Further Maths or French A level - Hoping to study Physics.

My dad is trying to convince me that taking this combination: [Physics, Maths, Chemistry, French] is more advantageous than this combination: [Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Further Maths] when I'm applying to a University for Physics or getting a job in Physics.

Is there any advantage in taking the former when it comes to applying to universities and jobs concerning Physics?

I'm thinking of either studying Astrophysics or Quantum Mechanics. My dad argues that a French A level will be more useful than a Further Maths A level, because CERN is partially in French-Speaking countries.

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Reply 1

dylan1016

Take further maths, unis will much prefer it and it will help you do physics much more than French will.

Reply 2

Heirio

Original post by dylan1016

Take further maths, unis will much prefer it and it will help you do physics much more than French will.

Would not taking further maths be a detriment to me?

Reply 3

tanyapotter

Have you considered taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French (not taking Chemistry)?

Reply 4

alow

Your Dad is full of ****. Take FM.

Reply 5

OGGUS

Original post by tanyapotter

Have you considered taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French (not taking Chemistry)?

This would be better because Chemistry sometimes confuses cuz i do both chemistry and physics. they contradict each other sometimes

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 6

Heirio

Original post by tanyapotter

Have you considered taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French (not taking Chemistry)?

Unfortunately, French and Further Maths clash.

Reply 7

tanyapotter

Original post by OGGUS

This would be better because Chemistry sometimes confuses cuz i do both chemistry and physics. hey contradict each other sometimes

Yeah. I'm taking maths, physics, further maths and german at A2 and I'm doing mechanical engineering next year, so while chemistry could perhaps have opened more doors had I changed my mind, luckily I didn't - and I'm getting all I need from M/FM/PH anyway, while German is a pleasant, refreshing contrast which will hopefully prepare me for working abroad in the future! OP, do you enjoy French? I think a language is a fantastic thing to study to AS/A2, and from first-hand experience, I can tell you that if you really like the language you've taken, it will be really worthwhile at the end of sixth form when you're both fluent and very mathematically able :smile:

Edit: Just saw your post. That sucks!! Oh well.

Reply 8

OGGUS

Original post by tanyapotter

Edit: Just saw your post. That sucks!! Oh well.

Yeah German is much better due to Germany being so good with technology and you could do a year abroad there so it'll be great. :smile:

Oh this was aimed at OP and was an addition from what you were saying the part where i was talking about Chemistry

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 9

Heirio

So will -not- taking FM be a detriment to taking Physics at University?

Reply 10

imogen_ds

I take Further Maths, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and French at AS- I'm not sure why I took 5, was feeling ambitious/ insane at the time. I've talked to many uni students and I think generally Physics degrees would prefer and even look for further maths.

However, having a language to balance out the sciencey maths based subjects has been vey nice this year as it feels more like a hobby and something I always enjoy than work.

Either way, I'm sure Unis would respect both subjects when you apply for a physics degree (I hope so as it's what I'm going to apply for!) so the decision should depend on what you feel comfortable and will enjoy taking because you have 3 very academic subjects anyway.

Reply 11

ozmo19

Original post by Heirio

Seeing as FM and french class, take FM over french. Universities will 100% prefer it and it will be far more advantageous.

Reply 12

HarshaPeed

100% take FM. In fact uni's will most likely reduce your offers because many things you learn in FM (Complex numbers, Eigenvectors) have huge application in physics at a higher level and will make you much better prepared for physics at uni. no offense, but french ain't gonna do **** (shots fired).

Reply 13

alow

Original post by OGGUS

This would be better because Chemistry sometimes confuses cuz i do both chemistry and physics. they contradict each other sometimes

No they don't.

Original post by Heirio

So will -not- taking FM be a detriment to taking Physics at University?

Absolutely.

Reply 14

Student403

FM 100%. I take FM and a language at A2 and I'm going to do a STEM degree and it's not really helpful when applying, and I doubt it's helpful during the degree

*It being the language, as much as I enjoy it

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 15

OGGUS

Original post by alow

No they don't.

Absolutely.

They do, the teacher's even, however I have 2 different exam boards as well. It's cuz their not in as depth...

Reply 16

samb1234

Original post by Heirio

Lol take further maths. Who cares if parts of cern are in french speaking places - there is more to physics degrees and jobs than cern, and besides the 'language' of physics is maths anyway so if you have the option of doing further maths you 100% should