Completing the MOOC for mathematics
Source: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/mathematics-prerequisite/massive-open-online-course-mooc-for-mathematics.html Parent: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/postgraduate-research.html
window.adobeDataLayer = window.adobeDataLayer || []; adobeDataLayer.push({ page: JSON.parse("{\x22support\u002Darticle\u002Dpage\u002D0295724513\x22:{\x22@type\x22:\x22corporate\u002Dcommons\/components\/page\/editable\u002Dtemplates\u002Dstructures\/support\u002Darticle\u002Dpage\x22,\x22repo:modifyDate\x22:\x222026\u002D02\u002D23T01:38:51Z\x22,\x22dc:title\x22:\x22Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for mathematics\x22,\x22dc:description\x22:\x22Learn more about the Introduction to Calculus Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), which gives students a second chance to meet the mathematics prerequisites.\x22,\x22xdm:template\x22:\x22\/conf\/corporate\/settings\/wcm\/templates\/support\u002Darticle\x22,\x22xdm:language\x22:\x22en\u002DUS\x22,\x22xdm:tags\x22:[],\x22repo:path\x22:\x22\/content\/corporate\/study\/applying\/how\u002Dto\u002Dapply\/undergraduate\/mathematics\u002Dprerequisite\/massive\u002Dopen\u002Donline\u002Dcourse\u002Dmooc\u002Dfor\u002Dmathematics.html\x22}}"), event:'cmp:show', eventInfo: { path: 'page.support\u002Darticle\u002Dpage\u002D0295724513' } });
.m-global-desktop-nav { visibility: hidden; } .m-global-mobile-nav { visibility: visible; } @media (min-width: 992px) { .m-global-desktop-nav { visibility:visible; } .m-global-mobile-nav { visibility:hidden; } }
false
- Study false false
- Applying false false
- How to apply false false
- Undergraduate applications (Domestic) false false
- Mathematics course prerequisites false false
- Completing the MOOC for mathematics true true
Completing the MOOC for mathematics
The Introduction to Calculus MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) gives students a second chance to meet the mathematics prerequisites required for entry into a range of courses.
Making the MOOC count
Here are the steps to make the Introduction to Calculus MOOC count in your application to the University of Sydney.
- You must have a University of Sydney course in your UAC preferences.
- Undertake and complete the Introduction to Calculus MOOC.
- After completing the MOOC, register for the post-MOOC exam using the online form. Check the latest exam dates below. Please note, the deadline for registration is two weeks before the exam day.
- Sit your online proctored post-MOOC exam administered by the University of Sydney on your registered date and time. Your post-MOOC exam results will be issued to you within 48 hours.
- Update your UAC preferences if required, so that your chosen University of Sydney course is your first preference.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the MOOC and post-MOOC exam?
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.
Do I have to complete the MOOC and exam?
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?
What will I study in the Introduction to Calculus MOOC?
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).
Can I receive a conditional offer pending my MOOC and post-MOOC exam results?
No.
How long does it take to complete the Introduction to Calculus MOOC?
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.
When is the exam held?
The post-MOOC exam dates for 2026 are to be confirmed in the coming months.
When can I start the Introduction to Calculus MOOC?
The MOOC is currently available on the Coursera platform.
Will I need any additional resources, such as textbooks?
No, the course is delivered online.
What do I need to be eligible to take the post-MOOC exam?
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.
Is there an option to take the exam in-person?
No.
If I successfully complete the MOOC, will it alter my ATAR (or equivalent)?
Successful completion of the MOOC and post-MOOC exam satisfies the mathematics prerequisite. It does not impact or change your ATAR (or equivalent).
How much is the MOOC?
Coursera will charge you $74 after completing the first module of the MOOC.
The post-MOOC exam is free.
Can I get my certificate fee reimbursed if I am experiencing financial hardship?
Yes, if you can demonstrate financial hardship in your UAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application.
Why have a MOOC if I can do the prerequisite at school?
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.
Is there a chance that the maths prerequisite will be removed for later offer rounds, if courses are not full?
No.
Can I complete a short course at TAFE or the Centre for Continuing Education meet the requirements?
At this stage, there is no mathematics course available at TAFE or the Centre for Continuing Education that will meet the mathematics prerequisite.
Can I meet the prerequisite by retaking HSC Mathematics Advanced and getting a Band 4?
Yes.
Resources
- Mathematics prerequisites: what are my options? false /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/application-magnifying-glass-search.svg
- Pathways to university: there are more than one false /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/escalator-career-trajectory.svg
Need assistance?
Submit an enquiry
Our support team will be in touch as quickly as possible.
Visit us
Our campus is part of Sydney's history, culture and daily life.