Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for mathematics

A massive open online course (MOOC) is a series of online modules that anyone can enrol in. The University of Sydney has an Introduction to Calculus MOOC hosted on Coursera.

The post-MOOC exam is an online, proctored exam administered by the University of Sydney and is held under standard university examination conditions.

You can complete the Introduction to Calculus MOOC and the post-MOOC exam to meet the mathematics prerequisite – this is an admission requirement for some undergraduate courses.

Before completing the MOOC and exam, you should read our information on mathematics course prerequisites and check if the following questions apply to you.

• Does the mathematics prerequisite apply to me?
• Does the course I want to study have a mathematics prerequisite?
• Do I meet the mathematics prerequisite in another way?

In the Introduction to Calculus MOOC, you will focus on the most important foundations for mathematics in science, engineering and commerce. You will learn about the key ideas and historical motivation for calculus, with a balance between theory and application, leading you to understand key concepts in foundational mathematics. 

Through the MOOC, you will:

• gain familiarity with key ideas of precalculus, including the manipulation of equations and elementary functions (modules 1 and 2)
• develop fluency with the preliminary methodology of tangents and limits, and the definition of a derivative (module 3)
• develop and practise methods of differential calculus with applications (module 4)
• develop and practise methods of the integral calculus (module 5).

No.

The MOOC is completed at your own pace and consists of five modules. It takes approximately 58 hours in total to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your level of pre-existing knowledge and understanding.

Your exam outcome will be shared with you via email within 48 hours of completing the exam.

The post-MOOC exams will be on the following dates:

The MOOC is currently available on the Coursera platform.

No, the course is delivered online.

To undertake the post-MOOC exam, you must:

• have a UAC application number or a Direct Applicant Number
• have a University of Sydney course listed in your preferences and
• provide the completion certificate from Coursera.

You can register for the exam before completing the MOOC. However, the completion certificate must be forwarded to the University 48 hours before the exam. The above is compulsory, and your eligibility will be checked when we receive your registration for the exam.

You will also need to provide an acceptable form of photo ID, such as a driver's licence, a passport or a proof of age card, to present to the proctor software. 

We do not provide the post-MOOC exam for those who do not intend to apply to the University of Sydney.

No.

Successful completion of the MOOC and post-MOOC exam satisfies the mathematics prerequisite. It does not impact or change your ATAR (or equivalent).

Many applicants are eligible for Guaranteed Entry, which means you’ll be made an offer to a course if:

• you meet the admission criteria
• there are available places
• you list the course as your highest eligible UAC preference.

Please note that some courses are very popular and may fill up in earlier offer rounds, and some courses are not eligible for Guaranteed Entry.

You can undertake all the modules of the MOOC for free, but you must pay Coursera for the course certification.

The post-MOOC exam is free.

Yes, if you can demonstrate financial hardship in your UAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application.

Not all schools can offer the HSC subject Mathematics Advanced (or equivalent) to their students. The MOOC allows these students the opportunity to meet the mathematics prerequisite independently.

No.

At this stage, there is no mathematics course available at TAFE or the Centre for Continuing Education that will meet the mathematics prerequisite.

Yes.