What is Maths like at A-Level, and why do universities require an A in both GCSE and A-level maths to study computer science?

[asim1999]

I am currently doing Further Maths , with my two tests next week (Monday and Friday). I was wondering, how hard is the A-level and what is it like?

Also why do unis require an A grade in both GCSE and A-level Maths for somebody to study Computer Science ?

[NeatSquidYT]

A level isn't too hard afaik.

 

Maths is essential in a lot of programming languages. I've heard that C variants require a lot of maths, but I don't have experience to back up those claims.

[79wjd]

Because Math/algorithms can be very helpful in CS. 

 

As for how hard the "A-level" is, I have no idea as I don't know what that is. But as a CS major I can tell you that the math classes can be hard (depending on you) -- I personally found Calc/Linear Algebra easy as I find anything that's pretty concrete to be not too hard, while abstract/graph theory type classes are a bitch (since abstract crap doesn't make a lot of sense to me).

[asim1999]

A level maths was hell, I dropped it within 2 weeks, yet i still do engineering, physics and chemistry

 

find the logic

I hate Further Maths, cos they teach A-level stuff,  so i am dreading A-level 

[minibois]

I am currently doing Further Maths , with my two tests next week (Monday and Friday). I was wondering, how hard is the A-level and what is it like?

Also why do unis require an A grade in both GCSE and A-level Maths for somebody to study Computer Science ?

Not sure how hard it is, but the reason it is required is because math is extremely important in programming.

Making formulas, algorithms and generally understanding how your code works.

[SniperDan]

A-level maths is incredibly difficult, I'm just finishing maths, physics and computing a-levels and maths is the most difficult by a mile

[Misanthrope]

Programming is fundamentally math. It's like asking "I just wanna be an professional athlete why do I have to pass all this physical and endurance trials?"

[as96]

A level isn't too hard afaik.

 

Maths is essential in a lot of programming languages. I've heard that C variants require a lot of maths, but I don't have experience to back up those claims.

Not really, while math is important to implement algorithms and solve problem easier, it's needed to learn a language.

[Thorium19]

I did my maths core 3 paper yesterday. In one word, Hell, with a capital H for emphasis. I regret taking it because of how hard yesterdays paper was. I don't really need it for my course, although doing decisions as one of my chosen subjects is helpful for CS. It can be useful if you want to do computer science, but an A at GCSE and maybe an AS is enough if you ask me, it's what most of the lecturers at the university I'm going to in september say when I've spoken to them.

I've taken Maths, Physics and Chemistry for A level (Biology to AS) and I regret doing so, because there is no coursework to guarantee you marks. HOwever many people say chemistry is the toughest A level. To those I say they're talking utter bollocks, maths is bby far and away the toughest, especially with all the integration, trig and differentiation required for core 3 and 4.

Oh, and I did further maths a level for 4 weeks and then dropped it, because of how utterly ridiculous it is (Imaginary numbers will haunt me forever) and because the teacher was fucking incompetent.

[Toxic Tom]

I've just done core 1 core 2 and mechanics 1 for A level maths. I didn't think they were too hard, though the core 2 exam was a lot harder than any past papers we had done. Mechanics is generally fairly straightforward. 

[harrynowl]

A lot of people find A-level considerably harder than GCSEs, if you've done further maths then you will be somewhat familiar with what to expect. To my understanding a lot of people struggle in A level maths.

 

In terms of university entry requirements may vary but you typically need a passed qualification in a relevant subject area and then a certain amount of UCAS points to be eligible for the course.

[Thorium19]

One thing I will include is that universities are still working off of last years A2 grades averages, that's why entry requirements are so high. Because of the change in specification and the step backwards to a linear system, exams this year onwards are a lot harder, and so there will be less high grades. It is likely that a lot of people previously getting As will be getting Bs, thus will need to enter via clearings.

[ExcitezR]

I've just done core 1 core 2 and mechanics 1 for A level maths. I didn't think they were too hard, though the core 2 exam was a lot harder than any past papers we had done. Mechanics is generally fairly straightforward. 

so you did a dual core... 

[Toxic Tom]

so you did a dual core...

8/7 would pun again

Also I will be doing core 3 and 4 next year so that will make a quad core