Current marking structure
Applied Mathematics is currently assessed at Higher and Ordinary Level through two assessment components: a Modelling Project worth 20% and a written examination worth 80%.
Applied Maths
Introduction
Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics is about using mathematics to model real-world situations rather than only carrying out procedures. Students learn to ask useful questions, make assumptions, represent a situation mathematically, analyse the model, and then interpret whether the result makes sense in context.
It suits students who enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking and seeing how mathematics connects with movement, networks, finance, algorithms and changing systems. The course also expects students to explain methods clearly, because communication is part of good modelling as well as good mathematics.
Current marking structure and 2027 onwards
2027 onwards
No new 2027 assessment change is currently confirmed on official sources. As of May 24, 2026, the current specification remains the official course and NCCA is carrying out an early enactment review rather than replacing the subject with a new specification.
Contents of the course
The current official specification organises the course into the following strands:
Strand 1: Mathematical modelling
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- The problem-solving cycle
- Formulating problems
- Translating problems into mathematics
- Computing solutions
- Evaluating solutions
Strand 2: Mathematical modelling with networks and graphs
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- Networks and their associated terminology
- Matrices, matrix algebra and adjacency
- Minimum spanning trees applied to problems involving optimising networks and algorithms associated with finding these (Kruskal, Prim)
- Dynamic Programming and shortest paths as applied to multi-stage authentic problems
- Algorithms: Dijkstra; Bellman; Kruskal, Prim
- Analysis of project scheduling networks
- Project scheduling and its associated terminology
Strand 3: Mathematically modelling the physical world; kinematics and dynamics
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- Kinematics: Particle motion in one direction
- Particle motion in 2D
- Work, energy, conservative forces, conservation of energy and momentum
- Circular Motion of a particle
- Dimensional analysis
Strand 4: Mathematically modelling a changing world
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- Recurrence relations
- Real-world phenomena involving incremental change
- Solving homogeneous and inhomogeneous difference equations numerically, graphically and with the aid of digital technology
- Analysing real-world phenomena involving continuous change
- Predictive nature of differential equations
- Techniques for solving differential equations
Curriculum links
Applied Mathematics on Curriculum OnlineHigher and Ordinary Level, assessed through a modelling project and an examination paper.
Zr Academy offers Applied Maths support in Dublin 2 and online for students who want structured help with both the modelling project and the written paper.