A2 Mathematics (EDX)

A2 Course Outline

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is a system that arose thousands of years ago to classify and to quantify. From these simple counting systems, mathematics has evolved to provide a remarkable tool for describing the world around us. It is of vital importance in the sciences, economics, business, computing and the social sciences such as psychology.

Statistics helps us to understand circumstances as diverse as variation in biology and the stock market. Mechanics enables us to build skyscrapers, bridges and ever more advanced transportation. Pure mathematics provides all the techniques for these 'applied' theories, whilst taking your understanding of numeracy and algebra that little bit further.

Problem solving skills used have applications far beyond the circumstances in which they are met, for example sequences which form fractals are used in the design of pharmaceuticals. Millions, of tiny triangles arranged in a lattices form the backbone of the 3D graphics used in advanced games. Above all, mathematics is a challenging, rewarding and mentally stimulating activity, enjoyable in its own right.

What Skills Will Students Develop When Studying A2 Level Mathematics?

A2 Mathematics requires a high degree of competence with pre-existing material at AS level. It builds on a solid base of algebraic understanding towards solving more complex, multi-stage problems. More advance techniques in calculus are introduced and applied to all the fundamental functions.

In their second applied module, students can develop a broader sense of mathematics as a tool for modelling the real world. If they chose a unit that builds upon their previous applied module, the student will meet new techniques as well as further uses of previous topics and will appreciate more refined versions of pre-existing models.

These skills will increasingly support study in other subjects at degree level as well as immediately during the A-level courses, notably the sciences, economics, business, engineering, computing and psychology.

Mathematics is a prerequisite for many degree courses including sciences, economics and computing, whilst teaching skills useful to all. A mathematics degree opens doors in fields such as management, finance, computing, research and teaching.

Mathematics (EDX) A2 Specification Each unit has a 1½ hour exam with 75 marks and is equally weighted toward the A-level.
Unit 1 33% of A2	Core 3 (C3): Functions; trigonometry, differentiation, algebra, numerical methods, exponentials and logarithms.
Unit 2 33% of A2	Core 4 (C4): Integration, vectors, the dot product, parametric equations, binomial expansions, simple differential equations, partial fractions.
Unit 3 33% of A2 Any previously uncounted module from:	Decision Mathematics 1 (D1): Algorithms, algorithms on graphs, the route inspection problem, critical path analysis, linear programming, matchings. Mechanics 1 (M1): Modelling physical systems, 2D vectors, motion in a straight line, Newton's laws, friction, applying vectors to 2D forces. Mechanics 2 (M2): Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane, centre of mass, work and energy, collisions, statics of rigid bodies. Statistics 1 (S1): Statistical models, representing and summarising data, probability, correlation, regression, discrete random variables, the normal distribution. Statistics 2 (S2): Continuous random variables, the binomial distribution, the Poisson distribution, continuous distributions, samples, hypothesis testing.

Structure of the Course
The course will be taught for six lessons per week, as three 1½ hour double lessons. Homework is set at the end of each session and deadlines for admissions must be met. A full set of notes and examination questions is provided.

Recommended Texts
Heinemann Modular Mathematics for Edexcel Various Authors Heinemann Module books supporting each unit of the course

Fees and Dates