Why study Applications of Mathematics?
Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world and manage our lives. You will learn how to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions.
You will develop the skills to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk, and make informed decisions. These skills will make you valuable to future employers.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Animals, Land and Environment
Buying, Selling and Related Work
Computing and ICT
Construction
Engineering
Finance
Health and Medicine
Science and Maths
Teaching and Classroom Support
Transport and Distribution
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
Through real-life contexts, you will learn how to apply mathematical operational skills that are directly relevant to life and work. You will develop your mathematical reasoning skills, your creativity, and your ability to draw conclusions and make and justify decisions.
The course comprises six areas of study.
Numeracy skills
You will:
- select and use appropriate numerical notation and units
- select and carry out calculations
- record measurements using a scale on an instrument
- interpret measurements and the results of calculations to make decisions
- justify decisions by using the results of measurements and calculations.
Financial Skills
You will:
- analyse a financial position using budget information
- analyse and interpret factors affecting income
- determine the best deal (comparing at least 3 products)
- convert between several currencies
- investigate the impact of interest rates on savings and borrowing.
Statistical skills
You will:
- use a combination of statistics to investigate risk and its impact on life
- use a combination of statistical information presented in different diagrams
- use statistics to analyse and compare data sets
- draw a line of best fit from given data.
Measurement skills
You will:
- calculate a quantity based on two related pieces of information
- construct a scale drawing
- plan a navigation course
- carry out efficient container packing
- use precedence tables to plan tasks
- solve a problem involving time management
- consider the effects of tolerance.
Geometric skills
You will:
- investigate a situation involving gradient
- solve a problem involving a composite shape
- solve a problem involving the volume of a composite solid
- use Pythagoras' theorum.
Geographical data and probability skills
You will:
- extract and interpret data from different graphical forms
- make and justify decisions using evidence from the interpretation of data
- make and justify decisions based on probability.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment
The course assessment has two components totalling 90 marks:
- Component 1: question paper 1 (non calculator) – worth 35 marks
- Component 2: question paper 2 – worth 55 marks.
The question papers will be set and marked externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.
The course assessment is graded A–D.
Study Materials
What can I go on to next?
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
