Most First Year Engineers have a choice of two different Mathematics levels to study in their first semester: Higher Mathematics 1A (MATH1141) or Mathematics 1A (MATH1131). Your choice of Mathematics course depends upon (i) your attitude towards mathematics and (ii) your ability, as indicated by your prior success studying mathematics.
Your attitude towards mathematics
If you enjoy learning and understanding new things in mathematics, you will find it more satisfying to study Higher Mathematics, rather than the lower level (which is equally acceptable in the BE). Higher Mathematics requires a bit more work, but it appeals to people who like to solve interesting problems and to understand fully what they are doing. Marks for the Higher exams are scaled to compensate for problems being harder than those in Mathematics 1A.
If you completed HSC Mathematics Extension 1 & 2 or did very well in Extension 1 alone, you are unlikely to find Mathematics 1A as interesting as Higher Mathematics. Do not choose Mathematics 1A thinking it will be easier to get higher grades. Marks are processed to ensure that it is not easier to get higher grades in Mathematics 1A.
Prior success
The following advice is for students who completed the NSW HSC. If you did not do this, you should discuss your qualifications with a MathStats Adviser before enrolling (see below).
Higher Mathematics 1A is intended for those who did well in Mathematics Extension 2 or exceptionally well in Mathematics Extension 1. If your Extension 1 + 2 mark is over 175 we expect you will want to study Higher Mathematics.
What if I make the wrong choice?
If, after a few weeks, you think that you haven't chosen the right level of Mathematics for you, then seek advice from the Director of First Year Mathematics. It is possible to change. Of course, it is easier to change from Higher Mathematics 1A to Mathematics 1A, than move the other way. This change can be done up to HECS census date (31 March). Changes of enrolment for Semester 2 should be delayed until you receive your results for Semester 1.
A poor result in mathematics at school
Mathematics 1A is intended for students who succeeded with HSC Mathematics Extension 1. You can enrol in it if your HSC Maths + Extension 1 mark is over 100, or your Extension 1 + 2 mark is over 100. However, if these mark are lower than 115 or 150, respectively, we strongly advise you to talk first to a MathsStats Advisor (see below). If you achieved a mark under 100, we strongly recommend that you do either the Mathematics Bridging Course or a semester of Fundamentals of Mathematics B (MATH1011) before starting Mathematics 1A. For information on the Bridging Courses and Fundamentals of Mathematics B please check the following website: http://www.maths.unsw.edu.au/students/future/mathsbridging.html
If you don't meet the requirements for Mathematics 1A, then you must take Fundamentals of Mathematics B before Mathematics 1A. Note that you cannot count Fundamentals of Mathematics B towards your BE degree.
How to get more information
Mathematics and Statistics First Year Office
phone: +612 9385 7011
email: fy.MathsStats@unsw.edu.au
The above is based on extracts (some verbatim) from Advice on Choosing First Year Mathematics Course by UNSW School of Mathematics & Statistics [http://www.maths.unsw.edu.au/students/future/choosingcourses.html] which should be consulted for more information.
