ACER Mathematics Assessment for Incoming Students (AMAIS)

Course level of test questions

Tertiary enabling programs and university courses typically have more than one mathematics stream.  AMAIS assists with the placement of students into these mathematics streams by assessing the mathematical knowledge of the students.  The course level of each test question is identified as being fundamental, intermediate or advanced. 

Fundamental level
To be able to answer questions at this level, students would need to have skills in estimation and calculation with number and in problem solving using basic algebra and graphs.

A mathematics subject at this level is typically taken by students who wish to undertake tertiary studies with no mathematics prerequisite or a year 11 equivalent mathematics prerequisite with minimal algebra and calculus.

Intermediate level
To be able to answer questions at this level, students would have already completed an appropriate Year 11 mathematics course with algebra and introductory calculus typically found in the second last year of secondary school, or equivalent, program. Background and skills in algebra, graph sketching, elementary functions such as polynomial and trigonometric functions, and introductory calculus are essential. Some experience in presentation of data, for example using a histogram, is desirable.

A mathematics subject at this level is typically taken by students who wish to undertake tertiary studies with a mathematics prerequisite.

Advanced level
To be able to answer questions at this level, students would have satisfactorily completed the intermediate level functions and calculus unit or at least be concurrently studying the intermediate level functions and calculus unit.

A mathematics subject at this level is typically taken by students who enjoy and are very good at mathematics and who wish to undertake tertiary studies with a strong mathematics prerequisite.