Mathematics

Course summary

Pure Mathematics makes up two thirds of the A Level course, and includes topics such as algebra, trigonometry, graphs and functions as well as many other important new concepts. Many of the topics in Pure Mathematics are interesting in their own right, but they are also an important foundation for other branches of Mathematics. Applied Mathematics makes up one third of the course. All students studying Mathematics at A Level will also study aspects of both: Mechanics - this is an important subject in the study of Engineering, Physics and some other sciences. The study of Mechanics applied Mathematics to physical problems and examines topics such as the motion of objects, and how they respond to the action of forces. You will learn the technique of mathematical modelling, which turns a complicated physical problem into a simpler one that can be analysed and solved using mathematical methods. Mechanics is useful for students with a particular interest in engineering and/or physics. Statistics - This is about the collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data. Statistics are collected by governments, scientific researchers and commercial enterprises for a variety of reasons. Students studying statistics also look at probability theory. Many of the ideas you will meet in statistics have applications in a wide variety of other fields and knowledge of statistics is particularly useful to those taking subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Geography, Sociology, Economics and Business Studies.