Normally refers to knowledge acquired prior to commencing a degree eg a particular SACE subject, or a language.
For some units of study, a student is assumed to have passed a relevant subject at the HSC and this is called assumed knowledge. While students are generally advised against taking a unit of study for which they do not have the assumed knowledge, they are not prevented from enrolling in the unit of study. (See also Prerequisite)
The level of knowledge you are expected to have to successfully complete a first-year subject.
This is a level of achievement at the Senior High School level considered desirable for successful study in a first-year unit.
The minimum level of achievement in Senior studies considered necessary for successful first year tertiary study. Students lacking the assumed level of knowledge are not prevented from enrolling; however, they may be disadvantaged unless they undertake recommended bridging, preparatory or introductory subjects prior to or during first year of study.
Universities often assume that you have studied certain subjects in the NSW HSC (or equivalent). For example, if HSC Mathematics Extension 1 is assumed knowledge for a particular degree and you have studied HSC Mathematics, then you may find related subjects in your degree difficult.
Some 100-levelunits, while not having prerequisites, assume that you will have certain knowledge and skills from previous study such as the HSC.