Mathematics Why should I study Mathematics?
• • •
Mathematics is at the heart of all modern-day scientific and technological study. It is one of the most profound and beautiful areas of human thought. A recent survey showed that the top three ‘best’ jobs were careers best suited to those who studied maths; that the top 15 highest paid careers for graduates all had maths in common.
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking Mathematics? To study A level Mathematics typically a Grade 7 or above is required at GCSE or IGCSE.
What will I learn? How to: Use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems. Solve quite complicated problems by using mathematical arguments and logic. Understand and demonstrate what is meant by proof in mathematics. 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 and understand the limitations of such technology. Reflect on the ideas that some of the greatest minds of the millennium have produced.
• • • • • • •
Who is this course suitable for?
• • •
50
Lots of people! Some study Maths because they love it; others because it is a good ‘service’ subject, often those who want to study Science, Economics etc; others because it is a good ‘contrasting’ subject. Those who want a highly regarded qualification. It is a great A level to have when applying for any course at University. It fits in with every other subject. In almost every year the Mathematicians, between them, also study each of the subjects listed in this booklet. Those who can think clearly and logically and who can work carefully and accurately.
Pearson (Edexcel) 9MA0 Mrs Nicky Connock
• • •
Those who look for patterns, in the world, in music, in art, in science. Maths often appeals to pupils who know that if they do the right steps, precisely, they will get the right answer, every time! Those who want to understand the language of the universe and see what ‘truth’ looks like.
How is the course assessed? Topics: Pure Mathematics 1 & 2 (Algebra, trigonometry, functions, calculus, geometry, vectors, logarithms) Two 2 hour papers Applied Mathematics (Statistics and Mechanics) One 2 hour paper
What could I go on and do at the end of my course? A level Mathematics is a much sought after qualification for entry to a wide range of courses in higher education. There are also many employers who regard Mathematics A level as an important qualification and it is often a requirement for higher education courses or careers including: economics, medicine, architecture, engineering, accountancy, teaching, psychology, environmental studies, computing, information technology. Here are some of the things that maths pupils from Wells have gone on to study: Theoretical Physics, Geology, Engineering, Medicine, Sports Science, Music, Mathematics, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, Natural Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Economics, Electronics and EE, Education, Physics with Music, Computer Systems, Geography, Management, Chemical Engineering, French, Classics, Business Studies, Law, Dentistry, Civil Engineering, Art, Neuroscience, Leisure Resource Management, Computer Science, English, Humanities, Music Technology, Linguistics, History, Philosophy, Aeronautical Engineering, Computing, Astronautics, Animal Science, Zoology, Finance, Aerospace Engineering, Archaeology, Architecture, Hispanic Studies, Nursing, Accountancy, Automotive Engineering, Microbiology, Primary Education, Business and French, Chemistry, P.P.E, Social Policy, Theology, Spanish and Law, Veterinary Science, Psychology, Modern Languages, Astronomy... and so it continues!
