Higher Application of Maths

Course Overview

The Higher Applications of Mathematics course focuses on developing the mathematical and analytical skills required in society and for the future workforce. The course develops candidates’ quantitative and mathematical literacy, problem-solving skills and reasoning skills as they apply mathematics in real-life contexts. Applying mathematics in real-life contexts includes identifying relevant information, formulating a problem in appropriate mathematical or statistical terms, selecting and applying tools correctly, finding solutions, interpreting solutions in the context of a problem, and evaluating the approach taken. The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course supports learning and further study and builds confidence in a wide range of curricular areas, such as humanities, social sciences, healthcare, and business. Some of the course uses industry standard software, and as such will be completed on computers. 

Course Content

Mathematical Modelling

• Understanding and applying the process of mathematical modelling to evaluate, analyse and interpret mathematical models

• Using software effectively in calculations

Statistics and Probability

• Applying statistical skills to basic probability

• Applying statistical literacy skills to data

• Applying statistical skills to correlation and linear regression

• Applying statistical skills to data analysis, interpretation and communication

Finance

• Applying mathematical skills to calculating present and future values of monetary payments

• Applying mathematical skills to solving problems related to personal financial products and transactions and analysing the results

• Applying personal financial planning skills

Planning And Decision Making

• Understanding and applying project planning and decision making

Assessment

Assessment is by means of an exam and project. The exam accounts for 80 of the possible 110 marks on offer. Parts of the exam will be completed using statistical software on computers that are not able to access the internet. For the project candidates research and report on a topic that allows them to apply statistical skills and knowledge in Applications of Mathematics at a level appropriate to Higher.