Higher Mathematics

AIMS OF COURSE

The course aims to build on previous mathematical experience in the areas of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and introduces elementary calculus.

Entry to the course

Normally students should have obtained:

• either a Standard Grade 1 or 2

• or Intermediate 2 Mathematics course award.

Students who have not achieved at least a Grade 2 for Knowledge and Understanding  and at least a Grade 2 for Reasoning and Enquiry at Standard Grade will find this course very challenging.

Students who have not achieved an A at Intermediate 2 will find this course very challenging.

Course Outline

The course is made up of three units, Mathematics 1, 2 and 3

Mathematics 1 includes:

• the gradient and equation of a straight line

• sketching and identifying related functions and graphs

• composite functions

• solution of trigonometric equations

• basic differentiation and recurrence relationships

Mathematics 2 includes:

• quadratic theory and the Remainder Theorem

• basic integration

• use of the addition formulae in trigonometry

• the equation of a circle and tangency

Mathematics 3 includes:

• vectors in three dimension and the scalar product

• further differentiation and integration

• properties of exponential and logarithmic functions

• further trigonometric relationships

Assessment

This course is assessed by internal assessment of Units using materials provided by the SQA and an external examination set and marked by the SQA.

Full details of the course content can be found at www.sqa.org.uk in the Arrangements Documents.