Mathematics Advanced (2U)

Board Developed Course (240 hours)

Available in Years 11 and 12

The content and depth of treatment of this course is intended for students who have completed and achieved the outcomes from Year 10 5.3 Mathematics.

The course is useful for concurrent studies in Science and Economics.


The course is a sufficient basis for further studies as a minor discipline at tertiary level supporting the physical sciences.


Course description

The Mathematics Advanced course is a calculus-based course focused on developing student awareness of mathematics as a unique and powerful way of viewing the world to investigate order, relation, pattern, uncertainty and generality. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop ways of thinking in which problems are explored through observation, reflection and reasoning.


The Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 course includes the Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course. The Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.


All students studying the Mathematics Advanced course will sit for an HSC examination.


What students learn

The study of Mathematics Advanced in Stage 6:


  • enables students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely

  • provides opportunities for students to consider various applications of mathematics in a broad range of contemporary contexts through the use of mathematical modelling and use these models to solve problems related to their present and future needs

  • provides opportunities for students to develop ways of thinking in which problems are explored through observation, reflection and reasoning

  • provides a basis for further studies in disciplines in which mathematics and the skills that constitute thinking mathematically have an important role

  • provides an appropriate mathematical background for students whose future pathways may involve mathematics and its applications in a range of disciplines at the tertiary level.

Course Structure

Year 11 course

The Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course content comprises five Topics, with the Topics divided into Subtopics.


Topic: Functions

  • Working with Functions


Topic: Trigonometric Functions

  • Trigonometry and Measure of Angles

  • Trigonometric Functions and Identities


Topic: Calculus

  • Introduction to Differentiation


Topic: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

  • Logarithms and Exponentials


Topic: Statistical Analysis

  • Probability and Discrete Probability Distributions


Year 12 course

The Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course content includes four of the same Topics and the Topic ‘Financial Mathematics’ in place of ‘Exponential and Logarithmic Functions’.


Topic: Functions

  • Graphing Techniques


Topic: Trigonometric Functions

  • Trigonometric Functions and Graphs


Topic: Calculus

  • Differential Calculus

  • The Second Derivative

  • Integral Calculus


Topic: Financial Mathematics

  • Modelling Financial Situations


Topic: Statistical Analysis

  • Descriptive Statistics and Bivariate Data Analysis

  • Random Variables

Please feel free to discuss any queries you have with your mathematics teacher.

See more on NESA website