.png)
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2019
Exam Specification Code: 9MA0
Coursework Element: No
Practical Element: No
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Standard Option: Mathematics A Level
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.
Introduction
The study of Mathematics is highly respected by Universities who look favourably on applicants who can demonstrate knowledge in this subject. The Oxford Learning College course in mathematics will help you to gain knowledge and understanding of Mathematics through the direct study of the original sources. It will encourage and develop your enthusiasm for maths as well as give you the chance to form your own personal responses to the set texts chosen for study. You will further enhance your mathematics and practice skills such as geometry and algebra.
The Edexcel A Level in Mathematics consists of 3 externally examined papers, all of which must be sat in a single year.
Course Content
With the new format of Edexcel A Level, the method of course delivery varies slightly. In the first year of study students will cover Pure Mathematics. The year of study will be divided into ten topics of study as follows:
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 – Numerical methods
Understanding that sign change is appropriate for continuous functions in a small interval, solving equations approximately using simple iterative methods, understanding the Newton-Raphson method and using numerical methods to solve problems in context.
● Topic 10 – 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.
For the second year of study the focus turns to Statistics and Mechanics, the year will be split between the two sections of study where a more in-depth look is given to the following topics:
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.
● Topic 4 – Moments
Knowing and using moments in simple static contexts, including problems involving parallel and non-parallel coplanar forces.
Assessment
Paper 1 - Pure Mathematics 1 (*Paper code: 9MA0/01)
2-hour written examination
33.33% of the qualification
100 marks
Paper 2 - Pure Mathematics 2 (*Paper code: 9MA0/02)
2-hour written examination
33.33% of the qualification
100 marks
Paper 3 - Statistics and Mechanics (*Paper code: 9MA0/03)
2-hour written examination
33.33% of the qualification
100 marks
Textbooks and Further Reading
This course is self-contained so you will not need to use any extra textbooks.
You can also contact your tutor if you feel you need more practice in any of the areas covered in this course.
It would be advised to also visit the Maths Emporium website (www.edexcelmaths.com) where you will find over 12,000 documents relating to past and present Edexcel Mathematics qualifications.
Assessment and Tutor Support
The course is assessed via written exams at the end of the two-year course of study. However, assignments are included within each unit to assess your progress and provide feedback. These are sent to your tutor and you will receive feedback and guidance on your work. You will have access to online tutor support for the full duration of your course.
Previous Knowledge
There is no requirement to have studied Chemistry previously, although good use of English language and maths skills (both ideally to level 3 or equivalent) would be expected.
Specification
Edexcel A Level Mathematics 9MA0. This syllabus is examined for the first time in June 2018.
