17 Using Mathematics
If you’re studying at university, you’ll probably use mathematics and all kinds of data in your course, even if it doesn’t appear to directly relate to mathematics. Data is usually accessed through reports, data sets and research papers.
At a 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.
This means you will:
- engage critically with information in different contexts
- appreciate subtleties in data and in its analysis
- use mathematics to support your thinking (e.g. understand and calculate quantities, proportions, rates, and basic probability).
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?
Click on the relevant headings below for examples of how mathematics might be used in your discipline area.
Mathematics anxiety
Lots of people talk about feeling anxious when it comes to mathematics.
If you feel this way, you are not alone. Mathematics anxiety is widespread, some sources suggest it could affect up to one third of adults. It is a ‘normal’ phenomenon and widely accepted as a potentially debilitating state.
Maths anxiety is not just about having difficulty with mathematics. It affects our nervous system and hence, our capacity to think clearly. People with maths anxiety often avoid situations involving numbers.
It’s possible to reduce maths anxiety to a more comfortable level so that it can be a motivator to learn rather than debilitating.
Reducing maths anxiety often starts with realising “I’m not bad at maths” and looking for the support to learn the skills you need to succeed and help you navigate feeling more comfortable.
Get support
The Mathematics Education Support Hub (MESH) provides Western Sydney University students at all stages in their courses of study, with mathematics and statistics support. You can also access support from the Counselling service.
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
