Specialist Methods
The major themes of Specialist Methods are calculus and statistics. They include as necessary prerequisites studies of algebra, functions and their graphs, and probability. They are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication and complexity. Calculus is essential for developing an understanding of the physical world because many of the laws of science are relationships involving rates of change. Statistics is used to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation. The Specialist Methods course extends and develops the Mathematical Methods course with both additional content and greater depth and breadth of treatment. This is provided by more emphasis on structure and proof, by incorporating more challenging and abstract problems and the inclusion of more opportunities to develop their mathematical insight through research and exploration. (BSSS curriculum)
Specialist Mathematics
Specialist Mathematics has been designed to be taken in conjunction with Specialist Methods. The subject contains topics in functions, calculus, probability and statistics that build on and deepen the ideas presented in Specialist Methods and demonstrate their application in many areas. Vectors, complex numbers and matrices are introduced. Specialist Mathematics is designed for students with a strong interest in mathematics, including those intending to study mathematics, statistics, all sciences and associated fields, economics or engineering at university. (BSSS curriculum)
