

Learning resources

Required resources

Calculus1 with Precalculus, 3 rd ed - Larson R, Hostetler, Edwards (Houghton 2012).

Technology resources

You should have access to a computer with internet connection.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Michelle Strumila
Mr Simon Teague
Chief Examiners
Mr Simon Teague

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH1010?

MTH1010 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after MTH1010?

MTH1010 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including MTH1020, PHS1002 and STA1010. Those lead on to 199 units in all.

When is MTH1010 offered?

In 2025, MTH1010 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does MTH1010 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available