Group 5 - Mathematics. Offered at HL and SL
Individual students have different needs, aspirations, interests and abilities.For this reason there are two different DP subjects in mathematics:
Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation.
Each course is designed to meet the needs of a particular group of students. Both courses are offered at SL and HL.
The courses are separated by how they approach mathematics, described generally by the table below:
Mathematics: analysis and approaches
Emphasis on algebraic methods Develop strong skills in mathematical thinking Real and abstract mathematical problem solving For students interested in mathematics, engineering physical sciences, and some economics
Mathematics: applications and interpretation
Emphasis on modelling and statistics Develops strong skills in applying mathematics to the real-world Real mathematical problem solving using technology For students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, engineering, some economics, psychology and design
The IB DP Mathematics: analysis and approaches course recognizes the need for analytical expertise in a world where innovation is increasingly dependent on a deep understanding of mathematics. The focus is on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, achieved by a carefully balanced approach. Students are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to solve abstract problems as well as those set in a variety of meaningful contexts. Mathematics: analysis and approaches has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Students should expect to develop insight into mathematical form and structure, and should be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between concepts in different topic areas. Students are also encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments. The internally assessed exploration allows students to develop independence in mathematical learning. Throughout the course students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas.
The IB DP Mathematics: applications and interpretation course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modelling. To give this understanding a firm base, this course includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students should expect to develop strong technology skills, and will be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between the theoretical and the practical concepts in mathematics. All external assessments involve the use of technology. Students are also encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments. The internally assessed exploration allows students to develop independence in mathematical learning. Throughout the course students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas.
Maths HL students will be expecting to include Mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in Mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems. Past students of HL mathematics have gone to read Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, Sciences, Finance/ Economics at the best universities in the world.
Maths SL acts as an excellent foundation for mathematical competency in a broad range of different experiences. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as Chemistry, Economics, Psychology and Business Administration. The intention is to introduce students to these concepts in a comprehensible and coherent way, rather than insisting on mathematical rigour. Students should apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in context. It is likely that students taking Maths AI SL will be more focused toward humanities or languages courses at university.
The IB Maths AA HL / SL Subject Brief
The IB Maths AI HL / SL Subject Brief