The next round of Bridging Courses will run in February 2009. The text below relates to the 2008 Bridging Courses but will provide useful information for future Bridging Course students.

2008 BRIDGING COURSES

Many tertiary courses require a certain level of mathematics. At the University of Sydney, almost all courses in the Faculty of Science require at least HSC Mathematics (2-Unit). Science students who intend majoring in mathematics, computer science or physics, and all Engineering students require a good understanding of HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (3-Unit). Courses in Agriculture, Architecture and Pharmacy need HSC Mathematics (2-Unit), as do some in Economics.

Students lacking the required mathematical background may be allowed to enrol in a course, but they are likely to experience serious difficulties unless they undertake additional study in preparation. One way to overcome this difficulty is to take one of the bridging courses in mathematics run during the summer by the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Mathematics Learning Centre.

Courses

There are two different courses:

• The Extension 1 Course is for people who have done Mathematics (2-Unit) in the HSC and wish to enrol in a course which has an assumed knowledge of Extension 1 Mathematics (3-Unit). Click here for outline.
• The 2 Unit Course is for people who have not done Mathematics (2-Unit) and want to study a subject for which 2-Unit Mathematics is assumed knowledge. The main content of this course will be an introduction to the differential calculus together with revision of the necessary algebra and coordinate geometry. Knowledge of basic Year 10 mathematics will be assumed. Click here for outline.

Courses will begin on Monday 11 February 2008, after students have received their offers of places from UAC. Both courses will be offered during the day and in the evening. Each course consists of 12 two-hour classes. The classes are small, so that students can receive the maximum amount of individual attention. Students are expected to spend at least 2 hours per day on private study and homework during the Bridging Course.

Although the courses are specifically designed to help students entering first year mathematics courses at the University of Sydney, students planning to enrol in other institutions may also attend, and will find this a useful form of preparation. Please note that no examinations are held for bridging courses.

Fees

The fee for each course is $315. Fees cover 24 hours of tutition in small classes, a book of notes, and the opportunity to spend two additional hours each day in the Mathematics Learning Centre, where individual help is available. Payment can be made on-line when you enrol, and will guarantee you a place in the course. See the section "How to enrol and pay" below.

Dates and Times

The following table gives the dates and times for both the 2 Unit and Extension 1 courses.

Where to go

Registration for the courses takes place in the Mathematics Learning Centre, Carslaw Building Level 4, University of Sydney, on Monday 11 Feb 2008. (The Carslaw Building (map ref. L19) is on the main campus, near the City Road entrance to the University. The Mathematics Learning Centre is at the end of the verandah on Level 4, at the northern end of the building.)

Daytime students may register from 9:30am and evening students from 5:30pm. Please ensure that you arrive in time to complete registration before classes begin at 10:00am (daytime) and 6:00pm (evening).

Enrolment conditions

The University reserves the right to alter arrangements for bridging courses either before or during a course, to cancel or terminate a course or to refuse any enrolment as permitted by law. If there are insufficient enrolments for any course, the University reserves the right to offer students the choice of an alternative arrangement or a refund of fees paid.

If you pay for a bridging course in advance but later find you are unable to attend the course, your fees will be refunded (less an administration fee of $25) provided you advise us at least one week in advance of the starting date. Our contact details are given below. Please note that the University cannot accept responsibility for any changes in personal circumstances or work commitments.

Privacy Statement: The information you supply on the Enrolment Form is needed by the Mathematics Learning Centre and the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Sydney to manage your enrolment and participation in the bridging course. No personal information will be disclosed outside the University without your express consent, except where required by law.

How to enrol and pay

You should enrol in advance using one of the following methods:-

1. Enrol and pay on-line using credit card (Mastercard or Visa only).

2. Enrol on-line and pay on the first day of the course using cheque, money order or credit card (Mastercard or Visa only). If you choose to pay on the first day, please note that cash payments will not be accepted and that enrolment is not guaranteed until full payment has been made.

To enrol, CLICK HERE.

Further information

If you need any further information please telephone (02) 9351 4061 (Mathematics Learning Centre), or (02) 9351 5787 (Student Office, School of Mathematics and Statistics), or email the Mathematics Learning Centre (mlc@mail.usyd.edu.au).