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College of Science, Technology and Engineering

Subject Outline
MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers
Study Period 1
Campus: Townsville
Subject Coordinator: Wayne Read

Prepared by: Wayne Read

College: Science, Technology and Engineering
James Cook University
Updated: February 10th 2015
Copyright 2015

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research,
criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process or
placed in computer memory without written permission.

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

Subject at a Glance
The following summary provides a quick reference to the most important aspects of this subject. Please make sure
that you read all the details of the entire subject outline.

Townsville Staff Contact Details

Name

Room

Phone

Email

Consultation
Times*

Subject Coordinator,
Lecturer and Tutor

Wayne Read

014-120

Ext 4117 or
4781 4117

wayne.read@jcu.edu.au

After lectures or
by appointment

Tutors

To be advised

TBA

*Other consultation times by appointment.

Townsville Class Times and Attendance

In order to succeed at University you should allocate 10 hours per subject per week over the course of the study
period, including class attendance as indicated below.

Lectures

Tutorials

Time

Day

Room

11:00am 11:50am
12:00pm 12:50pm
10:00am 10:50am

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday*

DA005-001
DB025-001
DB025-001

3.00pm 3.50pm
1:00pm 1:50pm
2:00pm 2:50pm
3:00pm 3:50pm

Tuesday**
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday

DB017-156
DD014-006, DB014-008, DD015-144
DB014-008, DB017-151, DD017-201
DB014-008, DD017-151

* Note that the Thursday lecture is a reserve lecture and may not be used every week. On course tests
will be held in the Thursday time slot.
**This tutorial slot may not be used and depends on enrollments

Attendance Requirements:
We regard attendance at lectures and tutorials as essential. On-course (during semester time) tests will be held in
lectures, so attendance then will be paramount. Attendance at tutorials may be recorded and used as a measure
of your participation level in this course.
Key Dates
Activity

Weighting
(Scheme 1)

Weighting
(Scheme 2)

Day/Date

Subject materials available

During week 1

Tutorial allocation

During week 1

Tutorials commence

Week 2

Census Date

2015 Study Period and Census Dates

Withdraw without academic penalty

2015 Study Period and Census Dates

Lecture Recess

After week 9

Participation & Engagement

10%

10%

Throughout the Semester

Test 1

18%

4%

End of week 4

Test 2

45%

10%

End of week 9

Test 3

27%

6%

End of week 13

70%

During examination weeks

Final Exam

College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

Subject Description
Handbook Description: Solid geometry, partial derivatives; line integrals, multiple integration, vector calculus;
revision of ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms; Fourier series; matrix algebra and eigenvalue
problems; partial differential equations.
Aims:
To equip students with the mathematical skills and understanding needed to pursue advanced studies in
disciplines requiring quantitative skills.
To strengthen student knowledge and develop advanced analytical skills in the fields of vector calculus,
Fourier series, partial differential equations and linear algebra through independent and collaborative
learning.
Prerequisites: The prerequisite for this subject is a pass in MA1003 or an equivalent subject.
If in any doubt as to your suitability for the course please discuss your situation with the coordinator.

Subject Learning Outcomes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Manipulate advanced algebraic expressions and equations using appropriate techniques.

Calculate partial derivatives and manipulate vector expressions.
Calculate line, surface and volume integrals using vector calculus.
Apply integral theorems to simplify volume and surface integrals.
Apply vector calculus and multiple integration techniques to solve Engineering and Applied Mathematics
problems.
Apply Laplace transform techniques to solve differential equations
Use Fourier Series techniques and separation of variables to solve linear partial differential equations.
Apply linear algebra methods to solve eigenvalue and eigenvector problems.
Communicate mathematical thinking incorporating the concepts and methods presented in the course.

These objectives support the development of the JCU graduate attributes for Literacy and Numeracy and Critical
Thinking and Problem Solving. The full list of graduate attributes can be viewed on the JCU web pages:
http://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/allatoh/JCUDEV_007031.html

Graduate Attributes
Literacy and Numeracy
A1. The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully
A2. The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively
A3. The ability to generate, calculate, interpret and communicate numerical information in ways appropriate to
a given discipline or discourse
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
A4. The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and
deploy evidence clearly and logically
A5. The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations
A6. The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area
Self Reliance and Interpersonal Understanding
A7. The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams
A8. The ability to work individually and independently
Learning Achievement
A9. The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner

Teaching and Learning in this Subject

Graduates with strong skills in mathematics are essential for a brighter future for life in the tropics, world-wide.
The JCU staff involved with MA2000 aim to optimise the mathematics experience of second year students.
In order to succeed in MA2000, students must be active in their learning. Participation and engagement is key.
Lectures focus on the introduction and explanation of the mathematical topics included in the lecture notes for this
subject. Background theory will be presented, associated problems will be described and discussed, solution
methods and techniques will be demonstrated and examples will be solved. Student learning in lectures will be
College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

maximised if you are familiar with the topics being covered prior to the lecture. Read the lecture notes, study the
examples, attempt the tutorial problems and discuss topics with your fellow students. Some of the material in the
subject will not be covered in lecturesstudents are expected to access the screencasts, lecture notes and
reference material in this instance.
Tutorials focus on developing and strengthening the techniques and concepts presented in the lectures through
independent and collaborative learning experiences in a safe and supportive learning environment. Tutorials are
less transmissive and concentrate on tutor/student and student/student interaction. Tutorial time will be spent
writing out solutions and participating in group discussions. Students are expected to attempt all tutorial exercises
prior to the tutorial each week.
Study Groups: Students are encouraged to form their own study groups during week 1 and sign-up for the same
tutorial group. Study groups are expected to meet outside lectures and tutorials to discuss the exercises and to
work on specific tutorial activities.

Subject Resources and Special Requirements

Required
Lecture notes (including tutorial exercises) can be downloaded from LearnJCU
LearnJCU
Lecture notes
Tutorial sheets
Tutorial solutions
Assessment marks
Screencasts of the lecture material
Recommended
Textbook: Mathematical Techniques, by D.W. Jordan and P. Smith, 2nd edition. Students who intend
take MA2100 later may instead wish to purchase the book Advanced Engineering Mathematics by D. Zill
and M. Cullen. This text has material to cover both courses. The book Advanced Engineering
Mathematics by E. Kreyszig will also be found helpful. (The Library has copies.)

Assessment Details
A summary of assessable items is provided in the Key Dates table above. Further details for each item are below.
Assessment 1
Engagement & Participation
Tutorials & homework

Subject Outcome/s
(See list above)
1 9

Related Content
Lecture notes p1 90
Tutorials 19

Graduate Attribute/s
(See list above)
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8

Due date: Throughout the semester

Weighting: 10% (Scheme 1 and Scheme 2)
Subject Outcome/s
(See list above)
1, 2, 3, 9

Assessment 2
Test 1
In class, 55 minutes

th

Related Content
Lecture notes p1 39
Tutorials 13

Graduate Attribute/s
(See list above)
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8

Due date: March 19 2015

Weighting: 18% (Scheme 1) or 4% (Scheme 2)
Subject Outcome/s
(See list above)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6,9

Assessment 3
Test 2
In class, 55 minutes

rd

Related Content
Lecture Notes p1 64
Tutorials 16

Graduate Attribute/s
(See list above)
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8

Due date: April 23 2015

Weighting: 45% (Scheme 1) or 10% (Scheme 2)

College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

Subject Outcome/s
(See list above)
19

Assessment 4
Test 3
In class, 55 minutes

Related Content
Lecture notes p1 90
Tutorials 19

Graduate Attribute/s
(See list above)
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8

th

Due date: May 28 2015

Weighting: 27% (Scheme 1) or 6% (Scheme 2)
Subject Outcome/s
(See list above)
19

Assessment 5
Final Exam
Examination weeks

th

th

Related Content
Lecture notes p1 90
Tutorials 19

Graduate Attribute/s
(See list above)
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8

Due date: June 6 June 19 2015

Weighting: 0% (Scheme 1) or 70% (Scheme 2)

Assessment Scheme 1:
After the final on-course test, all students will be given an interim grade for the subject calculated using the
following scheme:
Engagement & Participation (10%) + Test 1 (18%) + Test 2 (45%) + Test 3 (27%) = 100%
To receive a passing interim grade students must obtain more than 50% (normalised to the universitys
standard cut-offs) overall and pass Test 3 (which assesses sections 7, 8 and 9 of the syllabus: see below).
If you are happy with the interim grade, you are not required to sit the final exam, and your interim grade will
become official.
All students are encouraged to sit the final exam.
Assessment Scheme 2:
If you choose to sit the final exam, your overall mark will also be calculated using the following scheme:
Engagement & Participation (10%) + Test 1 (4%) + Test 2 (10%) + Test 3 (6%) + Exam (70%) = 100%
To receive a passing grade, students who sit the final exam must obtain a minimum of 50% (normalised to
the universitys standard cut-offs) overall as well as more than half of the total marks for questions based on
Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the syllabus (see below).
The scheme that gives each student the higher mark will be used to decide your grade for the subject.
In order to pass this subject, students must:
Gain an overall percentage of 50% (normalised to the universitys standard cut-offs) or higher,
calculated from all assessment items below.
Gain an overall percentage of 40% (normalised to the universitys standard cut-offs) or higher on
invigilated assessment (on-course tests and exam).
Have a satisfactory level of participation in tutorials.

Assessment Criteria
In the on-course tests and the final exam, students are expected to explain all steps in working, assuming that you
are explaining to a fellow student. Gaps in logic or working may be penalised and result in lower grades, even if
the correct final answer is obtained. While marks are not awarded for neatness, students may be penalised for
poorly written or untidy work.
Students must check that the grades they receive on their on-course assessment items match the grades
published by the Subject Coordinator on the LearnJCU subject web page. Any differences between the published
and returned grade must be brought to the attention of the Subject Coordinator, so that the calculated grade
reflects the true performance of the student.
College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

Final Grade:
The following cut-off points reflect the recommended JCU Grading system:
Grade

Range

High Distinction (HD)

Distinction (D)
Credit (C)
Pass (P)
Fail (N)

85% - 100%
75%-84%
65%-74%
50%-64%
<50%

When calculating a students final grade, the following will be taken into account:
A mark out of 100 will be obtained by adding the marks from all the assessment items listed above.
All oncourse assessment is compulsory.
Students must average at least 40% for invigilated assessment (on-course tests and exam).
The percentage required for each grade is determined so that the overall discipline grade distributions are in
accord with Academic Board Grade Policy.
This subject does not have completely fixed or predetermined pass rates.
The school reserves the right to scale marks so that they comply with the Academic Board Grade Policy.
This scaling will take into account the overall ability of the class and the difficulty of the assessment in
comparison to previous years.
Any student who wishes to discuss the above policies should contact the lecturer or course coordinator.
Results on individual assessment tasks should not be taken as an indication of the final grade for this
subject. Official subject grades are released after the exam period on scheduled release dates through
StudentsOnline or eStudent.
Deferred Examination:
Any student who is unable to sit an examination at the scheduled time should seek a deferred exam. The
award of a deferred examination is not automatic. Severe illness or absence in hospital may well be an
acceptable reason for the award of a deferred examination. On the other hand, misreading the examination
timetable, or leaving for an overseas holiday prior to the completion of the examination period, are not
justifiable reasons. Application for a Deferred Examination must be lodged within 5 days of the scheduled
examination date. Forms are available from the Examinations and Ceremonies Office, Humanities 2
Building, Townsville (Ph: 4781 4246), or Building 1A, Cairns (Ph: 4042 1002). A medical certificate or other
appropriate documentation is required.

Submission and Return of Written Assignments

MA2000 has no written assignments.

Plagiarism, Referencing and Cheating

Plagiarism occurs when writers claim ownership of written words or ideas that are not their own.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and any instances of plagiarism will be dealt with promptly according to
University procedures. Please check http://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student/rights/JCUDEV_005375.html
Referencing is a systematic way of acknowledging sources used. Students should check out the very helpful online
resources relating to academic writing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism at
http://www.jcu.edu.au/learningskills/resources/wsonline/index.htm
In particular, the booklet Summarising, Paraphrasing & Avoiding Plagiarism (with link included from that site) is a
very useful guide.

College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

Additional Student Support

Support Needed
Information for Current Students
Accommodation
Childcare
Computers, IT, Library and Email
Equity and diversity
Students with disabilities
Indigenous students

Who to Contact
www.jcu.edu.au/student/
www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation/
www.jcu.edu.au/student/JCUPRD_017384.html
http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/assist/infohelp/JCUPRD_033554
http://www.jcu.edu.au/studentequity/
http://www.jcu.edu.au/disability/

Employment
Enrolment
Exams
Financial
International Student
Personal / Emotional Support
Student Association
Library
Learning Skills / Language Help

www.jcu.edu.au/careers/
Faculty Student Office www.jcu.edu.au/newstudent/studyabroad/jcutst_057853.html
www.jcu.edu.au/student/assessment/
Student Loans www.jcu.edu.au/student/Loans/studentloans/
http://www.jcu.edu.au/international/
Counselling Service www.jcu.edu.au/student/counselling/
http://www.jcu.edu.au/studentassoc/theassociation/studentsupport/JCUPRD_046117.html
http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/index.htm Faculty Librarian
http://www.jcu.edu.au/learningskills/ or click on Learning Resources tab in LearnJCU

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/study/indigenous-students/index.html

Equity Statement:
James Cook University is committed to encouraging equity and diversity. In particular, JCU aims to provide an
optimal learning environment to students from a variety of backgrounds:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
People from rural and isolated areas
People from low socio-economic backgrounds
People with disabilities
People from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Information relating to scholarships, bursaries and services is available at www.jcu.edu.au/studentequity or by free
call 1800 300 064.

Other JCU and School Policies and Guidelines Relevant to this

Subject
Important policy information is available for all JCU students at the JCU website
http://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student/

Subject and Teaching Feedback

For general information about processes for student feedback and grievances at JCU, students should consult
http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/complaints/index.htm
JCU staff value and appreciate student feedback as a source of evidence about the quality of our teaching and
courses so you are strongly encouraged to provide considered feedback for each of your subjects. Student
feedback is one way of gaining recognition of subject and teaching strengths, and provides information on areas
that may need further development or change. JCU provides two formal mechanisms for you to provide feedback
about your subjects and teachers: Student Feedback about Teaching (SFT) and Student Feedback about Subjects
(SFS). The SFT is paper-based, and is conducted at the request of your lecturer or tutor and usually occurs in the
latter weeks of semester. The SFS is available to all students through StudentsOnline towards the end of each
study period. You can view a sample of the SFS at
http://www.jcu.edu.au/teaching/evaluation/JCUPRD_016952.html
In addition, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences conducts Staff-Student meetings (pizza meetings)
every teaching period to provide a venue to talk through current issues in teaching and learning. These meetings
are important parts of the process for ensuring school operations are effectively delivering the best possible student
experience.
You are strongly encouraged to engage with the feedback processes and make a direct contribution to improving
practice in teaching and learning.
College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers

Subject Calendar
Week /Date

Lectures

Tutorial

1. Laplace Transforms: Revision of second order linear differential

equations, definition and properties of the Laplace transform, application to

solution of ODEs.

24 Feb

3 March

1 contd. Laplace Transforms: Application to solution of ODEs,

convolution theorems.

10 March

2. Solid Geometry: Vectors, vector products, orthogonality, lines, planes,

surfaces.

17 March

3. Partial Derivatives: Definitions, directional derivatives.

24 March

3. contd. Partial Derivatives: differentials, f (gradient of a scalar).

31 March

4. Line Integrals: Vector fields, parametric form of contour, contour

integrals, arc length, conservative vector fields.

7 April

5. Multiple Integration: Double integration, triple integration.

14 April
(Good Friday
18 April)

Mid-semester break: Revision

21 April
(Easter Monday)

5. contd. Multiple Integration: polar coordinates, Jacobian.

28 April

6. Vector Calculus: Divergence and Curl. Gauss Theorem, Stokes Theorem.

10

5 May

7. Fourier Series: Expansion for functions of period 2 and period T, halfrange series.

11

12 May

8. Partial Differential Equations: Separation of variables technique (Laplace

equation, heat equation, wave equation).

12

19 May

9. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors: Revision of matrix algebra, eigenvalues,

eigenvectors, application to systems of differential equations.

13

26 May

Revision and exam preparation.

The sequence and time spent on each topic may change due to availability of staff, resources or due to unforeseen
circumstances

College of Science, Technology and Engineering

MA2000: Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers