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Mathematics

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Entry Requirements

A Grade A*-B in GCSE Mathematics at Higher tier is the minimum requirement for students to be considered for the AS Maths course. Students with a Grade B may be required to study AS Use of Mathematics subject to an initial induction assessment.

About the Subject

Mathematics is the study of structure. AS and A Level Mathematics provides the bedrock for getting to the heart of numbers, shapes, movement, data and relationships. Advanced mathematics is used in many jobs and has clear and obvious associations with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Business Studies, Geography and Computing. Perhaps less apparently, it has strong links, both aesthetic and practical, with Art, Design, Music, Psychology, Law, Sociology and Sports Studies. Mathematics is the single most useful and adaptable qualification to have, not to mention one of the most (if not the most) respected!

Most of this course is quite abstract and algebraic so an enjoyment of Maths for its own sake is crucial. But along the way, you will be able to establish connections between rabbits and Leonardo da Vinci, embarrassing questions and game shows, Coldplay and World War II, Kate Bush and Archimedes, and much more…!

AS Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of Exam Weighting in
AS
C1 Core 1 Written Exam
(1½ hours)		 Jan (1st year) 33 ⅓ %
C2 Core 2 Written Exam
(1½ hours)		 May (1st year) 33 ⅓ %
D1 Decision 1 Written Exam
(1½ hours)		 May (1st year) 33 ⅓ %

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of Exam Weighting in
A2
C3 Core 3 Written Exam
(1½ hours)		 Jan (2nd year) 33 ⅓ %
C4 Core 4 Written Exam
(1½ hours)		 May (2nd year) 33 ⅓ %
S1 Statisitcs 1 Written Exam
(1½ hours)		 May (2nd year) 33 ⅓ %

General Information

Core Mathematics (C1, C2, C3 and C4)

The Core Maths modules cover topics such as advanced algebra, calculus, trigonometry, co-ordinate and vector geometry, and finite and infinite series.

Decision (D1)

Core maths is applied to problems involving networks (how do SatNav systems or the AA’s Route Planner find the quickest route from Anglesey to Birkenhead?), linear programming and algorithms (what’s the best way to load cross-channel ferry with cars?).

Statistics (S1)

Here, Core Maths is applied to such topics as probability (developing from GCSE), correlation (whether sets of data have strong links or not) and the Normal Distribution (is there an underlying shape to the way IQ, weight, height, reaction times and machine accuracy works?). This module looks into the use of Statistics for predicting trends, and the reliability of results.

We aim to deliver the specification via a wide range of intellectual activities with opportunities for practical application. Learning is offered through lectures, discussion, interactive whiteboard activities, PC software (graphs, spreadsheets, mathematical word processing, etc), well written texts, practical work, internet research, mechanics apparatus, videos, audio material and wider reading, promoting both class-based and independent learning. You should expect to have at least 3-5 hours of work outside of the classroom each week. Enrichment is offered in a variety of forms: recent field trips include London, Alton Towers, cinema trips, a Mathematical Mystery Tour of Liverpool and workshops (Coldplay’s album ‘X&Y’ and Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”); we have a rich and diverse collection of reading, audio and video material, actively promoting its use; we enter many competitions such as the annual UKMT Maths Challenge and the Liverpool Mathematical Association ‘Pop’ Quiz (scoring recent successes in both).

What Next?

If you go on to study for a Maths degree, you may find yourself in weather forecasting (Isobel Lang, the BBC presenter, has a Maths degree), computer games programming, actuarial work (applying probability theory to finance & insurance),
scientific research design and developments, teaching, finance (the largest employment sector for Maths graduates), accountancy, banking, IT, management consultancy, management services, operational research (looking at the way big
bodies like the army or Tesco structure themselves), statistics, environmental science, aircraft design teams, drug trial analysis, further research (Masters or PhD) … the list is endless (∞). Students in Mathematical sciences have by far the lowest levels of unemployment after graduation and Maths students on average go on to earn the highest salaries. Fancy a career change later on in life? With a Maths degree, it’s easy.