Taking FP1+2 as FM modules as a CS student and no Decision

For an aspiring computer science student in Oxford, if I take Further Pure 1+2 as my Further Maths modules, how disadvantaged would I be in admissions and during uni education, compared to someone else taking Decision Maths modules?

My sixth form college covers FS1 and DM1, however I happen to know a majority of FP1 and FP2 already, and in terms of securing an A* it's best if I just stick to that. However I do not know Decision content and I know it's highly useful for CS degrees -- at the same I figure that the CS degree will probably cover the relevant maths, so I don't really know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Would it be worth it to learn DM1 by myself, especially since I apply to Oxford and will take the MAT? I'm already taking Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science A-levels, and have completed maths.

(pardon my username i just randomly entered stuff when trying to bypass the forum block)

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 1

sound-famous-

You will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process for not having taken the decision module in further maths. Oxford will be pleased that you are taking Further Maths A level.

~~Few schools will even teach Decision, and~~ I don't think you even specify on your application what modules you are taking.

The MAT is based on A level content, which means that no further maths content, including DM1, will be tested. Also keep in mind this is the test for Maths applicants too, so there won't be any particular focus on Maths related to Computer Science.

If you want to get slightly ahead of the game, you might like to prepare for your entry by learning DM1 over the summer after completing your A Level exams, but the advantage it will give you in your university studies will be small and extremely short lived as they will catch everyone up to the same point very quickly.

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 2

Muttley79

Original post by sound-famous-

You will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process for not having taken the decision module in further maths. Oxford will be pleased that you are taking Further Maths A level.
Very few schools will even teach Decision, and I don't think you even specify on your application what modules you are taking.
The MAT is based on A level content, which means that no further maths content, including DM1, will be tested. Also keep in mind this is the test for Maths applicants too, so there won't be any particular focus on Maths related to Computer Science.
If you want to get slightly ahead of the game, you might like to prepare for your entry by learning DM1 over the summer after completing your A Level exams, but the advantage it will give you in your university studies will be small and extremely short lived as they will catch everyone up to the same point very quickly.

How do you know 'few schools' teach Decision? We offer all the FMaths modules and, remember, it was an option in the modular A level ..

Reply 3

thegeek888

Original post by sound-famous-

You will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process for not having taken the decision module in further maths. Oxford will be pleased that you are taking Further Maths A level.
Very few schools will even teach Decision, and I don't think you even specify on your application what modules you are taking.
The MAT is based on A level content, which means that no further maths content, including DM1, will be tested. Also keep in mind this is the test for Maths applicants too, so there won't be any particular focus on Maths related to Computer Science.
If you want to get slightly ahead of the game, you might like to prepare for your entry by learning DM1 over the summer after completing your A Level exams, but the advantage it will give you in your university studies will be small and extremely short lived as they will catch everyone up to the same point very quickly.

FD1 is one of the most popular papers to sit alongside FM1 for A-Level Further Maths.