Here's the basic's of VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2...
Term 1 of VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2, you typically cover a lot of graph sketching and the algebra necessary for it. There is frequently some probability as well as some other graph-related topics that you haven't seen yet.
The newest subject you'll study is calculus, which is much scarier than it sounds because it primarily deals with calculating the gradient of graphs.
I've tried to keep this simple, VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 & 2 contains a lot of brand-new material and moves much more quickly than Year 10. Since each topic builds upon the one before it, it is important to stay on top of each one; otherwise, it will be much more difficult in the long run. Almost everything you learn will be crucial for VCE Maths Methods Unit 3 and 4, so it's better to start preparing now than to fall behind later. Make use of my website's resources, such as the video tutorials, or get some studying done over the holidays if you can.
The curriculum will changes in 2023, but the modifications are not significant. A concept known as "pseudocode" has received the most attention. Pseudo basically means "fake," and code refers to giving a computer a set of instructions. Pseudocode, which is essentially a condensed way of instructing a computer, is used to help computer programmers brainstorm before writing actual code. Unimportant to the curriculum, so don't be alarmed.
Getting a little more technical...
If that's enough information for you, stop reading! If you want a more detailed explanation of VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 & 2, continue!
VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2 are units of study in the high school curriculum in Victoria, Australia. They cover a variety of mathematical topics such as algebra, functions, trigonometry, and calculus.
VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2 is split up into 4 basic topics...
Graphing
Algebra
Calculus
Probability
VCE Maths Methods Unit 1
In VCE Maths Methods Unit 1, which is the first semester in Victoria, students will learn about different mathematical concepts and techniques such as solving equations, graphing, and understanding different types of functions. They will also learn about different types of functions such as polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions.
Check out the image and short 3-minute video below to learn more.
VCE Maths Methods Unit 2
In VCE Maths Methods Unit 2, students will build on what they learned in Unit 1 and learn about more advanced mathematical concepts such as trigonometry and calculus. They will learn how to use trigonometry to solve problems involving shapes, and how to use calculus to solve problems about area under a graph and how steep the slope of a line is.
Look at the image and short 1-minute video below to learn more about these.
Overall...
Throughout both units, students will be encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems and develop their ability to think critically and logically. They will also learn how to use technology to explore mathematical concepts and solve problems.
Overall, VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2 are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in mathematics that will help them for further studies in various fields such as science, engineering and finance.
What University Courses need Methods?
VCE Maths Methods is a prerequisite for many university-level subjects that involve mathematics or mathematical modeling. Some examples of university subjects that typically require VCE Maths Methods as a prerequisite include:
- Engineering: Many engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, require a strong background in mathematics. VCE Maths Methods provides students with the mathematical foundation they need to succeed in these fields.
- Physics: Physics is a heavily mathematical subject, and students need a strong understanding of calculus and other mathematical concepts to succeed in physics courses.
- Computer Science: Computer science is a field that heavily relies on mathematical concepts such as algorithms, complexity theory, and formal languages, so students with VCE Maths Methods background would find it useful.
- Economics: Economics is a social science that heavily relies on mathematical modeling, so students with VCE Maths Methods background would find it useful.
- Mathematics: VCE Maths Methods is a prerequisite for many university-level mathematics courses, such as calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Business and Finance: Many business and finance-related university courses require a strong background in mathematics, including courses in accounting, finance, and statistics.
It is important to note that prerequisites can vary depending on the specific institution or program, so it is always best to check with the university or program you're interested in for specific requirements.
Should you pick VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2?
In short, only if you want to study it or you need it to get into a course you are interested in.
VCE Maths Methods Unit 1 and 2 is a fantastic subject for those who are interested in Maths and are relatively good at it but for many students it creates a lot of stress and they end up dropping out.
A lot of parents want their kids to study Methods because it is the “middle” Maths and they want them to have a decent foundation in Maths. The problem is that this isn’t really the point of Methods.
The majority of Methods is on Calculus. This is useful for Science, Engineering and Economics (I’ve heard), but it’s unlikely every student is looking for these types of careers.
Methods is a hard and stressful subject. The exam demands much more than just knowing the content and the average score is around 50% on the end of year exam.
If you find Maths challenging and it is not a prerequisite for a course you want to get into, then you should really consider whether it is right for you. There is no shame in studying a different subject that you are more interested in.
If you are worried about keeping your options open, go to a few universities, talk to the students and lectures and figure out if it would be something you're interested in.
It's better to find this out now than to suffer through Methods "just in case" you need it in the future. Also note that many Universities offer "bridging courses" which allow you to do Maths Methods if you need it for a particular course, though this does add extra time to your degree.
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