Mathematics is the study of function and pattern in number, logic, space and structure, and of randomness,
chance, variability and uncertainty in data and events. It is both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic
communication that is powerful, logical, concise and precise. Mathematics also provides a means by which people
can understand and manage human and natural aspects of the world and inter-relationships between these.
Essential mathematical activities include: conjecturing, hypothesising and problem posing; estimating, calculating
and computing; abstracting, proving, refuting and inferring; applying, investigating, modelling and problem solving.
Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 comprise a combination of prescribed and selected non-calculus based
topics and provide courses of study for students interested in advanced study of mathematics, with a focus on
mathematical structure and reasoning. They incorporate topics that, in conjunction with Mathematical Methods
Units 1 and 2, provide preparation for Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 and cover assumed knowledge and
skills for those units
Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 are designed to be taken in conjunction with Mathematical Methods
Units 3 and 4, or following previous completion of Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. The areas of study extend
content from Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 to include rational and other quotient functions as well as other
advanced mathematics topics such as complex numbers, vectors, differential equations, mechanics and statistical
inference. Study of Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 assumes concurrent study or previous completion of
Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.
