First Year Mathematics at Massey University

Interested in Maths but not sure what to study? No matter what your background we can get you started on a programme which will enable you to progress towards a degree involving mathematics and on towards a rewarding career. For those who have studied Mathematics to Year 13 try: Calculus I or Linear Mathematics. If you have less background in mathematics try: Methods of Mathematics (for general science students) or Mathematics for Business I.

Use the course map below to determine which maths paper is suited to your high school maths background. The papers 160.101 Calculus I and 160.102 Linear Mathematics are the two core mathematics papers required for further mathematics study.

Take this link to a chart which summarises the availablitiy of all mathematics papers along with their prerequisites so you can plan your mathematics study.

160.101 Calculus 1

Visualise dynamic changes in real life by using functions and their graphs to model the situation. Learn how to optimise a variable by using calculus. Explore the simplicity of complex numbers and their use in mathematical, electrical engineering and other applications. Learn to use the power of MATLAB to differentiate, integrate, draw graphs and take the drudgery out of computations. This course is for anybody who has studied at least 20 credits in NCEA Level 3 Calculus and who has achieved in 14 credits. With Linear Mathematics, the course is required for further study in Mathematics. This course is also required for BTech and BEng students.

• Course outline and description
• Are you prepared for this paper? Take our online quiz and find out!

160.102 Linear Mathematics

How do you deal with practical situations which are influenced by more than one variable? How do you handle simple calculations on large data sets? What are vectors and matrices? Is there always a right answer to a problem? If there are many possible solutions how do you pick out the 'best' one? Do you want to learn how to use a computer to take the drudgery out of repetitive calculations? Linearity is the simplest and most frequently used concept in applications of mathematics. This paper mixes simple geometry and algebra to produce new techniques which are used widely in statistics, physics, chemistry, finance and industry - to name just a few. This course is for anybody who has achieved at least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Mathematics. It is required for further study in mathematics, along with its companion, Calculus I.

• Course outline and description
• Are you prepared for this paper? Take our online quiz and find out!

160.103 Methods of Mathematics

This paper is designed to increase the confidence of students in handling mathematical concepts and skills. The content includes algebraic skills, functions and graphs, and an introduction to matrices and calculus. This course is for anybody who has 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics.

• Course outline and description
• Are you prepared for this paper? Take our online quiz and find out!

160.131 Mathematics for Business

Content for this paper includes algebraic skills, functions and graphs, an introduction to linear equations and matrices, including graphical linear programming, and an introduction to Calculus. Learn to use the power of spreadsheets and/or other mathematical software for solving business problems. This course is for anybody who has 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics. It is recommended for students majoring in Economics and Finance and for other Business students who have not recently attained a reasonable level in NCEA level 2 mathematics.

• Course outline and description
• Are you prepared for this paper? Take our online quiz and find out!

119.010 Bridging Mathematics and Statistics

This paper introduces students to basic mathematical concepts and statistics. It is part of the Certificate of University Preparation, a one semester program designed to prepare students for successful university study.

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