Mathematics

Course summary

While studying Mathematics you will be expected to: • use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems • solve quite complicated problems by using mathematical arguments and logic • simplify real-life situations so that you can use mathematics to show what is happening and what might happen in different circumstances • use the Mathematics that you learn to solve problems that are given to you in a real-life context use calculator technology and other resources (such as formulae booklets or statistical tables) effectively and appropriately; understand when not • to use such technology, and its limitations Mathematics at A level is demanding, but also very rewarding. A level of Mathematics is a much sought-after qualification for entry to a wide variety of university courses. Pure Mathematics Often referred to as Core Maths, this extends your knowledge of such topics as algebra and trigonometry and introduces new concepts such as calculus. Mechanics You will learn how to describe mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them. You will learn the technique of mathematical modelling; that is, of turning a complicated physical problem into a simpler one that can be analysed and solved using mathematical methods. Statistics You will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data to arrive at conclusions about it. Many of the concepts have applications in a wide area of other fields – from assessing what your car insurance is likely to cost to how likely it is for the Earth to be hit by a comet in the next few years. Decision Mathematics You will learn how to solve problems involving networks. Many of these problems and their algorithms are of recent origin and give an insight into the huge amount of Mathematics used in computing.