University of New South Wales - Faculty of Science

What does Assumed Knowledge mean?

As the name suggests, assumed knowledge is the knowledge of mathematics that you are assumed to have when you begin your study. While we often state assumed knowledge in terms of subjects studied at the NSW HSC (eg. Mathematics Extension 1), this knowledge may also come from equivalent courses interstate or overseas. If you did not do the NSW HSC it is recommended that you seek advice from our First Year Office (phone: (02) 9385 7011, email: firstyear@maths.unsw.edu.au) to find out whether your level of knowledge meets the requirements.

What is the Assumed Knowledge for First Year Mathematics Courses?

Most first year mathematics courses assume you have studied Mathematics Extension 1 at the HSC.

The assumed knowledge for particular courses is listed below:

Courses: General Mathematics 1B and General Mathematics 1C, Mathematics for Life Sciences, and Statistics for Life and Social Sciences
Assumed Knowledge: HSC Mathematics. Students will be expected to have achieved at least a Band 4 result in HSC Mathematics. Students who have taken General Mathematics, Mathematics in Society or Mathematics in Practice will not have achieved the level of knowledge which is assumed in this course.
Courses: Mathematics 1A and Mathematics 1B
Assumed Knowledge: Mathematics Extension 1. Students will be expected to have achieved at least a result in Band E3.
Courses: Higher Mathematics 1A and Higher Mathematics 1B, and Mathematics for Actuarial Studies and Finance 1A and Mathematics for Actuarial Studies and Finance 1B
Assumed Knowledge: Mathematics Extension 1 (Mathematics Extension 2 is recommended). Students will be expected to have achieved at least a result in Band E4 in Mathematics Extension 2.

Can I take a course without having the Assumed Knowledge?

In short, yes.
Students who do not have the level of assumed knowledge are not prevented from enrolling when their program begins, but they may be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

However, you will be expected to work harder than your peers when new material builds on assumed knowledge. You must talk to an adviser before taking such a subject. If you have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge, you are strongly advised to undertake a bridging program or other preparation course.

What can I do if I don't have the assumed knowledge?

Bridging courses are run during the holidays (usually February for mathematics) to bring you up the the level of knowledge that is assumed for some courses. They usually take several weeks, and must be paid for up-front. The Mathematics Bridging Course assumes knowledge of the 2 Unit HSC Mathematics course and covers topics from HSC Mathematics Extension 1 which are required for entry to MATH1131. Alternatively, if you don't do the Bridging Course but you pass General Mathematics 1B in Session 1 and Mathematics 1A in Session 2, you will be able to enroll for Mathematics 1B in December and complete it during the summer.

There is also a Mathematics Skills Program that is designed to bring your knowledge up to the level required for MATH1011, MATH1031 or MATH1041 if needed.

For more information, see the UNSW pages on Bridging Courses.