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There are 4 Free-standing Mathematics Qualifications at this level.

• Working with algebraic & graphical techniques

• Modelling with calculus

• Using and applying statistics

• Using and applying decision mathematics

These FSMQs were designed to appeal to students who have previously had some success in mathematics but have not chosen this subject as a major area for further study. They allow students to select a particular area of mathematics and relate it to their current or future study or employment needs. They can achieve a FSMQ in a shorter time than is required for a GCSE, AS or A level.

Working with algebraic and graphical techniques and Modelling with calculus are likely to appeal to students who currently study advanced science/technology courses but who currently do not study mathematics as well. They can also be used by students studying other subjects such as Economics.

Using and applying statistics is designed to have wide appeal across all subject areas, allowing many students to integrate work from their other studies. For example, a project completed for A level Psychology can also be part of the student's FSMQ portfolio.

Using and applying decision mathematics is designed to appeal to students on a wide range of courses and should allow them to develop a competence with decision mathematics techniques in an area that has particular meaning to them. They can include work from, or based in, other areas of their studies in their FSMQ portfolio.

Working with algebraic and graphical techniques
In this FSMQ students:

• model their own data with appropriate functions
• investigate functions commonly used to model real situations
  using graphing and analytical techniques.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.

The content of this unit is covered by the textbook 'AS: Use of Maths - Algebra & graphs.

Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Modelling with calculus
In this FSMQ students use:

• differentiation
• integration
• differential equations
  to analyse, make sense of and solve problems in real situations.
  This includes the use of numerical methods and comparison with analytical methods.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit in word and pdf format. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.

The content of this unit is covered by the textbook 'AS: Use of Maths - Calculus.

Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Using and applying statistics
In this FSMQ students:

• develop a critical approach to the use of statistics in the real world
• learn about statistical measures and diagrams
• develop an understanding of key ideas involving the distribution of data, correlation and regression
• report on investigations they carry out.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.

The content of this unit is covered by the textbook 'AS: Use of Maths - Statistics.

Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website.

Using and applying decision mathematics
In this FSMQ students:

• develop a critical approach to the use of networks when used to describe and make sense of the world
• learn about algorithms
• develop an understanding of key ideas about modelling real world situations
• report on investigations they carry out.

Here is a suggested work scheme for this unit. It includes a list of topics to be covered, information about resources that can be used and suggested time allocations.

Full specifications can be downloaded from the AQA website (with link as in the other sections).

UCAS Points
At advanced level each FSMQs is notionally equivalent to one AS or A level module and receives UCAS points on this basis (as shown in the table below).

Grade A B C D E
UCAS Points 20 17 13 10 7

AS Use of Mathematics
QCA has developed a new AS in the use of mathematics based on Advanced FSMQs available from September 2001. Here is a scheme of work for this unit in word (184 KB) and pdf (52 KB) format.