AS and A level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Use of Mathematics

Course code: MDS, MFS, MIS

Level: A Level, AS Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

There is a full range of Mathematics courses at AS and A level so you can choose the course which suits your needs and interests.

Requirements

Course Content

  • There is a full range of Mathematics courses at AS and A level so you can choose the course which suits your needs and interests.  Below is a table showing the four choices:
  Further Mathematics AS/A level Mathematics AS/A level Use of Maths
Course code MFS MDS or MMS MIS
Year 1  Core 1
Core 2
Core 3
Core 4
Statistics 1
Mechanics 1		 Core 1
Core 2
+
Decision 1
OR
Mechanics 1

Algebra

Statistics

Decision
Year 2 Further Pure 1
Further Pure 2
Statistics 2
Mechanics 2
Decision 1
Decision 2

Core 3

Core 4

Statistics 1

 

Calculus

Portfolio

Comprehension
GCSE
entry grade		 A*or A A*, A or B A*, A, B or C

 

   
Further Maths

 

Students take A level Maths in the first year. In the second year they have the choice of taking A level Further Maths or AS Further Maths.  There is a small amount of coursework in Core 3.

AS/A level Maths (Single Maths)

Students can choose between Mechanics and Decision:

  • Students taking Physics are strongly advised to choose Mechanics (MMS)
  • Students not taking Physics are strongly advised to choose Decision (MDS)

There is a small amount of coursework in Core 3.

AS/A level Use of Maths

Compared to AS/A level Maths, Use of Maths is more to do with applying Maths to real contexts and contains less of the abstract, rigorous algebra.  It relies heavily on the use of graphic calculators to solve problems, but requires more interpretation of results. It is recommended for students who want to do Maths, less for its own sake, but more to support other subjects.  The only coursework is in the second year. In the AS level Use of Maths course, Statistics and Decision Maths can be taken as Free Standing Maths Qualifications (FSMQs) which count as qualifications in their own right.

The use of a graphic calculator allows you to concentrate more on interpreting the results rather than needing to use more difficult algebraic techniques.

Course content:

AS/A level Mathematics

  • The core units are Pure Maths which extend your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry and geometry and introduce calculus.
  • Mechanics studies forces and moving objects and relates closely to Physics.
  • Statistics extends your knowledge of statistics and probability and is very useful for many other subjects including Biology, Psychology, Geography and other social sciences.
  • Decision Maths is about solving real life problems such as how to construct networks.  It is useful for Computing and Business.

AS/A level Use of Mathematics

  • Algebra looks at how to model data by fitting an algebraic function to it. You will also learn how to use algebra and graphs in solving problems with a real life context.
  • Statistics helps you will learn how to select and organize data in a form that allows ease of analysis. You will also use distributions to make sense of data and also study correlation.
  • Decision Maths is about solving real life problems such as how to construct networks.  It is useful for Computing and Business.

 

What else do I need to know?

 

You will need to have the usual mathematical equipment including a scientific calculator.  Graphic calculators are an essential tool for AS/A level Use of Mathematics and for Further Mathematics and are very helpful for AS/A level Mathematics.  You will be able to buy one through the college at a discount.  Calculators can be used in all AS/A level Use of Mathematics exams and in all AS/A level Mathematics exams except Core 1.

A level Mathematics is highly valued in a wide range of careers and professions as it provides good evidence of the ability to assemble both facts and data and to think logically and clearly.  It is accepted almost everywhere as a good entry qualification for practically every subject at degree level.  It is a necessary subject for anyone interested in a scientific, engineering or statistics-related career. The double qualification of A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics is very powerful in applying for a wide range of university courses and careers. 

AS or A level Use of Mathematics is a very good course for a student who needs Maths to support other subjects, but who does not want to go on to study Maths or Physics at university.

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