The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply advanced mathematical skills and knowledge to simple engineering applications. Evidence from tasks and projects should/may be used to complement and demonstrate integration of competency. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying mathematical concepts to engineering applications, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

simplifying arithmetic and algebraic expressions using the laws of indices and logarithms

correctly sketching exponential and logarithmic functions

accurately converting logarithms from one base to another

drawing curves of best fit for given sets of data

accurately interpolating data from plotted data and/or drawn curves

solving problems involving growth and decay

accurately sketching trigonometric functions

simplifying trigonometric expressions using trigonometric identities

correctly solving trigonometric equations

selecting an appropriate number system

developing an appropriate program for the engineering situation

running a program to achieve an appropriate solution

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

the laws of indices and logarithms

the procedures for simplifying arithmetic and algebraic expressions

the procedures for sketching exponential and logarithmic functions

the effects on the curve due to variation in size of constants

the procedures for converting logarithms between bases

the procedures for drawing curves of best fit and interpolating results

the procedures for estimating constants in suggested relationships

the concept of growth and decay

the procedures for solving problems involving growth and decay

the significance of amplitude, period and phase angle

the procedures for sketching trigonometric functions

the trigonometric identities

the procedures for using trigonometric identities to simplify trigonometric expressions

matching of engineering situations to appropriate number systems

use of number systems for particular applications

identification and description of engineering situations appropriate for analysis using simple programming techniques

procedure for using programs to analyse engineering situation and the identification of program limitations

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Complex figures

May include cones, pyramids, spheres, frustums and intersections of figures singularly or in combination