. TERTIARY PREPARATION CERTIFICATE IV (TPC) Course Number 29603 National Course 10224 Course Information Booklet Welcome to Sydney TAFE, Ultimo College. We trust that you will enjoy your time studying with us. This information booklet will assist you with generic information about the TPC course, lists all subjects offered in the TPC, and is a good reference point if you need assistance.
TERTIARY PREPARATION CERTIFICATE IV (TPC) Course Number 29603 National Course 10224 CONTENTS What is the TPC? 3 Course Structure 4 Course Completion 5 Subject Descriptions 6-14 F. A. Q. 15 STAFF CONTACTS: TPC Head Teacher / English Trevor Payne D5.18 9217 3718 trevor.payne@tafensw.edu.au Subject Head Teachers: Mathematics & Science Sue Tickell D8.12 Sue.tickell@tafensw.edu.au 9217 3484 Humanities English Jean Turner D5.25 Jean.turner@tafensw.edu.au 9217 3697 Sylvia Nichols D5.18 sylvia.nichols@tafensw.edu.au 9217 3438 NOTE: Timetables and other important information for TPC students is located on the TPC noticeboard: Building D, level 5, just outside room D5.08. Please check this noticeboard once you start classes ELECTIVES. PAGE 2
WHAT IS THE TPC? The Tertiary Preparation Certificate IV (TPC) provides an alternative to the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC). On completion successful graduates can apply to study at university, or apply to study a diploma or degree course at TAFE or another college. The TPC is also recognised for entry into Defence or Police forces. If you: Have left school. Think you are too old to go back to school. Would like to go to university. Aim to do higher-level courses at a TAFE college. Then the TPC is more than likely the right course for you The TPC course is delivered in a way that develops sound academic skills, and also provides appropriate subject knowledge. The TPC fosters individual learning skills and knowledge in a mature, supportive learning environment. If you elect to study full-time it is expected you will complete in one year. Part-time attendance options are also available. TPC COURSE STRUCTURE The TPC is divided into the following 4 subject groups: Group 1: Core subjects (must be completed) Group 2: A-level elective subjects (300 level). Group 3: B-level elective subjects (400 level) Group 4: General elective subjects. You will progress from A-Levels which build necessary subject skills and knowledge, in order to complete B-Levels which contribute towards your final mark. To receive the Tertiary Preparation Certificate IV you must pass NINE subjects; this is made up of the THREE core subjects plus SIX electives (See graphic in this booklet for more info). Applying to UNIVERSITY with the TPC On completion of the TPC you will receive a Certificate IV, however you will also be able to apply to University as successful TPC graduates also receive a Tertiary Entrance Score (TES). The TES is a scaled mark that is equivalent to the HSC ATAR score. The TES will allow you to apply to your chosen university through a body such as the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). The TES is a mark out of 300 that is comprised of one compulsory and two other B level subjects that you will complete. This mark is then scaled for university entry purposes. See the graphic in this booklet for further explanation. Scaling of B-level subjects and the award of the TES is calculated yearly, in December, at the conclusion of Semester 2 of each calendar year. It is important to bear this in mind if you are aiming to complete the TPC in the middle of any year (June/July), as your TES will NOT be calculated until the end of that calendar year. Speak to us if you need further clarification. PAGE 3
TPC COURSE STRUCTURE PAGE 4
TPC COURSE COMPLETION PAGE 5
TPC SUBJECTS GROUP 1: COMPULSORY CORE SUBJECTS Language & Learning Skills A LALS A Apply language & learning skills NSW TEGL 301B Develop learning strategies for further study NSW TLRN 402A COMPULSORY Leads to LALS B Develop the skills and knowledge needed to research, write, evaluate and present information in a further study context. Learn to: compose and present a range of texts, select information for a specific purpose, use referencing conventions, present a researched essay. Make a short formal oral presentation COMPULSORY Investigate a range of learning strategies and present a personal learning plan for further study. Language & Learning Skills B LALS B Apply critical & evaluative language & learning skills NSWT EGL 401A Prerequisite: LALS A COMPULSORY Develop the skills and knowledge to apply analytical and evaluative skills in writing, studying, researching and presenting information. You will write a researched, academic essay as well as present on an appropriate topic. There will be one external exam. CORE A (not timetabled, part of LALS A) Evaluate options for career development NSWT PLG 403A Apply ethical practice in study NSWT ETH 403A Develop the skills and knowledge you need to research, analyse and evaluate options for career development, further study and/or community. You will also develop a strategic plan to meet your career development needs. COMPULSORY Develop the understanding and valuing of ethical practices when locating and using information as part of university and tertiary studies. PAGE 6
GROUP 2: A-LEVEL ELECTIVES (300 Level) PLEASE NOTE: In GROUP 2, only a maximum of three electives count towards course completion. ENGLISH ELECTIVES Literature & Film A Respond to the creative arts NSWT EGL 302 HUMANITIES ELECTIVES ASIA-PACIFIC A Investigate Australia s Asia-Pacific relations NSWT HMN 303 Analyse and discuss concepts in film, fiction, poetry, television, art, and photography. Explore the history of cinema and examine film and its effect on audiences. Investigate similarities and differences in modern films and short stories that may include American Beauty, The Shawshank Redemption, Mean Girls, Brokeback Mountain, The Truman Show and many others. Gain a broader understanding of current political, social and economic events, especially those related to Australia s Asia-Pacific relations. Develop your research and writing skills, as well as investigate contemporary issues in the Aisa-Pacific region. CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIA A Examine issues in contemporary Australian society NSWT HMN 302 Analyse a variety of issues that face Australia today, including social, legal, environmental and political concerns. There will be an opportunity for you to individually examine what is an important issue for you. You will also develop research and writing skills. HUMAN RIGHTS A Research human-rights issues and concepts NSWT HMN 304 Research and report on human rights and social justice issues at a national and international level. Research human rights and social justice concepts, examine a human rights issue from differing viewpoints, report on a breach of human rights. PAGE 7
GROUP 2: A-LEVEL ELECTIVES (300 Level) MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES MATHEMATICS A1 Use Mathematics to solve a range of problems NSWT MTH 307 Leads to Maths A2 or Further Maths B Learn to solve a range of mathematical problems using fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions and measurement. Develop basic skills in algebra, geometry, graphing, linear relationships and trigonometry. Calculate with real numbers fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, and proportion. Use measurement in two and three-dimensional shapes. Apply geometric principles to mathematical problems. Perform algebraic processes and apply them to practical situations. Graph linear relationships and investigate and apply mathematics to commercial situations. Solve mathematical problems using trigonometry and use a scientific calculator and spreadsheets. MATHEMATICS A2 Apply Introductory Mathematical concepts & skills NSWT MTH 308 Leads to Maths A3 or Further Maths B. Solve problems using number skills, algebra, equations, rightangled trigonometry, linear and non-linear graphs. Use number skills to find solutions to mathematical problems, with and without a calculator Simplify, factorise and evaluate algebraic expressions. Solve linear and quadratic equations to solve problems involving right angle triangles. Find the midpoint, distance and gradient between two points on a number plane. Graph and apply linear equations Draw and investigate the properties of a range of nonlinear graphs. Apply problem-solving techniques to mathematical investigations. MATHEMATICS A3 Apply Mathematical skills for further study NSWT MTH 309 Leads to Calculus/Advanced Maths Develop the skills and knowledge required to use mathematics skills needed for further study, and apply these skills to practical situations. Recognise and apply features of the real number system. Use a scientific calculator and/or a spreadsheet to solve mathematical problems in a range of contexts. Manipulate algebraic expressions and formulae. Solve practical mathematics problems using linear and quadratic functions and their graphs. Solve mathematics problems, which involve indices. Solve applied mathematics problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions. Use trigonometric functions to investigate and solve problem STATISTICS A Flexible delivery available Apply statistical processes NSWT STT 302 s Leads to Statistics B Analyse univariate and bivariate data, as well as experimental and theoretic probability. Describe and apply the statistical process, collect, describe, and organise raw data, analyse univariate data using summary statistics, analyse bivariate data using correlation and linear regression, find the probability of events in simple experimental or theoretical contexts, carry out and report on a statistical investigation, apply the properties of the standard normal distribution to problem solve. PAGE 8
GROUP 2: A-LEVEL ELECTIVES (300 Level) SCIENCE ELECTIVES BIOLOGY A Investigate biological processes NSWT SCN 312 s Leads to Biology B Investigate and apply knowledge of cells, the multicellular organism, variation in populations, the principles used to classify living things and adaptations in organisms. Research skills and experimental investigations will be used. Investigate structural and functional characteristics in a range of cell types Investigate the multi-cellular organism. Conduct and report on a practical investigation on osmosis and diffusion, or surface area to volume ratio Investigate the diversity of organisms. Investigate variation in populations. Examine the types of adaptations in organisms CHEMISTRY A Investigate the chemical nature of matter NSWT SCN 308 s Leads to Chemistry B Classify types of matter and apply simple processes to obtain them. Apply models to describe the structure of matter. Investigate properties of everyday substances and relate to their uses. Derive chemical names and formulae. Conduct and report on a practical investigation into chemical and physical changes to matter Examine basic types of chemical change and represent using balanced chemical equations Calculate simple chemical quantities. Analyse aspects of chemical substances. PHYSICS A Investigate physical concepts NSWT SCN 307 s Leads to Physics B Understand the physics of energy, heat, sound, light, circuits, magnetism and nuclear physics. Investigate aspects of energy. Conduct and report on experimental investigations into simple physical phenomena. Use models to explain and predict physics phenomena. Investigate applications of physics concepts. Design, conduct and report on physics investigations to control the transfer of heat, light or sound. PAGE 9
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level) Two B-level subjects are required for course completion. Take particular note of the mathematics and science prerequisite A-level electives. ENGLISH ELECTIVES LITERATURE B Analyse literary texts NSWT EGL 402 You are advised to study Literature & Film A first Read, analyse and critically evaluate selected literary texts from fiction, drama and poetry. Includes: discussion and interpretation of literary texts; research and documentation; presentation; critical writing. FILM & MEDIA B Apply critical analysis to the study of film & media NSWT EGL 403 You are advised to study Literature & Film A first Critically examine and evaluate media text types and issues relevant to the roles and functions of film and media. Examine the roles and functions of film and media in context. Analyse the construction of selected texts from either film or media. Evaluate an issue relevant to either film or media in context. HUMANITIES ELECTIVES ASIA-PACIFIC B Analyse contemporary issues in the Asia-Pacific region NSWT HMN 403 You are advised to study any Humanities A elective first Choose current issues in the Asia-Pacific area to research. These issues could be rebellions, environmental or cultural, depending on interest. The focus is to compare and contrast how two different countries deal with the same issue. POLITICAL STUDIES B Analyse political concepts and contexts NSWT HMN 402 You are advised to study any Humanities A elective first Research political concepts, structures, systems, ideologies and movements from a range of appropriate sources. Explain the historical development of political ideologies and movements. Analyse the relationship between political ideas and political practice. Present analysis of political concepts, structures, organisations systems, ideologies and movements. PAGE 10
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level) HUMANITIES ELECTIVES (continued) HISTORICAL STUDIES B Analyse historical concepts and issues in context NSWT HMN 401 You are advised to study any Humanities A elective first Use a range of appropriate sources to research historical concepts and issues. Use historical contexts to examine significant historical issues. Evaluate varying perspectives of selected historical contexts. Present an analysis of historical issues, context, perspectives, change and continuity. LEGAL STUDIES B Analyse legal concepts & issues NSWT HMN 405 You are advised to study any Humanities A elective first Research the role and function of legal systems from a range of appropriate sources. Examine and evaluate the nature and role of international law. Analyse a selected example of case law. PAGE 11
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level) MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES FURTHER MATHEMATICS B Use mathematics in a range of contexts. NSWT MTH 401 Prerequisite: Maths A1 or Maths A2 Solve problems using: measurement of perimeters, areas and volumes; properties of two-dimensional figures; trigonometric concepts, functions and formulae; spherical geometry concepts and techniques; linear and simple non-linear functions and their graphs. Identify and use mathematics to find solutions to practical problems in a range of everyday and work contexts. Use mathematical models to solve practical problems. CALCULUS B Apply Calculus concepts NSWT MTH 402 Prerequisite: Maths A3 Leads to Advanced Maths or may be studied concurrently. Investigate the significant features of graphs of functions. Apply differentiation in theoretical and applied contexts; rates of change, stationary points, optimization. Apply integration in theoretical and applied contexts; area, volumes of revolution, mean value of a function. ADVANCED MATHS B Apply advanced mathematical concepts NSWT MTH 403 Prerequisite: Calculus B Advanced Mathematics must be studied with Calculus B unless Calculus B has already been passed. Solve problems requiring the application and manipulation of trigonometric identities. Solve trigonometric equations. Graph trigonometric functions. Determine terms and sums of sequences and series. Expand Binomial expressions. Correctly apply and interpret the notation of Binomial Expansions. Operate with vectors in two dimensions. Operate with complex numbers. Integrate functions that require the application of trigonometric identities. Apply calculus techniques to inverse trigonometric functions. Find general and particular solutions to simple differential equations. STATISTICS B Apply advanced statistical processes NSWT STT 401 Prerequisite: Statistics A Solve practical problems involving probability distributions. Estimate the value of population parameters from sample data. Determine sampling distributions for a range of population parameters. Perform tests of hypotheses using samples from practical situations. Design, carry out and report on a statistical investigation. PAGE 12
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level) SCIENCE ELECTIVES BIOLOGY B Analyse biological processes NSWT SCN 406 Prerequisite: Biology A with a score greater than 55% Investigate a range of microorganisms. Analyse cellular processes. Design, conduct and report on a practical investigation related to one of the cellular processes. Investigate the history and mechanisms of genetics. Analyse the frequency of alleles for a human characteristic. Analyse issues associated with biotechnology. CHEMISTRY B Analyse chemical processes NSWT SCN 405 Prerequisite: Chemistry A with a score greater than 55% Investigate chemical reaction rates. Analyse equilibrium systems and identify these systems, which occur in real life situations. Investigate reactions involving acids and bases and relate to real life contexts. Investigate and analyse chemical processes involving simple organic compounds. Investigate and analyse electron transfer reactions, which occur in industry and everyday life. Investigate and analyse stored energy changes involved in chemical processes. Design, conduct and report on a quantitative PHYSICS B Analyse physics phenomena in mechanics & electromagnetism NSWT SCN 404 Prerequisite: Physics A with a score greater than 55% Apply scientific models to analyse and predict aspects of motion. Conduct, analyse and report on experiments in mechanics and electromagnetism. Identify and describe everyday phenomena, in terms of an understanding of Newton's laws. Design, conduct and analyse an experimental investigation into one aspect of mechanics. Investigate the workings of simple devices that use electro-magnetism. Examine and explain applications, which utilise physics concepts relating to mechanics and electromagnetism. Investigate how the diffraction and interference of electro-magnetic waves is applied in spectroscopic analysis. HEALTH ISSUES B Analyse health issues in a global context NSWT SCN 401 completion of any Science A unit advisable Use epidemiological information to illustrate the importance of a health issue. Analyse and manipulate statistical data in relation to population health parameters. Investigate the history of the understanding of disease, its transmission & treatment. Evaluate the relationship between epidemics/pandemics & health practices. Design, conduct and report on an experiment to investigate growth of microorganisms and relate to disease. Research & evaluate the impact of the use of health technologies on society. Evaluate and report on global health promotion strategies. PAGE 13
GROUP 4: GENERAL ELECTIVES You can choose any number of these GROUP 4 subjects to make up your course. MEDIA SKILLS Online and Flexible delivery available Create Complex Workplace and Community texts NSWT WTG 401 Write texts for further study purposes NSWT WTG 404A s Develop writing and research skills while learning about the media. Study journalism and media concepts, while completing a small portfolio that relates to the media including news reports and film reviews. This class is also recommended for students who wish to improve and extend writing and research skills for LALS, Film and Media classes. Students can elect to attend face to face, flexibly through the online classroom, or a combination of the two. Contact Michael Clarke (D5.24) or email michael.j.clarke@tafensw.edu.au for further information regarding online delivery of this subject COMMUNICATE WITH TECHNOLOGY Apply concepts of digital literacy NSWT TCH 404A Prepare & present complex information NSWT SPG 403A Contribute to a group research project NSWT PLG 401A Apply Emerging Technology to Communicate with Others s Explore the often daunting world of communication and social media. Communicate online using emerging social media including Reddit, Tumblr, Instagram as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging. This class also introduces you to the world of digital images. Learn basic digital photography techniques using mobile devices and take part in a small end of class photo exhibition. This class is aimed at students who feel they need assistance with social media or communication skills, or may be novices to the online or social media worlds. No cameras, special equipment or knowledge of photography is required for this class. NSWT TCH 402 PAGE 14
F. A. Q. AND ANSWERS 1) How long will it take me to complete the TPC? If you are studying full-time it expected you will complete in one year. Part-time attendance options are also available. 2) How many subjects do I need to course complete? To be awarded the Tertiary Preparation Certificate IV you must pass NINE subjects: All compulsory group 1 subjects: LALS A, LALS B and Core A. SIX electives ONLY, made up from: o A-level elective subjects from Group 2. A maximum of THREE will count towards course completion. o TWO or more of the B-level elective subjects from Group 3 o Any number of the general elective subjects from Group 4. 3) What subjects should I study for a particular university course? We can t really advise you on this, but can only offer suggestions based on experience. Each university is different and so requires different subjects and levels of study. We suggest you contact each university you are interested in at some point, or visit them on an open day to ask relevant course questions. Alternatively, you can check websites or a UAC or similar guide, which usually list specific subjects, marks and requirements needed for particular university courses. 4) How is my university entrance score calculated? Your university entrance score is called a TES. The TES is calculated from the result out of 100 for Language and Learning Skills B (LALS B) and this is added to your best TWO B-level elective subject results (each also marked out of 100) to give a final score out of 300. This score is then scaled to a percentage for University entry purposes. 5) Where can I find more info on TPC? Timetables and other relevant information are usually located on the TPC noticeboard: Building D, Level 5, outside room D5.08. OR visit our website: tpcstudies.sydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net OR FACEBOOK, search: Sydney TAFE University Preparation Courses 6) Where can I contact a TAFE counsellor or ask for career help? Talk to a teacher or staff member or contact the Counselling and Career development unit directly, they are located on level 4 of building D. You can make an appointment at the desk on level 4, or call 9217 3238. Or visit sydneytafe.edu.au/counsellingcareers Counselling services are free and confidential. PAGE 15