Use of Mathematics AS Level

Use of Mathematics, AS-Level
Advanced Free Standing Maths Qualifications
About the Course
Two individual Free Standing Units are available: Working with Algebraic and Graphical Techniques, and Using and Applying Statistics. You can choose which is most suitable to support your other courses. Each is certificated separately and awarded UCAS points. By taking both, plus a third unit (Applying Mathematics) you will achieve a full AS level
Use of Mathematics, Investigations and practical activities will introduce you to the mathematical content of the units. You are encouraged to reflect on your work and make judgements as to how effective mathematics is in describing the situation you are investigating, eg you will need to consider whether the assumptions on which your mathematical model is based are realistic! You will need to use graphical calculators and computers.
Working with Algebraic and Graphical Techniques
This unit is most useful to students studying Science, Economics or Business Studies, and will allow you to demonstrate your use of algebra and graphs to analyse, make sense of and describe real situations and solve real problems. You will use your own data (from other courses) with appropriate mathematics to investigate and model real situations.
Using and Applying Statistics
This unit is useful to students studying psychology, biology, geography, social sciences or the humanities. You will learn about statistical measures and diagrams and develop an understanding of key ideas about the distribution of data and correlation and regression. You will develop a coursework portfolio in which you will report on investigations carried out (from data collected in other courses) and give a critical analysis of the presentation of the statistical work of others.
Applying Mathematics
You will extend your use of mathematics in algebra, functions and graphs to explore different situations. You will also use simulations to model real problems and comment critically on mathematical case studies.
Course Aims
• To provide support for the mathematical content in other subjects.
• To provide a new investigative approach to the study of mathematics beyond GCSE.
• To help you appreciate that mathematics can be a very powerful tool that you can use to make sense of the world about you.

What are the entry requirements?
How is the course assessed?
Each of the two free-standing units are assessed through a coursework portfolio (50%) and written paper (50%). The third unit, Applying Mathematics, required for the AS certification in Use of Mathematics, is assessed through a written comprehension paper (30%) and a further written paper (70%).
Fees
No Course Fees for Under 19's. Over 19's must pay, or claim Level 2 or Level 3 Entitlement for FREE courses .
What next?
The individual Free Standing Units will provide the mathematical support you need in other subjects and completion of all three units will result in the award of a full AS level Use of Mathematics.