Mathematical Perspectives (8104.4)

Please note these are the 2025 details for this unit
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Mathematical Perspectives
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods Hybrid
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Technology Level 3 - Undergraduate Advanced Unit Band 1 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 1 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit considers the historical and cultural context of mathematics. The unit will include a broad introduction to the history of mathematics from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Students will complete a guided research project into a particular area of their own interest. Lecture topics will be chosen from Euclidean geometry, solving polynomial equations, perspective and projective geometry, the development of calculus, early probability and statistics, non-Euclidean geometry, mathematical foundations, logic, infinity, and computational mathematics. The unit is suitable for anyone with an interest in the history of ideas, but emphasises the importance of context in mathematics education.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Synthesise perspectives on Mathematics both as a cultural phenomenon and an enabling discipline for research/real world problems;
2. Conceptualise Mathematics as an element of knowledge systems, the history of ideas, and as a human enterprise; and
3. Evaluate and report on the scholarship of Mathematics, both historically and contemporarily.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas


Skills development

The University recognises that individuals entering its programs bring with them a diversity of personal and professional attributes that should be further developed by their experience as students and graduates of the University. These generic skills can be accessed at: https://guard.canberra.edu.au/policy/policy.php?pol_id=3030

By the end of their course, graduates will have developed skills and attributes in:

1. Communication

The ability to present knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively and communicate within and across professional and cultural boundaries

2. Analysis and inquiry

The ability to gather information, and to analyse and evaluate information and situations in a systematic, creative and insightful way

3. Problem solving

The ability to apply problem-solving processes in novel situations; to identify and analyze problems then formulate and implement solutions

4. Working independently and with others

The ability to plan their own work, be self-directed, and use interpersonal skills and attitudes to work collaboratively

5. Professionalism and social responsibility

The capacity and intention to use professional knowledge and skills ethically and responsibly, for the benefit of others and the environment



Prerequisites

12123 Mathematical Modelling with Calculus AND 8110 Linear Algebra

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 Hybrid Dr Sergey Sergeev
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 Hybrid Dr Sergey Sergeev
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Required text: Victor J Katz, "A history of mathematics,  An introduction", Third Edition, Pearson ISBN 9780134689524

https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Mathematics_and_Its_History.html?id=WNjRrqTm62QC&redir_esc=y

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Late submission of assignments

A failure to attempt the assessment will result in a zero mark. No make-up assessment will be available. Late penalties will apply, which at UC are 10% of the possible marks for each day late and after 3 days late, zero marks are given.

Extensions: Extensions must be applied for before the due date.

Students can apply for an extension to the due date for submission of an assessment item on the grounds of illness or other unavoidable and verifiable personal circumstances. Documentary evidence will be expected in order that an extension be granted. It should be noted that such documentation will be considered but will not guarantee that the application will be successful. The Unit Convenor will decide whether to grant an extension and the length of the extension.

Responsibility for understanding

If there is any doubt with regard to the requirements of any particular assignments or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should contact the unit convenor or tutor. Further, it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are correctly enrolled in the unit and that the tutor and Student Administration have their correct contact details.

In order to be eligible for a deferred exam, students must contact the Exams Office within 3 days of the scheduled exam time to request a deferred exam.

Assessment overview

An aggregated mark of at least 50% is required to pass the unit. 

The unit convener reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity requirements.

See https://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/canberra-students/examinations-and-results/grading-schema for the full grading schema and grade descriptors.

Grade

Numerical Score

HD

85 and above

DI

75 - 84

CR

65 – 74

P

50 – 64

Fail

  0 –   49

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

Activities Hours

Lectures (2 hours/week; 11 times)

22

Workshops (2 hours/week; 12 times)

24

Weekly study (2 hours/week; 12 times)

24

in class tests preparation

30

Assignment/Presentation

50

Total hours

150

Participation requirements

It is expected that students will attend all lectures and tutorials.
 

Required IT skills

The students should be able to access the unit website and email.

In-unit costs

See recommended text section.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

Next step

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