The knowledge, skills and attitudes that students develop in their DP mathematics courses are designed to provide a meaningful foundation for university study and help to prepare students for careers in fields such a engineering, financial analysis and economic development, research and analysis, software development, biostatistics and epidemiology, law, medicine, climate research, actuary and insurance work and public-policy development.
The diploma mathematics programme offers three courses: mathematical studies standard level (SL), mathematics standard level (SL) and mathematics higher level (HL).
Mathematical Studies (SL)
This two-year course is aimed at preparing students for university courses that perhaps will not involve any further use of mathematics (for example, languages, history and arts). The course covers some foundation work in number and algebra as well as topics covering descriptive statistics, logic, sets and probability, statistical applications, geometry and trigonometry, mathematical models, and an introduction to differential calculus. Students taking this course need to complete a mathematical project, which counts for 20 percent of the final grade. A graphic display calculator is required for this course.
Standard Level Mathematics
This two-year course is aimed at preparing students for university level courses that will involve mathematics. Students entering this course should have well-developed skills in mathematics as the course is technical and demanding. The course includes algebra, trigonometry, functions, calculus, statistics and probability, and vectors. In addition, a written piece of work, known as an exploration, needs to be completed during the course, as this counts for 20 percent of the final grade. A graphic display calculator is required for this course.
Higher Level Mathematics
This two-year course is aimed at preparing students for courses at university level that will have a high mathematical content. Students who enrol in this course must have a high level of mathematical competency. The course includes algebra, complex numbers, trigonometry, functions, calculus, statistics and probability and vectors. An optional topic must also be taken in grade 12, which allows the students the opportunity to delve more deeply into the chosen area. In addition, a written piece of work, known as an exploration, must be completed during the two years, which counts for 20 percent of the final grade. A graphic display calculator is required for this course.