AS/A2 Mathematics (level 3)Course ref. QW015
This course is designed to enable you to:
- Develop understanding of mathematics and its processes
- Develop skills in logical reasoning and recognise incorrect reasoning
- Develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and extend your range of skills and techniques
Is it for me?
If you want to learn more about maths and its applications and appreciate the support it offers to other subjects then this is the course for you. Assessment is exam based.
Core Mathematics 1
Extend your knowledge of polynomials and the use of both algebraic and graphical techniques for their resolution. You will meet the foundations of calculus, exploring such techniques as differentiation and integration.
Decision Mathematics 1
Learn what an algorithm is and develop skills in various sorting algorithms. Graphs and networks form the major part of this unit. The application of mathematical modelling will be covered leading to linear programming which has many applications.
Core Mathematics 2
This unit introduces sequences and series and develops the concept of limits. You will meet exponentials and logarithms which have practical importance to ‘real world’ situations. Your knowledge of trigonometry will be extended as will your skills in calculus.
Core Mathematics 3
You will look at functions and their notation and how they can be represented graphically. In trigonometry you will look at inverse graphs, solve trigonometric equations and meet some more identities.
Core Mathematics 4
Develop your algebraic skills by simplifying expressions, performing algebraic division and working with partial fractions. Working in the (x,y) plane you will use cartesian and parametric equations to represent curves. Binomial series will be investigated as will their validity. Trigonometry will be developed to include compound angle and double angle formulae and other identities that are useful in calculus.
Using calculators to obtain mean and standard deviation values from data sets. You will assess the appropriateness of numerical measures such as mean, median, mode, range and interquartile range. You will use probability and look at the concept of random events. You will adopt correct notation and apply probability laws. You will work with the Binomial distribution and Normal distribution and their properties. You will look at samples and make predictions about populations to include confidence intervals.
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C, with:
- grade B or above in Maths
- grade C or above preferred in English Language.
Which courses go well with this?
This course combines well with all science subjects but especially Further Maths and Physics. It can also be used as a broadening subject alongside non-science subjects e.g. Economics.
Mathematics A2 can lead to many mathematics, science and engineering related courses in higher education.