I did all advanced/SSP level maths in first year and got HD in all of them. I've helped several friends who did normal level maths and from my experience, the normal and advanced subjects are almost identical in content, with the odd extra theorems or two that are only mentioned in advanced. However, there is a very obvious contrast in the level of mathematical rigour that is expected from both the students and the lecturers, even though the content is the same. For example, for the same theorem that is taught in both normal and advanced subjects, the advanced students are also taught the proof and are expected to be able to replicate or extend the methodologies of that proof in exams.
In general, in advanced level maths there's more focus on where ideas came from and why they are true than simply how to use them. That's definitely reflected in exam questions, where both normal and advanced students will be asked to apply some theorems or methods to do calculations, but advanced students will also be asked to do more proving and showing.
lou071 said:
can you tell me what your opinion is about this please?
i know if the students completed maths ext2 at high school,
you are allowed to do advanced units. eg) differential calculus advanced
if you studied advanced unit, would you recommend students
who completed maths ext2 to do it?
MX2 is a prerequisite for advanced level maths subjects in first year, but I don't think that having simply done MX2 is enough. What's more important is how well did you complete MX2 because it reflects, to an extent, your commitment and interest in learning maths.
So if you did well in MX2, enjoyed overcoming every little challenge along the way and are interested in exploring further in the domain of maths, then I would recommend you to take advanced level maths subjects at uni or even major in advanced maths through B Sc (Adv) or B Sc (Adv Maths).