FUTURE STUDENTS

Mathematics Skills Program
Chemistry Bridging Course
Mathematics Bridging Course
Physics Bridging Course
Applications

Assumed Knowledge is what a lecturer or tutor of a first year UNSW course could reasonably expect all students enrolled in that course to know at the outset. For some degree programs and first year courses, it is assumed that students will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that will prepare them to cope successfully with the content of the course, through their high school studies or other equivalent study.

Students who do not have the recommended level of assumed knowledge are not prevented from enrolling in a program, but they may be placed at a considerable disadvantage. Any students who have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge are strongly advised to undertake a bridging program or other preparation course.

The University offers a Mathematics Skills Program (MSP) for students who have not achieved an appropriate level of mathemetics at high school or equivalent and gain admission to UNSW degree programs with assumed knowledge in mathematics. Successful completion of the program will enable students to enrol in MATH1011, MATH1031 or MATH1041 or any mathematics related course that assumes a knowledge of HSC Mathematics.

The Mathematics Skills Program is a fee-paying course and involves attendance at classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings (6:00-8:00pm) for 13 weeks. The cost of the course is $600. The MSP is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2 each year and includes the following:

Year 10 Advanced Level Mathematics is assumed. You should be confident with algebra (eg. Simplification of expressions, solving equations & inequations, factorisation including quadratic equations and using a scientific calculator including the fraction, power and exponential keys).

Current UNSW students who elect to undertake the Mathematics Skills Program are advised to undertake a reduced load in their degree program in that semester in order to complete the MSP concurrently. While this may extend the total time for completion of the degree it may mean a greater chance of success in related courses.

For further details and to apply for the MSP contact the Admissions Office on 02 9385 3228 or email ugadmis@unsw.edu.au.

The University of New South Wales Bridging Courses offer you the opportunity to revise Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics and experience how these subjects are taught at university. Each course consists of 40 hours of tuition consisting of lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and/or demonstration sessions.

Domestic or international school leavers, older students, deferring students or currently enrolled UNSW students. You may undertake UNSW's Bridging Courses if you are intending to enrol at another university, however we advise that you first ensure that the Bridging Course you select is recognised by that institution.

The aim of the Chemistry Bridging Course is to provide you with the basic knowledge required for the study of chemistry at university level. It is especially suitable if you have not studied this subject before but intend studying courses requiring some knowledge of chemistry. Through the use of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work, students are familiarised with the way chemistry is taught at university.

The Chemistry Bridging Course in 2010 provides 40 hours of tuition and the fee is $300.

Some university programs assume an existing knowledge equivalent to HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (or "3 unit"). The aim of the Mathematics Bridging Course is to bridge the gap between the HSC Mathematics course (not the General Mathematics course) and what is required for these university programs by teaching relevant topics of the HSC Mathematics Extension 1 course. Your performance in the Mathematics Bridging Course examination may mean you are properly prepared for entry directly into MATH1131 which is a compulsory course in all engineering programs, mathematics programs and many science-based programs at UNSW. To enter MATH1131 it is assumed that you have the knowledge and understanding equivalent to:

*a combined mark of over 115 is preferable.


If you do not have the above assumed knowledge for entry to MATH1131 you are advised to first complete the one semester course, MATH1011 General Mathematics 1B.

The Mathematics Bridging Course in 2010 provides 40 hours of tuition and the fee is $300.

Note: Mathematics Bridging Course participants are assumed to have an existing knowledge equivalent to HSC Mathematics, that is, the calculus based 2 Unit course. For prospective students who do not have a background in HSC Mathematics or equivalent, UNSW offers the Mathematics Skills Program (MSP) on a fee-paying basis.  Further information on the MSP can be found here: Mathematics Skills Program.

This course examines selected topics in Mechanics, Waves and Electricity and Magnetism up to a level where university physics study can commence. Note however, that the Physics Bridging Course is not intended as a substitute for two years of senior high school study in the subject. The core material covered provides an introduction to approximately half of the topics comprising our first year university physics courses. Students entering Science and Engineering Programs will have compulsory physics courses in their first year; the level of physics required varies with Program. Students may consider taking an introductory physics course in their first semester (PHYS1111 Fundamentals of Physics), prior to studying the compulsory physics course in their Program, if the latter is at a higher level.

Mathematics knowledge to HSC Mathematics level, or equivalent, is recommended. Whilst no previous study of HSC Physics is required, some exposure to high school science would be advantageous (eg. science to high school Year 10). Lectures, tutorial classes and laboratory work are included in the Bridging Course to give the student an appreciation of, and some familiarity with, the technical language and style of physics in the selected core topics.

The Physics Bridging Course in 2010 provides 40 hours of tuition and the fee is $300.

Each of UNSW's Bridging Courses includes an examination (see timetable for details). Students who successfully complete the course/s (including the examination/s) will be issued with a certificate. Successful completion requires a result of at least 50/100.

Enrolments in UNSW Bridging Courses are recorded as Non-Award study in UNSW's academic record system to facilitate Bridging Course participants' access to Web CT Vista. Because Bridging Courses are not equivalent to or assessed in the same manner as an undergraduate university course, Bridging course enrolments will appear on students' academic transcipts with a result of NA (Not Assessable). The Schools of Mathematics and Statistics, Chemistry and Physics will provide marks directly to all students and the Admissons Office will issue certificates to those students who successfully complete the course/s. Please note that certificates will not be available until mid March.

Applications for the 2010 Bridging Courses open on Monday 4 January 2010. A brochure and application form can be downloaded here:

Application for UNSW Bridging Courses 2010

For further information on all Bridging Courses please contact:

Tel: +61 2 9385 3228
Fax: +61 2 9662 4241

Email: ugadmis@unsw.edu.au