AS and A LEVEL Mathematics

Board:	Edexcel
Course code:	Mathematics AS Level: 8371, Mathematics A2 Level: 9371
Duration:	2 years (full A level) or 1 year (AS level)
Aims of the course:	To develop students’ understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment To develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs To extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems To develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected To recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real-world’ problems and standard and other mathematical models and how these can be refined and improved To use mathematics as an effective means of communication To read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of mathematics To acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations To develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general To take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.
Topics covered:	AS level Mathematics C1 & C2: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; integration. M1: Mathematical models in mechanics; vectors in mechanics; kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line; dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; statics of a particle; moments. A2 level Mathematics C3 & C4: Algebra and functions; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; numerical methods; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration; vectors. M2: Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane; centres of mass; work and energy; collisions; statics of rigid bodies.
Assessed:	AS By examination. C1 module taken in January. C2 & M1 modules taken in May/June	A2 By examination. C3 module taken in January. C4 & M2 modules taken in May/June
Assessment details:	All units equally weighted at 16 2/3% of the complete A level Each examination paper lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes
	Calculators may be used in all units except C1
Leads to:	An A-level mathematics course provides not only an 'in depth' study of mathematics but also aims to develop those skills essential for a successful university career in mathematics, physics, actuarial science, statistics, engineering, operations research, computer science, business and industrial management, economics, finance, chemistry, geology, life sciences, behavioural sciences and cryptography. Mathematicians are highly employable due to their strong analytical and reasoning skills. Both universities and employers hold an A level qualification in Mathematics in high regard. With the appropriate combination of other AS and A levels, A level Mathematics can lead to a wide variety of options when choosing higher education courses. Typical examples include Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, Social and Political sciences, Natural sciences, and of course Mathematics itself. Similarly the employment opportunities are equally diverse. Further Mathematics is strongly recommended for those students who wish to apply to those universities listed in the “top ten” for such subjects as Engineering, Economics, Mathematics or Physics.