.
TERTIARY
PREPARATION
CERTIFICATE IV
(TPC)
Course Number 29603
National Course 10224
Course Information Booklet 2015
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
STAFF CONTACTS:
TPC Head Teacher / English
•
CONTENTS
What is the TPC?
3
Course Structure
4
Coordinators:
•
•
Course Completion
5
Subject Descriptions 6-13
F. A. Q.
14
Trevor Payne D5.18
9217 3718
trevor.payne@tafensw.edu.au
Anna Petrou D5.23
anna.petrou@tafensw.edu.au
9217 3724
Social Media / Coordinator
Michael Clarke D5.24
michael.j.clarke@tafensw.edu.au
9217 4939
Subject Head Teachers:
Mathematics & Science
•
Sue Tickell D8.12
Sue.tickell@tafensw.edu.au
9217 3484
Humanities
•
Jean Turner D5.25
Jean.turner@tafensw.edu.au
9217 3697
English
•
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 on level 5, just outside room D5.08.
Please check this noticeboard once you start classes
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
WHAT IS THE TPC?
The Tertiary Preparation Certificate IV (TPC) provides an alternative to the NSW Higher
School Certificate (HSC). On completion students can enter into university, TAFE diploma
and degree courses, or apply for 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 environment.
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE SCORE (TES)
Successful students are eligible to receive the scaled Tertiary Entrance Score (TES). The
Universities Admission Centre (UAC) uses the TAFE calculated TES score to assist
universities in making offers of places to TPC graduates.
On completing the requirements of the TPC course, students are awarded a Tertiary
Entrance Score (TES). This score, out of 300, is calculated by adding together the three
scaled results from:
•
Language and Learning Skills B (LALS B)
•
The highest group B elective subject result
•
The second highest group B elective subject result.
Scaling of B-level subjects and the award of the TES is calculated yearly, at the conclusion
of Semester 2. It is important to bear this in mind if you are aiming to complete the TPC at
the end of the first semester in any year. The certificate is only awarded once the TES has
been calculated at the end of each calendar year.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
TPC COURSE STRUCTURE
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
TPC COURSE COMPLETION
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 1: COMPULSORY CORE SUBJECTS
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
Language &
Learning Skills A
(LALS A)
Apply language & learning
skills NSW TEGL 301B
Develop learning strategies
for further study
NSW TLRN 402A
Language &
Learning Skills B
(LALS B)
Apply critical & evaluative
language & learning skills
• No prerequisite
• 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
• No prerequisite
Investigate a range of learning strategies and present a
personal learning plan for further study.
• Prerequisite: LALS A
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.
NSW TEGL 401A
CORE A
• No prerequisite
Evaluate options for career
development
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.
NSW TPLG 403A
Communicate to facilitate
work in a team.
NSW TTMW 401B
Apply ethical practice in
study NSWTETH403A
• No prerequisite
Develop the skills and knowledge required to contribute
constructively to the work of a team in a workplace,
community or education context.
• No prerequisite
Develop the understanding and valuing of ethical
practices when locating and using information as part of
university and tertiary studies.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 2: A-LEVEL ELECTIVES (300 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
In this section, only a maximum of three electives count towards course
completion.
ENGLISH
Literature & Film A
Respond to the creative
arts NSW TEGL 302
HUMANITIES

ASIA-PACIFIC A
Investigate Australia’s
Asia-Pacific relations
NSW THMN 303
CONTEMPORARY
AUSTRALIA A
Examine issues in
contemporary Australian
society
NSW THMN 302
HUMAN RIGHTS A
Research human-rights
issues and concepts
NSW THMN 304
• No prerequisite
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.
• No prerequisite
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.
• No prerequisite
Analyse a variety of social, legal, environmental and
ethical issues. Topics may include: climate change; the
optimum Australian population size; urban sprawl versus
the compact city; gene technologies and social impacts;
religion and morality (or is it immorality?); right to life
arguments: infanticide, euthanasia; social class and
Australian education; youth and the legal system; prison
as a deterrent etc.
• No prerequisite
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.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 2: A-LEVEL ELECTIVES (300 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
MATHEMATICS
MATHEMATICS A1
Use Mathematics to solve a
range of problems
NSW TMTH 307
MATHEMATICS A2
Apply Introductory
Mathematical concepts &
skills
NSW TMTH 308
MATHEMATICS A3
Apply Mathematical skills for
further study
NSW TMTH 309
STATISTICS A
Flexible delivery
available
Apply statistical
processesNSW TSTT 302
• No prerequisite
• 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.
• No prerequisite
• 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.
• Prerequisite: Maths A2
• 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
• No prerequisites
• 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.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 2: A-LEVEL ELECTIVES (300 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY A
• No prerequisites
• Leads to Biology B
Investigate biological
processes
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
NSW TSCN 312
CHEMISTRY A
Investigate the chemical
nature of matter
NSW TSCN 308
• No prerequisites
• 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
• No prerequisites
• Leads to Physics B
Investigate physical
concepts
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.
NSW TSCN 307
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
Two B-level subjects are required for course completion.
Take particular note of the mathematics and science prerequisite A-level electives.
ENGLISH
LITERATURE B
Analyse literary texts
NSW TEGL 402
FILM & MEDIA B
Apply critical analysis to
the study of film & media
NSW TEGL 403
• .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.
• .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
ASIA-PACIFIC B
Analyse contemporary
issues in the Asia-Pacific
region
NSW THMN 403
POLITICAL
STUDIES B
Analyse political concepts
and contexts
NSW THMN 402
• .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.
• .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.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
HUMANITIES (continued)
HISTORICAL
STUDIES B
Analyse historical
concepts and issues in
context
NSW THMN 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 a selected historical context. Present an
analysis of historical issues, context, perspectives,
change and continuity.
LEGAL STUDIES B
• .You are advised to study any Humanities A elective first
Analyse legal concepts &
issues
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.
NSW THMN 405
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
MATHEMATICS
FURTHER
MATHEMATICS B
• Prerequisite: Maths A1 or Maths A2
NSW TMTH 401
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
• Prerequisite: Maths A3
• Leads to Advanced Maths or may be studied concurrently.
Apply Calculus concepts
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.
Use mathematics in a
range of contexts.
NSW TMTH 402
ADVANCED
MATHS B
Apply advanced
mathematical concepts
NSW TMTH 403
• Prerequisite: Maths A3
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.
NOTE: Advanced Mathematics must be studied with
Calculus unless Calculus has already been passed.
STATISTICS B
Apply advanced statistical
processes
NSW TSTT 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.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 3: B-LEVEL ELECTIVES (400 Level)
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY B
Analyse biological
processes
NSW TSCN 406
CHEMISTRY B
Analyse chemical
processes
NSW TSCN 405
PHYSICS B
Analyse physics
phenomena in mechanics
& electromagnetism
NSW TSCN 404
HEALTH ISSUES B
Analyse health issues in
a global context
NSWTSCN401
•
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.
• 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
•
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 electromagnetic waves is applied in spectroscopic analysis.
•
No prerequisite – 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.
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
GROUP 4: GENERAL ELECTIVES
NOTE Subjects are offered each semester due to demand, some subjects may not run. Check timetables when available.
You can choose any number of these subjects to make up your course.
MEDIA SKILLS
• No prerequisites
Online delivery
available
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.
Create Complex
Workplace and
Community texts
NSWTWTG401
This class is also recommended for students who wish
to improve and extend writing and research skills for
LALS, Film and Media classes.
Write texts for further
study purposes
NSWTWTG404A
COMMUNICATE
WITH
TECHNOLOGY
Prepare & present
complex information
NSWTSPG403A
Apply concepts of digital
literacy.
NSWTPLG401A
Contribute to a group
research project.
NSWTPLG401A
Apply Emerging
Technology to
Communicate with Others
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
• No prerequisites
Explore the often daunting world of communication and
social media. Communicate online using emerging
social media including Reddit, Tumblr, Instagram
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 also 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.
NSW TTCH402
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14
F. A. Q. AND ANSWERS
1) How long will it take me to complete the TPC?
If you are studying full-time (at least 18 hours per week) it is possible to complete in one
year if starting in semester 1.Part-time attendance options are 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 THREE 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 elective subjects from Group 4.
3) How is my university entrance score calculated?
Your result for Language and Learning Skills B (LALS B) is added to your best TWO B-level
elective subject results to give a score out of 300.
4) Where is the TPC notice-board?
Building D, Level 5, outside room D5.08.
5) Where can I find a TPC coordinator?
•
Anna Petrou D5.23 (9217 3724)
Email: anna.petrou@tafensw.edu.au
•
Michael Clarke D5.24 (9217 4939)
Email: michael.j.clarke@tafensw.edu.au
6) How do I contact a counsellor?
The Counselling and Career Services Unit is on level 4 of building D.
You can make an appointment at the desk on level 4, or call 9217 323
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TPC Course Information booklet 29603 MC: 24/11/14