Is it possible to learn AS+A2 Maths in 6 months??

Hi all,

I've recently been accepted onto a 5 year scheme with Lancaster University studying for a BSc/MPhys Physics. The scheme consists of 2 years part time study (with equate to 'year 1') followed by 2-3 years full time studying depending on if i qualify for the masters degree.

I acieved a GCSE grade A in Mathematics, however did not study A-levels. I am wondering if it would be possible for me to learn A-level Maths in 6 months, prior to the start of my course. As far as I'm aware the first 6 months of the course recaps on A-level Maths, however I want to gain as much of a head start as possible.

I have purchased CGP revision books in GCSE, AS & A2 maths as well as the OCR text books on C1, C2, C3, C4, S1 & M1 (Primarily I want to learn C1-4) & intend on seeking private tuition for at least 1 hour per week.

I work 3.5 days per week (12 hour shifts) and have no other commitments.

As stated above my question is, with a lot of time & commitment is it possible for me to learn AS+A2 Mathematics to a standard which will put me in good stead for Year 1 Physics?

Thanks,
Sean

AS maths will be doable (assuming you're remotely good at maths), but c3 and c4 require a lot of dedication if you want an A*. S1,M1,C1,C2,C3,C4 can definitely be done.

Hi there,

It will definitely involve a lot of hard work, but if you are dedicated enough you should be able to do it. Have I understood your situation correctly by saying you will not be sitting an exam for this? If so that means you can probably afford to miss out some of the less relevant chapters. As you are doing physics I would suggest not looking to heavily into stats and focus more on the rest. Presumably you studied physics at a-level so you have a rough idea of what sort of level your maths needs to be at.

Hi all,

I've recently been accepted onto a 5 year scheme with Lancaster University studying for a BSc/MPhys Physics. The scheme consists of 2 years part time study (with equate to 'year 1') followed by 2-3 years full time studying depending on if i qualify for the masters degree.

I acieved a GCSE grade A in Mathematics, however did not study A-levels. I am wondering if it would be possible for me to learn A-level Maths in 6 months, prior to the start of my course. As far as I'm aware the first 6 months of the course recaps on A-level Maths, however I want to gain as much of a head start as possible.

I have purchased CGP revision books in GCSE, AS & A2 maths as well as the OCR text books on C1, C2, C3, C4, S1 & M1 (Primarily I want to learn C1-4) & intend on seeking private tuition for at least 1 hour per week.

I work 3.5 days per week (12 hour shifts) and have no other commitments.

As stated above my question is, with a lot of time & commitment is it possible for me to learn AS+A2 Mathematics to a standard which will put me in good stead for Year 1 Physics?

Thanks,
Sean

Hi, I hope I can be of help to you. I am currently studying chemistry at university and I did not take A levels maths at all, but my Uni provides a unit where we are taught all the maths we need to know for our degree( very intense course). I think the best thing is contact your department and ask them what parts of A levels maths are required and that way you can focus on the maths that you need. In terms of the time scale you have given your self, It's definately doable I understand your only work a few hours per day with no other commitments so yes if you put the hard work in it should be ok. Also i got an A at gsce and I am finding maths fine... it's just practicing until you get the hang of it so you should be okay hopefully. Lastly a good tip I have found is if i don't understand something i usually go on youtube and there are loads of really good videos.. a tip to bear in mind if you get stuck! hope that helps ..

That's great thanks! I work 12 hours, but only 3.5 days / week ;D

Like i say I've spent a fortune on all of the OCR C1-4 M1 & S1 text books which are rammed with questions & answers so that I can get plenty practice. Hopefully a private tutor will get back to me and guide me in the right path (i've emailed a few and nobody has got back!)

The youtube tip is great, I'll keep that in mind!! It's good to see that I'm not the only one in my situation :P

Cheers!

Hi all,

I've recently been accepted onto a 5 year scheme with Lancaster University studying for a BSc/MPhys Physics. The scheme consists of 2 years part time study (with equate to 'year 1') followed by 2-3 years full time studying depending on if i qualify for the masters degree.

I acieved a GCSE grade A in Mathematics, however did not study A-levels. I am wondering if it would be possible for me to learn A-level Maths in 6 months, prior to the start of my course. As far as I'm aware the first 6 months of the course recaps on A-level Maths, however I want to gain as much of a head start as possible.

I have purchased CGP revision books in GCSE, AS & A2 maths as well as the OCR text books on C1, C2, C3, C4, S1 & M1 (Primarily I want to learn C1-4) & intend on seeking private tuition for at least 1 hour per week.

I work 3.5 days per week (12 hour shifts) and have no other commitments.

As stated above my question is, with a lot of time & commitment is it possible for me to learn AS+A2 Mathematics to a standard which will put me in good stead for Year 1 Physics?

Thanks,
Sean

As most other people have said yes. I would recommend one of the older Bostock and Chandler books - I have 'Core Maths for Advanced Level' although apparently 'Mathematics - the Core Course' is even better. You said you already had the OCR books, but (bearing in mind I've only had experience of exam board books in general), this well help you grasp and understand the ideas, rather than just rote-learning them. It's not too expensive either - I'm seeing a second-hand copy of 'the Core Course' for 1p + £2.70 postage on Amazon! I've learnt most of C1 to C4 apart from the more advanced integration in about 6 weeks, and although I've always found it easy to pick up new concepts in Maths you should be able to in 6 months! If there are any concepts you struggle with, try some of the videos from Khan Academy (more specific than just the YouTube someone else suggested) - they help you understand concepts (such as the chain rule) without memorising formula.

This will help so, so, much.

http://www.examsolutions.co.uk/A-Level-maths-tutorials/index.php

Easily possible to do 6 modules in 6 months. I'm doing f.maths too and doing all A-level modules + some more this year (doing additional f.maths too). Having to speed through each module though, but I'm still getting more than 65/75 in the past papers.

Yeah it's definitely doable, my uni course covered all of AS and A2 maths in under 6 months, about 5 hours a week altogether.. Doable, but tough.