I want to study astrophysics but need help picking A-levels

OP

Original post by Nia_Beth

As much as geography can be long, I found that it showed me really good techniques in answering long questions, and using sources and (obviously) about the world and economy and energy and stuff like that.

I suppose it isn't directly related to astrophysics but its a good subject to take if you enjoy it at GCSE. It opened my eyes to the amazing planet in terms of demographics, the economy and stuff like the physical earth and how physics plays a part in it.

I reckon you do this (if possible):

Art - if you love the subject - at AS
Geography or Chemistry for AS

Maths, Physics and Further Maths at A2.
If you can't do f.maths at A2 (like me cus my school is retarded lol), do chemistry at A2. It's relevant to Astrophysics moreso than geography or art :smile:

thankyou! that has been so useful!

Reply 22

OP

Original post by Bobilina

To be fair your plan already sounds fine. You've got the maths and physics and they'll give you enough foundation for your degree.

I have two friends applying for physics they took;

Maths/Physics/Chemistry A2
Further/Biology As

Maths/Physics/Biology A2
Chemistry As

thankyou!

Reply 23

SeriouslySmart

6

Original post by honor.dunham

hey,
so I am currently in year 11 and have to pick my A-levels pretty soon but due to the way the timetables work i cannot do what I originally wanted to do and after looking into it I have decided I really want to study Astrophysics at uni so I was wondering what would be the best A level choices...
I am definitely doing
maths a2
physics a2
art as
further maths as (in year 13)
but i need a final choice, any help? thanks

Definitey maths and further maths to A2, if you want that further 'edge' speak to your college about doing general further mathematics - It's an additional award if you complete all mathematics modules. You might have to self-study a few units and arrange it yourself but it will show independence and exceptional ability at maths.

Physics to A2 obviously.
Chemistry would also not be a bad idea as a small but significant amount of its content will be of use.

Reply 24

tory88

18

Original post by honor.dunham

I was thinking about doing further maths A level but I was slightly worried it might bring my grades down a bit compared to something else and do you know how doing an astrophysics degree would compare to general physics in later life if i did then decide to go into something astro physics related?
thanks :smile:

Some universities give lower offers to people who hold further maths. And really if you work hard at it there's no reason you won't do well if you're planning on going into physics.

A general physics degree is much more respected than a more specialised title, although of course that depends on the awarding university. Put it this way, a physics degree won't stop you getting into something astrophysical, but an astrophysics degree may (and probabably will) stop you getting into another area of physics (I.E. particle).

Reply 25

OP

Original post by tory88

Some universities give lower offers to people who hold further maths. And really if you work hard at it there's no reason you won't do well if you're planning on going into physics.

A general physics degree is much more respected than a more specialised title, although of course that depends on the awarding university. Put it this way, a physics degree won't stop you getting into something astrophysical, but an astrophysics degree may (and probabably will) stop you getting into another area of physics (I.E. particle).

thankyou! thats really encouraging and helpful :smile:

Reply 26

Chief Wiggum

20

Original post by Mr Inquisitive

Maths, Further Maths, Chem, Physics. Drop Chem for A2.

No point messing around with Art AS; it'll be completely irrelevant and incredibly hard to get high marks on due to the nature of it.

This is what I'd suggest as well.

Reply 27

flipflap99

dont do art, its a major distraction
do physics math further maths, id reccomend chemistry but seeing as youll be going for a physics degree first, do something youll find fun that youll get the grades in
im aware you may like art, but i stress do not do it.
all my art studying colleagues have sacrificed many a weekend on coursework, all for which is subjectively marked and may not reflect your true effort

Reply 28

StudentNath

Original post by honor.dunham

I am only planning of doing art as an As as it is a big passion of mine and i wanted to carry it on for as long as possible, i am willing to put in the extra time for it to compensate, do you think i would be better to do a full further maths A level instead of As or do something like philosophy instead and just have an As in further maths?
thanks :smile:

If you like art, then go for it. Do as you want as you'll already have physics, maths and further maths.
As for Further Maths, I would go for a full a level as it will look much better on your applications to universities.

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Reply 29

OP

Original post by yoitsro

dont do art, its a major distraction
do physics math further maths, id reccomend chemistry but seeing as youll be going for a physics degree first, do something youll find fun that youll get the grades in
im aware you may like art, but i stress do not do it.
all my art studying colleagues have sacrificed many a weekend on coursework, all for which is subjectively marked and may not reflect your true effort

thanks, yeh everybody has been saying to not do it and I am beginning to consider taking something different instead, thanks :smile:

Reply 30

OP

Original post by StudentNath

If you like art, then go for it. Do as you want as you'll already have physics, maths and further maths.
As for Further Maths, I would go for a full a level as it will look much better on your applications to universities.

Posted from TSR Mobile

I would do further maths A level but everybody is saying it is really hard and i need AAA really and so I am worried it might bring it down

Reply 31

StudentNath

Original post by honor.dunham

I would do further maths A level but everybody is saying it is really hard and i need AAA really and so I am worried it might bring it down

True, F. maths is harder but I've heard people say that it isn't really that much harder. If you already good at maths then it should be okay I guess.

In the end only you can decide.
good luck

Reply 32

the666thmessiah

17

Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry. If you do three to A2, do Physics, Maths, and Further Maths. I woudl recommend attempting all four to A2; as a 2nd year (university) chemistry student I can tell you that chemistry is quite applicable to all things cosmos.

Reply 33

Dkman99

I only take Core maths, stats, physics and Bio. Is that good enough or should i take further maths and chem?

Reply 34

ChaoticButterfly

20

Original post by Dkman99

I only take Core maths, stats, physics and Bio. Is that good enough or should i take further maths and chem?

Physics + Core Maths is all you need. The rest is up to you.

Reply 35

Dkman99

I only take Core maths, stats, physics and Bio. Is that good enough or should i take further maths and chem?

Reply 36

Dkman99

I only take Core maths, stats, physics and Bio. Is that good enough or should i take further maths and chem also?

Reply 37

fishstar

14

I have a friend who wants to study astrophysics, and they take Physics, Maths and Further Maths (they initially took chemistry and biology as well but decided they hated them)

Reply 38

hanu:)