WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS?
The skills and techniques which are developed in Mathematics play a significant part in many other disciplines. Mathematics, as well as being an important subject in its own right, is vital as a support for many subjects, both at AS/A level and in Higher Education. A qualification in Mathematics is therefore a valid and desirable goal for many students, whatever their long-term aims may be.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To start any AS levels you need to meet the general college entry requirements. In addition you must have have a minimum of grade A in GCSE Mathematics. If you are likely to obtain GCSE grade B you are likely to be more successful on AS Use of Mathematics. If you wish to study AS Maths with grade B you will need to attend an additional class for 1 ½ hours each week and take an additional examination to support your Maths. To be successful you should be competent in algebra, basic trigonometry and fractions.
THE COURSE
At AS level, you choose one of two possible courses –
either Mathematics (including Mechanics) consisting of modules C1, C2 and M1;
or Mathematics (including Statistics) consisting of modules C1, C2 and S1.
Modules C1 and C2 are compulsory and develop the ideas of algebra, trigonometry and geometry first studied in the GCSE course. Calculus is introduced.
Mechanics is the mathematical study of concepts such as force, motion, equilibrium and momentum. It is the recommended option if also studying Physics.
Statistics involves the analysis of data and the use of statistical theory to make judgements about the validity and implications of results.
COURSE ACTIVITIES
The course builds upon students' previous experience of Mathematics, developing some topics further and introducing many new topics. Students are expected to undertake 4 to 5 hours of work away from the classroom each week. When appropriate, work in class will involve the use of graphics calculators and computers.
CAREER AND PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous career opportunities: Visit these sites for examples: http://plus.maths.org/content/Career and http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/careers_advisers.cfm
The A level syllabus is divided into six units. Three form the AS syllabus, which can be taken as a separate qualification in one year and three for the A2 syllabus the following year.
| Module |
AS level Module Title and Content |
Assessment |
| 1 |
Core Mathematics 1 (C1) Indices, surds, quadratic expressions, coordinate geometry of straight line and circle, differentiation. This module is non-calculator. |
1½ hr Examination
(January) |
| 2 |
Core Mathematics 2 (C2) Trigonometry, sequences, series, binomial theorem, algebra, integration. |
1½ hr Examination
(May/June) |
| 3 |
Mechanics 1 (M1) Forces, equilibrium, kinematics, momentum.
or
Statistics 1 (S1) Analysis of data, probability, bivariate data. |
1½ hr Examination
(May/June) |
|
A2 level Module Title and Content |
|
| 4 |
Core Mathematics 3 (C3) Functions, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, numerical methods. |
1½ hr Examination
(January) |
| 5 |
Core Mathematics 4 (C4) Algebra, binomial series, differentiation, integration, differential equations, vectors. |
1½ hr Examination |
| 6 |
Mechanics 2 (M2) Centre of mass, projectiles, energy, power.
or
Statistics 2 (S2) Normal distribution, sampling, hypothesis tests.
or
Decision Mathematics 1 (D1) Algorithms, networks, linear programming. |
1½ hr Examination
(May/June) |
Module M2 develops the topics studied in M1 and introduces new topics such as projectiles and impulse.
Module S2 develops the topics studied in S1 and introduces new topics such as hypothesis testing.
Module D1 is the study of algorithms or procedures which are related to devising the best use of time or resources in various situations, particularly those occurring in industry, business and computing.
Examination Board: OCR 3890 (AS) 7890 (A2)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Mathematics supports all subjects with a mathematical content such as Physics, Economics, and Computing. For students studying Physics, Maths with Mechanics is the recommended option. For other Maths with Statistics is recommended.
If you have a passion for Mathematics and expect to optain at least a grade A at GCSE you should also consider Further Mathematics.