AS in Mathematics 8MA0 Entry Requirements
Although the AS Level programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an AS Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 150 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
AS in Mathematics 8MA0 Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
AS in Mathematics 8MA0 Course Content
With the new format of Edexcel AS Level, the method of course delivery varies slightly. In the first and second units of study, students will cover Pure Mathematics. Unit 3 and Unit 4 will cover two sections (A and B), and cover Statistics and Mechanics
Unit 1: Pure Mathematics Part A
Topic 1 – Proof
Understanding the structure of mathematical proof, including proof by deduction, proof by exhaustion and disproof by deduction.
Topic 2 – Algebra and functions
Understanding the laws of indices for all rational exponents, rationalising the denominator, working with quadratic functions, solving simultaneous equations and using graphical information to solve equations.
Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
Understanding the equation of a straight line, applying the use of coordinate geometry and understanding the use of parametric equations in modelling in a variety of contexts.
Topic 4 – Sequences and series
Understanding the use of Pascal’s triangle, working with sequences (including increasing, decreasing and periodic sequences) and understanding sigma notation for sums of series.
Topic 5 – Trigonometry
Understanding the definitions of sine, cosine and tangent, solving trigonometric equations, using trigonometric functions to solve problems in context.
Unit 2: Pure Mathematics Part B
Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms
Knowing and using functions and graphs that relate to exponentials and logarithms, understanding the laws of logarithms and understanding exponential growth and decay, along with the consideration of limitations and refinements of exponential models.
Topic 7 – Differentiation
Understanding sketching the gradient function for a given curve, second derivatives, the use of second derivative as the rate of change of a gradient, understanding how to apply differentiation to find gradients, tangents and normals.
Topic 8 – Integration
Knowing the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, understanding and evaluating definite integrals, carrying out simple cases of integration by substitution and integration by parts and interpreting the solution of differential equation in the context of solving a problem.
Topic 9 – Vectors
Using vectors in two dimensions, calculating the magnitude and direction of a vector, adding vectors diagrammatically, understanding and using position vectors, using vectors to solve problems in pure mathematics and context.
Unit 3: Section A: Statistics
Topic 1 – Statistical sampling
Understanding and using the terms ‘population’ and ‘sample’, understanding and using sampling techniques and applying sampling techniques in the context of solving a statistical problem.
Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation
Interpreting diagrams for single-variable data, interpreting scatter diagrams and regression lines for bivariate data, plus recognising and interpreting possible outliers in data sets and statistical diagrams.
Topic 3 – Probability
Understanding mutually exclusive and independent events when calculating probabilities, understanding conditional probability and modelling with probability, including critiquing assumptions made.
Topic 4 – Statistical distributions
Understanding and using simple, discrete probability distributions, calculating probabilities using binomial distribution, understanding the use of Normal distribution as a model and selecting an appropriate probability distribution for a context.
Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing
Understanding and applying the language of statistical hypothesis testing, conducting statistical hypothesis test using binomial distribution and understanding a sample being used to make an inference about the population.
Section B: Mechanics
Unit 4: Section B: Mechanics
Topic 1 – Quantities and units in mechanics
Understanding and using fundamental quantities and units in the S.I. system, understanding and using derived quantities and units.
Topic 2 – Kinematics
Understanding and using the language of kinematics, interpreting graphs in kinematics for motion in a straight line, understanding how to derive the formulae for constant acceleration for motion in a straight line and using calculus in kinematics for motion in a straight line.
Topic 3 – Forces and Newton’s laws
Understanding the concept of a force, applying and using Newton’s second law for motion in a straight line, understanding using weight and motion in a straight line under gravity and applying Newton’s third law.
Assessment
Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics (*Paper code: 8MA0/01)
Includes Topic from Units 1 and 2
2-hour written examination
62.5% of the qualification
100 marks
Paper 2 – Statistics and Mechanics (*Paper code: 8MA0/02)
Includes topics from Unit 3 and Unit 4 (Section A and Section B)
1 hour 15 minutes’ written examination
37.5% of the qualification
60 marks
Progression
Our A-Level programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A = 20
B = 16
C = 12
D = 10
E = 6
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