Qualifications gained
Qualification: GCE in Further Mathematics
Awarding body: Edexcel Ltd (EDEXCEL)

What will be studied?
 

In AS Further Mathematics three modules will be studied.  One of them (FP1) builds on the mathematics covered in the AS Core modules.  As well as continuing the work on coordinate geometry and calculus in introduces exciting new topics such as complex numbers and matrices.

The other two units are both applied Mathematics modules.  One of them is a second Decision Mathematics module, which extends the work begun in the AS Mathematics course. The other is Statistics 1. Students will be familiar with some of the topics in this module from the work covered in GCSE mathematics. In studying statistics we learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data in order to arrive at conclusions about it. You will extend the range of probability problems that you looked at in GCSE using the new mathematical techniques learnt in the core mathematics units. Many of the ideas in this part of the course have applications in a wide range of other fields, from assessing what your car insurance is going to cost to how likely it is that the Earth will be hit by a comet in the next few years. Many of the techniques are used in sciences and social sciences. Even if you are not going on to study or work in these fields, in today’s society we are bombarded with information (or data) and the statistics units will give you useful tools for looking at this information critically and efficiently.
For A2 Further Mathematics three more units are studied. Two more pure (core) mathematics modules are taken along with another Statistics module.

Module FP2 introduces differential equations (which are of great importance on University Science and Engineering courses).

In module FP3 the work on matrices and vectors is extended and hyperbolic functions are introduced for the first time – at last students find out what the ‘hyp’ key on the calculator is for!

In the Statistics 2 unit the problem solving power of Statistics is greatly increased by the study of Hypothesis Tests (Significance testing).  This has applications even in such areas as medical research on new drugs. 

What do I need to have to study the course?
To study AS Further Mathematics you should have achieved a grade B or higher at GCSE mathematics and you should also be taking AS Mathematics.

Where will it take me?
The study of Further Mathematics at either AS or A2 level would give you a very strong mathematical background should you be going on to study Mathematics, Science or Engineering at a university, or if you were going into any of the career areas where mathematics is valued (see the list given under A level Mathematics).

What else should I know?
To do this course you should enjoy the challenges that mathematics presents, even if you don't always find it easy!  Also it should be noted that Further Mathematics modules are interchangeable with those of A level Mathematics.  This means that if you achieved a good mark on a Further Mathematics module you could if you wanted to exchange it for a poor result in one of the A level mathematics modules, thus giving you a better chance of getting a higher grade in your a level Mathematics.
Even without this option of swapping module results, studying Further Mathematics will help you with your work on A level Mathematics, as the two subjects are linked in content and support each other.