MUFY Standard program subject descriptions

Accounting | Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Economics | English | Geography | Graphic Arts | Fundamental Mathmatics  | Mathmatics | Advanced Mathematics |Music | Physics | More info on Mathematics | Choose the right Maths for you  

Accounting

This subject aims to provide you with an introduction to accounting methods and concepts in a way which is challenging and rigorous and which emphasises both theory and practice.  Year 11 Accounting would be helpful.

Part A

• Practical exercises in the recording, summarising and classifying functions of accounting information. The student will learn to perform the basic essentials required in producing accounting reports. This semester will provide the student with the fundamentals of accounting in order to continue on into the second semester course.

Part B

• Part A is a prerequisite for Part B
• A more analytical approach to accounting, which will allow students to develop an appreciation of issues beyond the recording process. Students should gain a deeperunderstanding of the mechanics of accounting and more of an insight into the purposes of accounting reports.

Assessment

• 50% internal assessment
• 50% final examination results

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Biology

This subject aims to

• scientifically investigate living organisms and their survival in their natural environment. 
• develop skills - mental and motor - necessary for the critical analysis and design of experimental techniques which characterise scientific enquiry. 

Part A

Students will gain an understanding of:

• The structure and function of cells
• Some of the major organ systems in mammals.

After completing this course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

• The major groups of organisms, particularly mammals
• Cellular structure and function
• Mammalian organ systems and describe them with an holistic view.

Part B

Biology Part A is a prerequisite for Part B.

In Part B, students will gain an understanding of:

• Reproduction, genetics and genetic engineering
• Evolution

After completing this course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

• Genetics and heredity including genetic technology
• Evolutionary biology.

Assessment

Approximately 1/3 of class time is devoted to practical work.  Each student completes written reports on practical exercises

• 50% internal assessment
• 50% final examination results

Parts A and B can be taken concurrently or independently but students are encouraged to undertake Part A and Part B sequentially rather than concurrently.

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Chemistry

This subject has been designed to provide you with an adequate basis for subjects at university which require a prior knowledge of Chemistry to Year 12 level.

Part A:

Upon completion students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of masses, moles and stoichiometric calculations
• Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative analysis in practical exercises
• Use acid/base and redox reactions theory and instruments in chemical analysis
• Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practical uses of equilibrium
• Explain the production of sulfuric acid by the contact process
• Discuss the changing models of the atom and electronic confi gurations
• Discuss the history and uses of the periodic table.

Part B:

Upon completion students should be able to:

• Discuss the theories of bonding in solids, and explain the properties exhibited by substances
• Demonstrate knowledge of types of energy
• Demonstrate an understanding of aspects of thermochemistry and electrochemistry
• Explain the electrochemical series and its applications for fuel cells, rechargeable cells and electrolysis
• Describe electrolytic production of chemicals and Faraday’s Laws
• Understand organic chemistry and its practical applications to the production of ethene by fractional distillation and cracking of petroleum fractions.

Assessment

Each student will carry out practical work. Satisfactory completion of the work, and the reports arising from it, will be necessary before a Pass will be awarded in this subject.

• 50% internal assessment
• 50% final examination results

Parts A and B can be taken concurrently but students are strongly advised to pass Part A before attempting Part B.

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Computer Science

This subject provides you with the fundamentals of computing, supplemented with exercises that develop proficiency in computing practice. Students are encouraged to be well-informed about current technological developments.

Part A:

• Students will develop a working knowledge of computers, including hardware and software
• Students will also develop practical skills in using business applications like a word processor and a spreadsheet. They will use these applications to produce effi cient and effective solutions for business models
• Students will be exposed to and will develop elementary techniques in writing solutions using a programming language.

Part B:

• Students will develop an understanding of the advantages of using networks and how the internet works. Students will learn to solve problems using a programming language. They will acquire practical skills in creating relational database designs and to write SQL statements to extract data from databases.

Assessment

Practical skills acquired include proficiency in the use of major applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Students are also required to demonstrate the basic skills necessary to operate a computer, as well as undertake a series of programming tasks that demonstrate progress in acquiring and applying programming knowledge and skills.

• 40% internal assessment
• 60% final examination results

Parts A and B can be taken concurrently or independently but students are encouraged to undertake Part A and Part B sequentially rather than concurrently.

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Economics

The subject provides an in-depth introduction to economics. It provides you with the basic tools of economic reasoning, and an understanding of contemporary economic issues.

Part A - Microeconomics:

• This subject provides a strong conceptual grounding and an in-depth introduction to micro-economic theory, besides basic tools for an understanding of economic issues. It introduces students to problems of economic scarcity, the laws of demand and supply, elasticity, market equilibrium, and price and output determination under various market conditions.

Part B - Macroeconomics:

This subject provides students with an understanding of contemporary economic issues and government policies. It also attempts to arm students with the basic conceptual skills to appreciate macroeconomic issues such as unemployment, infl ation, international trade and economic growth.

Topics include the Keynesian analysis for Income-Expenditure, the expansion and contraction of the economy, price stability and an overview of policy options such as Monetary and Fiscal policy.

Assessment

• 40% internal assessment
• 60% final examination results

Part A and Part B can be taken independently or concurrently. Part A and Part B both include some common topics that are essential to provide a strong foundation in Economics
as a whole.

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English

This subject aims to develop your confidence and competency in understanding, speaking and writing English. Emphasis is placed on the following:

Part A:

• In this part of the English course students focus on developing their listening and speaking skills as well as note form summary, argumentative and expository essay writing skills. The major coursework assessment tasks will be:
  
  1. Oral presentation
  2. Listening comprehension task
  3. Expository Essay
  4. Argumentative Essay.

Part B:

• In this part of the English course, students concentrate on developing their research skills and study a theme through a number of core texts. The major coursework assessment tasks will be:
  
  1. Research Project
  2. Theme Study Essays and oral presentation.

Assessment
Attention is paid across all areas of study to accuracy of grammatical structure, spelling, punctuation and word use.

• 50% internal assessment
• 50% final examination results

Part A is a prerequisite of Part B and the units cannot be taken concurrently. Part A must be passed (>50%) before taking Part B.

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Geography

The theme of this subject is the sustainable management of the earth’s resources. It investigates the impact of human activities on people and their environment, and identifies strategies to minimise adverse effects.

Part A:

• This introductory course commences with the basics of Geography through the use of computer mapping software, GPS and Google Earth. Students then study themanagement of Coasts or Forests, Rivers and the Oceans. Resources like beaches, water and fi sh are investigated to understand how they can best be managed.

Part B:

• The unit commences with a revision of mapping skills. The 2 main units studied are Climate Change and Urbanisation. Students learn about the causes of changes in our climate and the development of large cities. They also will understand management strategies that can help solve problems associated with these very important issues. Sustainable Development covers meeting the present needs of humans with minimum impact on the environment, and the needs of future generations.

Assessment

• 50% internal assessment
• 50% final examination results

Part A and Part B can be taken concurrently but students are strongly dvised to pass Part A before attempting Part B.

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Graphic Arts

This subject is designed, in particular, to enable you to develop visual thinking and expression using drawing and rendering methods; acquire skills in freehand drawing, painting, rendering and computer graphics; develop the capacity to create imaginative solutions to communication and design problems; and to use the design elements and design principles to communicate ideas and information.

Part A:

• This unit covers a broad range of topics related to graphic communication, with a focus on drawing skills, design elements, graphic software and art history. Students will prepare a folio to be completed by the end of semester.

Part B:

• This unit continues to develop the students’ graphic communication skills, with a focus on drawing, spatial relationships, design principles, art history and a folio preparation subject.

Assessment

Folio of artwork which may cover such topics as fashion, product, graphic, interior, landscape or environmental design, or architectural drawing.

• 50% internal assessment
• 50% external folio assessment 

Part A and B can be taken concurrentlybut students are strongly advised to pass Part A before attempting Part B.

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Fundamental Mathematics

This course is designed for students with only basic mathematical skills†. Students cannot study Fundamental Mathematics and Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics concurrently.

Part A: 

• This unit covers basic skills in number systems, decimals, fractions, percentages and algebra. These are then applied to the topics of Ratio and Proportion, Sequences and Series and Business Mathematics.

Part B:

• This unit develops further the student’s mathematical skills through the study of these topics: Graphs, Geometry, Trigonometry, Networks as well as Displaying and Summarising Data.

Assessment

• 40% internal assessment
• 60% final examination results

OR

• 30% internal assessment
• 70% final examination results

Assessment is based on whichever combination realizes the better result for the student.

Fundamental Mathematics Part A is a prerequisite for Fundamental Mathematics Part B and the two units cannot be studied concurrently.

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Mathematics

This subject has been designed to extend, both in depth and breadth, the mathematical studies undertaken in Mathematics A. It is designed for students who wish to take university courses that have a high mathematical content, or which use a considerable amount of mathematical reasoning.

Mathematics Part A: Functions and Calculus

• Study of two units: Functions and Calculus. Functions covers a wide range of functions and their graphs, properties and applications. Calculus covers Differential and Integral Calculus and some of their common applications. These units of work are the most suitable introduction to First Year University Mathematics courses for students whose main area of study requires some mathematical competencies.

Mathematics Part B: Probability and Statistics

• Study of Sequences and Series, Probability and Statistics. Each unit of work includes applications of the theory to common real life situations. The units are designed to provide a range of knowledge, essential skills and methods to equip students for tertiary study and to cater for a wide variety of student needs.

Assessment

• 30/40% internal assessment (Whichever combination provides the highest score)
• 30/40% final examination results (Whichever combination provides the highest score)

Assessment is based on whichever combination realizes the better result for the student.

Part A can be taken concurrently with Part B without the student having prior knowledge or undertaking Part A.

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Advanced Mathematics

Part A:

All prerequisite knowledge for the subject Mathematics is also a prerequisite for Advanced Mathematics.

Students will develop detailed and specifi c mathematical skills through the study of the following units: Complex Numbers, Vectors, Matrices, Introduction to Differentiation and Circular Functions.

Part B:

All prerequisite knowledge for the subject Mathematics is also a prerequisite for Advanced Mathematics.

Students will develop detailed and specifi c mathematical skills through the study of the following units:

• Antiderivative Calculations
• Definite Integrals
• Differential
• Equations
• Kinematics.

Assessment

40% internal assessment
60% final examination results

OR

30% internal assessment
70% final examination results

Assessment is based on whichever combination realizes the better result for the student.

Part A is a prerequisite for Part B and the units cannot be taken concurrently. A student who has obtained a mark of at least 45% for a prior attempt at Part A can take Part B concurrently with Part A.*

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Music

This subject is designed to prepare you for a tertiary music subject or degree in music at any university.

Part A:  Ensemble Performance and Perspectives

• This semester offers students enjoyable opportunities to play and perform together, as they study a wide variety of different music genres. The development of individual technical skills will support the quality levels and scope of the choral and instrumental ensemble presentations required for the final examinations.

Part B: Solo Performance and Perspectives

• Students build upon the technical skills and knowledge of the different music styles acquired in Part A, which now enables students to prepare a Solo Recital program. The repertoire of the Solo Recital programs may relate to an ABRSM Advanced Grade or Diploma syllabus, thus allowing students to present for these International Certificate examinations. In addition, the Monash University School of Music – Conservatorium will include the fi nal Solo Performance Recital Examination as a part of the audition requirements for entry consideration into the Bachelor of Music program at Monash University.

Assessment

• 50% coursework
• 50% ABRSM Examinations

Part A is a prerequisite of B and the units cannot be taken concurrently. A student who has obtained a mark of at least 45% for a prior attempt at Part A can take Part B concurrently with Part A.*

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Physics

Description: This subject has been designed to provide you with an adequate basis for subjects at university which require a prior knowledge of Physics to Year 12 level.

Part A: 

• Physics Part A covers the fundamentals of the classical theory of mechanics, and provides students with practice in applying this knowledge to a wide variety of realistic and everyday situations. Mechanics has three main parts: kinematics, dynamics and statics.

Part B:

• Physics Part B consists of the fundamentals of the classical theory of waves, electricity and magnetism, and an introduction to some aspects of modern physics that indicate the limits of applicability of the classical theory. Students will practise applying this knowledge to a wide variety of contexts.

Assessment

• 40% internal assessment (based on practical work, communications projects and class tests.)
• 60% final examination results

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* This allows candidates who have failed Part A to undertake Parts A and B concurrently in order to obtain a full pass (>50%) in each without having to delay taking Part B.

More information on MUFY Mathematics Courses

In the MUFY program, there are 3 mathematics courses:

• Fundamental Mathematics- for students with a basic level of mathematics
• Mathematics- for students with a competent level of mathematics
• Advanced Mathematics- for students with an advanced level of mathematics

How to choose MUFY Mathematics Courses:

• Base your choice of mathematics courses on your mathematical ability and on the pre-requisites of the courses you wish to apply for at Monash University
• If you are unsure about your score:
  Download the diagostic test below and contact your Student Advisor, with your score and desired course at Monash.

Mathematcs diagnostic test (PDF 110.32KB) This test will help you assess your own suitability for Mathematics/ Fundamental Mathematics.

In making your mathematics subject selection, you may choose any of the following:

• Fundamental Mathematics (Parts A & B) only, or
• Mathematics (Parts A&B) only, or
• Both Mathematics (Parts A & B) and Advanced Mathematics (Parts A & B)

Note: It is NOT possible for students to study the following:

• Both Fundamental Mathematics (Parts A & B) and Mathematics (Parts A & B)
• Both Fundamental Mathematics (Parts A & B) and Advanced Mathematics (Parts A & B)
• Advanced Mathematics (Parts A & B) only, without Mathematics (Parts A & B)

Sequence of Study:

• For Fundamental Mathematics, Part A must be attempted before Part B
• For Mathematics, Part A and Part B can be done in any order or concurrently
• For Advanced Mathematics, Part A must be attempted before Part B.

To meet course pre-requisites, a student must pass (50% or higher) both Part A and Part B of the selected mathematics subject.

Obtaining Credit for the MUFY Fundamental Mathematics Sequence

To obtain credit for the Fundamental Mathematics sequence there are 5 possible pathways. You must realise that Fundamental Mathematics is a pre-requisite subject for a limited amount of Monash university courses.

• Pass ( 50%) Fundamental Mathematics Part A and pass ( 50%)  Fundamental  Mathematics Part B
• Achieve 40-49 in Mathematics Part A * ( see note below) and pass ( 50%) Fundamental  Mathematics Part B
• Achieve 40-49 in Mathematics Part B * (see note below) and pass ( 50%) Fundamental  Mathematics Part B
• Achieve a pass ( 50%) in Mathematics Part A ^ (see note below) and pass ( 50%)  Fundamental Mathematics Part B
• Achieve a pass ( 50%) in Mathematics Part B^ ( see note below) and pass ( 50%)  Fundamental Mathematics Part B

 Notes on Mixed Combination of Fundamental Mathematics/ Mathematics:

* To recognise the difference in mathematical levels between these subjects, students who achieve a score of 40% - 49% in Mathematics Part A or Mathematics Part B may apply for recognition of a pass mark (50%)   in Fundamental Mathematics Part A.  This will then allow the student to progress to study Fundamental Mathematics Part B. 

 ^A student who passes Mathematics Part A or Part B ( 50%) may choose to study Fundamental Mathematics Part B.