The Student Room Group

Further Maths Mechanics vs Stats

I'm in Year 12, and initially applied for Stats, but since my subject comb wasn't usual, I was placed in a Mechanics class. We don't do Further Maths until year 13, so it doesn't matter for now.
However, I'm enjoying mechanics a lot more than Stats, so I might continue, but my mum keeps telling me that mechanics is useless for Economics at University.

So I was just wondering, do Universities care which type of further maths you have done, or is either fine?

Reply 1

Mechanics tends to be more closely associated with engineering, but the problem solving skills you learn from mechanics are without a doubt useful. Also, you will already have a basis in Statistics from regular A Level so you'll be good.

Reply 2

Original post by Anisa_M27
I'm in Year 12, and initially applied for Stats, but since my subject comb wasn't usual, I was placed in a Mechanics class. We don't do Further Maths until year 13, so it doesn't matter for now.
However, I'm enjoying mechanics a lot more than Stats, so I might continue, but my mum keeps telling me that mechanics is useless for Economics at University.
So I was just wondering, do Universities care which type of further maths you have done, or is either fine?

Pretty much as the previous reply. Something like lse - economics says theyd like further maths as one of the a levels but dont specify the option(s) as they dont want to disadvantage applicants who cant take fm stats (for example). Theyd cover it in the degree and if you/your mum is that concerned (no reason to be), it would be easy to read through fm stats in the summer after your a levels for a few weeks.
(edited 3 months ago)

Reply 3

Original post by Divinebandit
Mechanics tends to be more closely associated with engineering, but the problem solving skills you learn from mechanics are without a doubt useful. Also, you will already have a basis in Statistics from regular A Level so you'll be good.

ty!

Reply 4

Original post by mqb2766
Pretty much as the previous reply. Something like lse - economics says theyd like further maths as one of the a levels but dont specify the option(s) as they dont want to disadvantage applicants who cant take fm stats (for example). Theyd cover it in the degree and if you/your mum is that concerned (no reason to be), it would be easy to read through fm stats in the summer after your a levels for a few weeks.

ty! i'll probably stick with mechanics, stats is boring, but easy?

Reply 5

Original post by Anisa_M27
ty! i'll probably stick with mechanics, stats is boring, but easy?

Id do what you enjoy as youre more likely to put the effort in. Theyre probably a similar level of difficulty overall.

Reply 6

Original post by Anisa_M27
ty! i'll probably stick with mechanics, stats is boring, but easy?

I think stats fits better with Econ.

You can look at the modules here: https://www.drfrost.org/courses.php?coid=12817

Reply 7

Original post by Muttley79
I think stats fits better with Econ.
You can look at the modules here: https://www.drfrost.org/courses.php?coid=12817

ughh i know, i just think stats is really boring. mechanics is much more fun, stats feels like im just memorising things

Reply 8

Original post by Anisa_M27
ughh i know, i just think stats is really boring. mechanics is much more fun, stats feels like im just memorising things

Personally I agree - I love teaching mechanics!

It won't matter and do what you enjoy as you need a good grade.

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