Module Outline

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31/10/2026 4:50 AM AWST

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Use mathematics in engineering

Use mathematics in engineering

Module
National Code
DCSMTH637
State Code
BD846
DTWD Status
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/09/2026
Field of Education
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers concepts of mathematics appropriate to engineering situations.

The unit of competency is applied by technicians and drafting personnel working in a civil and structural engineering environment to solve problems.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
General notes
No information
No information
Elements and Performance Criteria
Use exponential functions and their graphs.
  • 1.1 Simplify algebraic expressions containing indices using the index laws.
  • 1.2 Transpose formulae involving indices.
  • 1.3 Solve simple exponential equations using the index laws and without using logarithms.
  • 1.4 Draw and interpret graphs of exponential functions.
Use logarithmic equations and their graphs in problem solving.
  • 2.1 Interpret the meaning of a logarithm as an exponent.
  • 2.2 Evaluate logarithms using a calculator.
  • 2.3 Simplify expressions using the laws of logarithms.
  • 2.4 Solve exponential equations using logarithms.
  • 2.5 Transpose formulae involving the exponential or logarithmic function.
  • 2.6 Draw the graph of the logarithmic function.
  • 2.7 Transpose exponential and power equations into logarithmic form so they can be plotted as linear graphs.
  • 2.8 Solve problems involving exponential growth and decay, graphically and analytically.
Solve problems involving trigonometry.
  • 3.1 Define sin θ, cos θ and tan θ in terms of the unit circle.
  • 3.2 Define the reciprocal trigonometric ratios cosecant, secant and cotangent in terms of sine, cosine and tangent, respectively.
  • 3.3 Convert radians to degrees and degrees to radians.
  • 3.4 Determine from the trigonometric ratio the measure of any angle in either degrees or radians.
  • 3.5 Calculate the area of a sector using A = 1/2 r2θ (θ given in degrees or radians).
  • 3.6 Solve applied problems requiring the use of the sine rule and/or cosine rule.
Perform operations with matrices and determinants.
  • 4.1 Add, subtract and multiply matrices, including multiplying a matrix by a scalar.
  • 4.2 Define and calculate the determinant of a 2 x 2 and 3 x 3 matrix.
  • 4.3 Obtain the inverse of a 2 x 2 and 3 x 3 matrix using the determinant.
  • 4.4 Solve a system of 3 linear equations in 3 unknowns using both the inverse matrix method and determinants (Cramer’s Rule).
  • 4.5 Solve applied problems using matrices.
Apply elementary calculus techniques.
  • 5.1 Differentiate elementary algebraic functions.
  • 5.2 Differentiate algebraic functions using the product, quotient and chain rules.
  • 5.3 Integrate elementary algebraic functions.
  • 5.4 Evaluate area under the curve for simple functions using definite integral.
  • 5.5 Apply Simpson’s rule to approximate the area under a curve.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AZ035 DCSMTH610 Use mathematics in engineering Module
Associated Qual/Courses
State Code National Code Title Type
BHW56 52950WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering Accredited course
BHW53 52951WA Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering Accredited course