Units / MAT9004
MAT9004 · Mathematical foundations for data science and AI
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 9Faculty of Information Technology
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Mathematical topics fundamental to computing and statistics including trees and other graphs, counting in combinatorics, principles of elementary probability theory, linear algebra, and fundamental concepts of calculus in one and several variables.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Monash Online | Teaching period 1 | Monash Online (MO) |
| Clayton | Second semester | Flexible (FLEXIBLE) |
| Clayton | First semester | Flexible (FLEXIBLE) |
| Malaysia | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Malaysia | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Monash Online | Teaching period 4 | Monash Online (MO) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous assessment | Quiz / Test | 40% | — |
| 2 | Scheduled final assessment (3 hours and 10 minutes) | Examination | 60% | Threshold |
| 3 | Assignment 1 | Written | 30% | — |
| 4 | Assignment 2 | Written | 30% | — |
| 5 | Mathematical challenge | Quiz / Test | 40% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
Learning outcomes
- Use trees and graphs to solve problems in computer science;
- Apply counting principles in combinatorics;
- Describe the principles of elementary probability theory, evaluate conditional probabilities and use Bayes' Theorem;
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills of linear algebra, including the manipulation of matrices, solution of linear systems, and evaluate and apply determinants;
- Explain fundamental concepts in calculus including basic differentiation and integration, and composite, inverse and parametric functions;
- Perform key skills in the calculus of functions of several variables including the calculation of partial derivatives, find tangent planes and identify stationary points, root findings and convexity for optimisation.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled activities. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 12 hours |
| Applied sessions | 22 hours |
| Seminars | 36 hours |
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