Course may be subject to change.
If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.
This course broadens and deepens the areas covered in AS/A-Level Mathematics.
It develops your mathematical ability and introduces you to new topics such as matrices and complex numbers, which are vital for maths-rich degrees in areas such as sciences, engineering, statistics and computing, as well as mathematics itself. Further Mathematics is usually studied alongside AS/ALevel Mathematics.
It also complements A-Levels in Physics and Chemistry.
Entry Criteria
You will need to hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at 9 to 4 (A* to C) which must include maths and English.
You will hold:
- GCSE Maths - grade 7
- GCSE Science - grade 6,6
Additional Costs
Students will be expected to purchase an fx-991EX 'Classwiz' calculator (or similar high functioning equivalent, in line with exam board standards). Approximate cost is £32.00.
What are the next steps?
You will be invited in for a tour of the College, and a one-to-one interview with one of our lecturers. A conditional offer may then be made subject to you meeting the entry criteria.
Study Aims
This Further Mathematics qualification is a separate qualification to A-Level Maths, however, it can only be studied if A-Level Maths is being studied alongside.
It is a fantastic qualification for enthusiastic and talented mathematicians, and provides students with clear progression into higher education degree courses in Mathematics, Physics, high-level Engineering and Computer Programming.
The material that you cover on the course requires a fantastic initial understanding of mathematics, which you will develop significantly over time, as you study more about the abstract and complex nature of mathematics.
Modules Studied
You will study a range of topics, including:
- Complex numbers
- Three dimensional vectors
- Hyperbolic functions
- Volumes of revolution
- Differential equations
- Matrix algebra and financial modelling
- The Maclaurin Series and De Moivre’s Theorem.
You will also adapt and expand on knowledge and skills in vectors, trigonometry, proof, sophisticated algebraic manipulation and calculus (studied in A-Level Maths) and learn how to work and convert between different coordinate systems, including Cartesian form, parametric form and polar coordinates.
You will study two applied components within Further Maths. One is Mechanics, which further develops the knowledge and skills acquired in the Mechanics component of A-Level Maths, whilst also introducing new topics on impulse and momentum; Hooke’s Law; Work, Power and Energy; and elastic collisions.
The other is on Discrete Mathematics, which is a modern area of mathematics based on algorithms and processes. These are the building blocks to a lot of computer programming. You will study: Graph Theory and Algorithms on graphs; Linear Programming; and Critical Path Analysis.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Teaching is classroom based and involves group work and individual work. Independent study is essential outside of the classroom and frequent homework will be given.You will sit monthly in-class assessment for which you will receive extensive feedback, as well as other assessments throughout the academic year, which will help you track your progress. Terminal exams will be in May/June.
Placement
Work placements are an important part of the programme and all learners will be given assistance in finding a suitable position.
This A-Level, in combination with other subjects, could enable you to apply for degree courses in Accountancy, Aeronautical Engineering, Biochemistry, Medicine, or Veterinary Science.
