SQA Higher Courses

Welcome to Higher Mathematics, Distance Learning.  This outlines the topics you will be studying, how you will study the course and be assessed and provides the contact details you need for your tutor.

Higher Mathematics is a Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) accredited course. Many other courses and programmes of study require a pass in Higher Mathematics as an entry requirement. For example, Science and Engineering courses.

The course consists of 24 SCQF credit points which includes time for preparation for course assessment. The notional length of time for candidates to complete the course is 160 hours. Students undertaking this qualification are advised to commit to 4-6 hours of study per week.

The course is made up of a number or different topics, each of which has a workbook with notes, examples, and questions which you should complete and self-mark (the solutions are included), followed by a tutor marked assignment (TMA). There is a textbook recommended that you should use as directed in the workbooks. Leckie and Leckie – Higher Mathematics Student Book ISBN: 978-0008383503. Solutions to the textbook exercises will also be provided.

Each Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA), which is at the end of each booklet, should be completed and submitted to your tutor, who will mark the work and provide feedback on your progress and provide additional support where required.  It is important that you complete all the workbooks and TMAs to ensure you gain an understanding of all the topics in the course – all the topics covered may be part of the final exam.  Additional material and practice exam papers will also be available.

The topics you will study are as follows:    

·         Introductory Revision

·         The Straight Line

·         Functions

·         Quadratic Functions

·         Polynomials

·         Graphs of Functions

·         Trigonometric Graphs

·         Trigonometry

·         Differentiation

·         Integration

·         Exponentials and Logarithms

·         Vectors

·         Circles

·         Recurrence Relations / Sequences

The topics should be studied in the order given.  This is to ensure you cover some of the key skills which are required for the later topics.  

Studying the course via distance learning means that you will be able to access and work through the course material at your own pace, while keeping in regular contact with your tutor.  To ensure you get the most out of your course it is important you keep in contact with you tutor, especially with any questions you may have as you work through the course material.  Email is usually the best way to keep in touch – and do not worry about trying to explain a particular question in an email, if you are able to then send a picture or screenshot of the question.  It is important you ensure that you set aside time each week to study and can submit your TMAs regularly.  You will also need to purchase a suitable scientific calculator – we use the Casio fx-85GT plus models, although any scientific calculator will do.