Mathematics

Group 5 – Mathematical Studies SL

Content and Methodology

This course is available only at standard level, and is equivalent in status to Mathematics SL, but addresses different needs. It has an emphasis on applications of Mathematics, and the largest section is on statistical techniques. It is designed for students with varied Mathematical backgrounds and abilities. It offers students opportunities to learn important concepts and techniques and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of Mathematical topics. It prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of settings, to develop more sophisticated Mathematical reasoning and to enhance their critical thinking. The individual project is an extended piece of work based on personal research involving the collection, analysis and evaluation of data. Students taking this course are well prepared for a career in social sciences, humanities, languages or arts.

The course syllabus focuses on important Mathematical topics that are interconnected. The syllabus is organized and structured with the following tenets in mind: placing more emphasis on student understanding of fundamental concepts than on symbolic manipulation and complex manipulative

skills; giving greater emphasis to developing students’ Mathematical reasoning rather than performing routine operations; solving Mathematical problems embedded in a wide range of contexts; using the calculator effectively.

Distinction between SL and HL

Mathematical Studies is only offered at SL

Prior Knowledge

Students should feel comfortable with the study of numbers and algebra, descriptive statistics, logic, sets and probability, statistical applications, geometry and trigonometry, mathematical models and differential calculus. It is recognized that some of these topics maybe unfamiliar to some students, but it is anticipated that there may be other topics in the syllabus that these students have already encountered.

Group 5 – Mathematics SL

Content and Methodology

This course caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic Mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple Mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as Chemistry, Economics, Psychology and Business Administration.

The course focuses on introducing important Mathematical concepts through the development of Mathematical techniques. The intention is to introduce students to these concepts in a comprehensible and coherent way. Students should, wherever possible, apply the Mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context.

The internally assessed component, the exploration, offers students the opportunity for developing independence in their Mathematical learning. Students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various Mathematical activities and to explore different Mathematical ideas. The exploration also allows students to work without the time constraints of a written examination and to develop the skills they need for communicating Mathematical ideas.

Distinction between SL and HL

This course does not have the depth found in the Mathematics HL courses. Students wishing to study subjects with a high degree of Mathematical content should therefore opt for a Mathematics HL course rather than the Mathematics SL course.

Prior Knowledge

All topics studied are compulsory and it is expected that students have a strong background in algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, vectors, statistics and probability and calculus. It is requested that students have achieved at least a grade of B in the Pre-IB year if they wish to study Mathematics SL.

Group 5 – Mathematics HL

Content and Methodology

This course caters for students with a good background in Mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. The majority of these students will be expecting to include Mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as Physics, Engineering and Technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in Mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems.

The course focuses on developing important Mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way. This is achieved by means of a carefully balanced approach. Students are encouraged to apply their Mathematical knowledge to solve problems set in a variety of meaningful contexts. Development of each topic should feature justification and proof of results. Students embarking on this course should expect to develop insight into Mathematical form and structure, and should be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between concepts in different topic areas. They should also be encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their Mathematical growth in other learning environments.

Distinction between SL and HL

This course is a demanding one, requiring students to study a broad range of Mathematical topics through a number of different approaches and to varying degrees of depth. Students wishing to study Mathematics in a less rigorous environment should therefore opt for SL.

Prior Knowledge

Students should have a wide variety of skills and knowledge when they start the Mathematics HL course. Most will have some background in algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, vectors, statistics and probability and calculus. Some will be familiar with an inquiry approach, and may have had an opportunity to complete an extended piece of work in Mathematics.