14 Using mathematics
If you’re studying at university, you’ll probably use mathematics somewhere in your course even if it doesn’t appear to directly relate to mathematics.
At the minimum, most courses assume you’re already competent in applying your numeracy and reasoning skills in various contexts. You will be expected to apply them in your academic studies even if this isn’t mentioned in the University’s handbook.
If you’re wondering what level of numeracy and ‘basic’ maths you need for your course, now is a good time to ask yourself:
- What numeracy and maths skills do I need to know before I start my studies?
- What numeracy and maths skills do I already have from school and from everyday life?
Supporting references
- Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2018). Numeracy (Version 8.4). https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/numeracy/
- Department of Education and Training Victoria. (2021). Critical connections between numeracy and mathematics. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/Pages/research_connectionsbetweennumeracyandmaths.aspx
- Department of Education and Training Victoria. (2021). Evidence base behind the connections between numeracy and maths. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/Pages/research_connectionsbetweennumeracyandmaths_evidence.aspx
- Department of Education and Training Victoria. (2022). Numeracy for all learners. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/Pages/numeracy-for-all-learners.aspx
- Durrani, N. & Tariq, V. N. (2012). The role of numeracy skills in graduate employability. Education & Training, 54(5), 419-434. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911211244704
- Tout, D. (2014, July 29). Buried or not? What’s happened to numeracy? ACER. https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/buried-or-not-whats-happened-to-numeracy
