FURTHER MATHEMATICS

What is the course about?

AS level Further Mathematics at the North East Lincolnshire 6^th Form College Partnership is designed to be an interesting, flexible and enjoyable experience. The course is suitable for students who wish to extend their mathematical knowledge beyond the level of A level Mathematics. It is an intellectually demanding course, which is usually embarked upon by students who are intending to progress to higher education and study a subject with a strong mathematical content.

What will I learn?

Further Mathematics at AS level is a course worth studying in its own right. It is challenging, but interesting. It builds on work you will have met at A level. While studying Further Mathematics you will be expected to:

• Use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems.
• Solve problems by using mathematical arguments and logic.
• You will also have to 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 effectively and appropriately; understand the limitations and when it is inappropriate to use such technology.

You will study a combination of FP1 plus two of the following units:

FP1 Pure Maths

• Inequalities
• Series
• Complex numbers
• Numerical solution of equations
• First order differential equations
• Second order differential equations
• Polar co-ordinates

Statistics 2

• The Binomial & Poisson distribution
• Continuous random variables
• Continuous distributions
• Samples
• Hypothesis tests

Mechanics 2

• Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or a plane
• Centres of mass
• Work and energy
• Collisions
• Statics of rigid bodies

Mechanics 3

• Further kinematics
• Elastic strings and springs
• Further dynamics
• Motion in a circle
• Statics of rigid bodies

Decision 1

• Algorithms
• Algorithm graphs
• Numerical methods
• The route inspection problem
• Critical path analysis
• Proof
• Matchings
• Flows in networks

FP2

• Coordinate Systems
• Hyperbolic Functions
• Differentation
• Integration

When does the course start?

The course starts in September of each year.

How do I attend?

Normal daytime attendance.

Who is the awarding body?

Edexcel

How long does the course last?

The course is taught as a one year programme.

What can I do next?

AS level Further Mathematics would normally be taken in the second year of a full A level course.

If a student wishes to take a full A level in Further Mathematics then they would be expected to complete the A level Mathematics course (comprising of C1, C2, C3, C4 and 2 applications units) in one year and then progress on to the A level Further Mathematics in the second year.

There are many areas of employment that see Mathematics as an important qualification and it is often a requirement for the vocational qualifications related to these areas. Higher education courses or careers that either require A level Mathematics or are strongly related include:

• Economics
• Architecture
• Medicine
• Engineering
• Accountancy
• Teaching
• Psychology
• Environmental Studies
• Computing
• Information Technology

Further Mathematics is extremely useful if a student intends to progress Mathematics to degree level.

Are there any entry requirements?

To attempt the AS Further Mathematics course in the second year of an A level Maths course, students would be expected to have achieved an A or B grade at AS level Maths in the first year.

Are there any other requirements?

Students will be provided with relevant printed materials for the various modules. Students will however be required to provide:

• A scientific calculator

• Basic mathematical drawing equipment

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is by external examination with the opportunity of sitting the exam in January or June. One of the main advantages of this assessment procedure is that a student may retake an examination in any module in order to improve the points for that module before ‘cashing in’ for an AS or A level certificate.

How much does the course cost?

Are there any exam fees?

Who should I contact?

Diana Shelton or Elaine Taylor
Tollbar B & E College
Station Road
New Waltham
Grimsby
N E Lincs
DN36 4RZ

Tel: 01472 500505

Equal Opportunities

The N.E.Lincs Sixth Form College Partnership guarantees to deal fairly with and effectively with all students, staff and visitors and offer equality of opportunity on the basis of age, creed, gender, impairment, learning difficulty, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexuality.

Students have the right to expect that this will apply to them without prejudice or discrimination and that they also have the obligation to deal fairly and effectively with other students and staff regardless of age, creed, gender, impairment, learning difficulty, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexuality.

The Partnership will endeavour to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, Part IV, which requires public bodies to make every effort to support persons with disability.

Last updated: 19.11.04