Math HL and Further math

[DavidP]

Are mathematics HL and further mathematics two different courses or is further mathematics just an extension of the HL? That is, if I take both at the final exam, do they count as one or as two of the required 6 subjects?

 

Thank you

[kw0573]

They count as 2 courses. For example instead of dong a group 6 in Arts, you can opt to do a second math course. HL Further Studies has as much material as most HL courses in addition to the high level of prereq skills from HL Math and prior. FS requires you to complete all four HL options as well as topics in linear algebra and geometric proofs. 

For FS, there is no IA, but you have to register in the exams to take it. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to enroll in a course if you are self-teaching. It would take about at least (9-10 months) to cover all topic in a classroom setting assuming all candidates enroll in the full Diploma. I learned the Calculus option in class and it took about 6-7 weeks which was the fastest pace we went in HL Math.  You can only learn Statistics/Probability and Calculus options after you learned the corresponding core topics, but the other 4 options can be learned concurrent with HL Math though for linear algebra I recommend learn it after vectors. 

In summary, because they are separate courses, you will not be able to complete FS course just from HL Math alone. I would say HL FS is the hardest HL to date that IB offers because the topics are often from second and third year university courses. 

[samim]

Do you think someone will be able to do math hl school taught  and further math hl on pamoja. My school doesnt offer further math, but offers hl math, so is it even managable with further math hl and hl math but further been done self taught and online. Has anyone even heard of someone who did these courses and performed well on them, or is it rare?