AS/A2 Further Mathematics (level 3)

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

Represent real world problems in a mathematical model

Is it for me?

The course is taken alongside AS/A2 Maths and suits those who have enjoyed and excelled at GCSE Mathematics. Students aiming to pursue Higher Education courses in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or other courses with a high level of mathematical content should seriously consider this course.

Assessment is exam based.

What’s involved?

AS

Mechanics 1

This unit uses mathematics to model real world situations. You will study displacement, velocity and acceleration, including motion under gravity in one and two dimensions. Vectors are used to model forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion are studied and allow us to model some interesting static and dynamic problems in mechanics. The concept of momentum is introduced to model such things as snooker balls colliding.

Further Pure Mathematics 1

This unit extends our understanding of number and it introduces complex numbers. Inequalities involving algebraic fractions are studied. Matrices are introduced and their use in describing and manipulating plane transformations of points and figures is explored. The solutions of trigonometrical equations are extended to general solutions and logarithms are used to reduce relations to a linear form.

Decision Mathematics 2

Decision Mathematics is an area that provides practical techniques for solving real-world problems. Critical path analysis involves the representation of compound projects by activity networks and the sequencing of activities to complete projects in the shortest time and use the resources efficiently. Dynamic programming is introduced to find shortest and longest paths through a network and algorithms are also developed to find the maximum flow through a network. Ideas in linear programming are extended to the use of the Simplex method and the Simplex tableau.

A2

Further Pure Mathematics 4

All students complete this unit. You will look at geometry in 3 dimensions primarily by studying algebraic structures called vectors and matrices. You will see that these operate in non-intuitive ways and do not behave like normal numbers.

The other two units will be selected from the following four units, (with all members of the groups doing the same units), dependent on the interests of the students in the group: Mechanics 2, Statistics 2, Mechanics 3, Further Pure Mathematics 3.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C, with:

grade A* or A in Maths

grade C or above preferred in English Language.

Which courses go well with this?

This course is only taken with AS Maths. It combines well with all science subjects but especially Physics.

Progression:

A2 Further Mathematics provides a firm foundation for the more academic mathematical courses offered by most universities.