What do I need to get in to Oxbridge?

for biology at oxbridge (or anywhere, in fact) chemistry a-level is absolutely essential, and maths is recommended too. you wouldn't be considered for biology, i'm afraid


Posted from TSR Mobile

for biology at oxbridge (or anywhere, in fact) chemistry a-level is absolutely essential, and maths is recommended too. you wouldn't be considered for biology, i'm afraid


Posted from TSR Mobile

You don't need it for Oxford which I only just read and it's so weird!

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/biological-sciences

oh, my apologies!! i was almost sure you'd need chemistry to get on any biology course, let alone oxbridge, but i guess i'm wrong xD i'm sure cambridge requires it, but as it is oxford is much more flexible.


Posted from TSR Mobile

I think it's strange because all the other russells ask for it

Also, Cambridge is different. You apply for Natural Sciences at Cambridge so the courses are different and I think there are some essential modules (Tripos') within the Chem', Bio' and Phys' sectors.

i know, but in the natsci course if you want to do biology of cells as one of your three subjects in the first year, chemistry essential whilst biology is only "useful" :'D god, the number of hours i've spent on the cambridge website gazing longingly at the natural sciences page :/


Posted from TSR Mobile

I want to do Biology. I would actually prefer to go to Oxford, I think the atmosphere would suit me a lot better as it's a bigger town and not too far from London.

I never got that. Biology has the necessary Biochem' whilst Chemistry as all about rocks, chemicals and bonds... I genuinely see a very SLIGHT crossover.

I am very worried it won't suit me/ I won't fit in. I enjoy going clubbing with my friends and socialising, I'm not sure I want to sacrifice that for a spot at university. I also feel that I am not passionate enough about going, I am worried I'll take someone's place who would give everything to get in.

English lit, Psychology, Photography and Biology. Do you think Photography will be frowned upon?

I want to do Biology. I would actually prefer to go to Oxford, I think the atmosphere would suit me a lot better as it's a bigger town and not too far from London.

I want to take Biology

An understanding of Chemistry is essential for advanced Biology - when you get down to the molecular level, Chemistry is invaluable (although of course it's unnecessary for things like Physiology/Zoology).




You can still enjoy clubbing and socialising at Oxbridge, not everyone is an autistic shut-in...




You'd very much struggle to get into Cambridge with only one science subject, but Oxford is possible.




Both Oxford and Cambridge are very close to London (close enough for a day trip, if you wanted, but neither close enough to go for a night out). Oxford is not much bigger population-wise, but the university is spread over a larger area.

I know it's essential in areas but I don't see why a strongly advanced level is necessary such as A2 Level chemistry.

In A2 chemistry you learn things such as pH, thermodynamics, transition metal properties, rates of reactions, loads of organic compounds, including amino acids. All these are vital for biology.

Fair enough! It was a genuine question. I still am a little confused as to why it's more necessary than Biology... don't you cover a lot of that in Biology because it is relevant? As I say, genuine question. I've done neither... yet. So I don't know.

think of it as biology simply being applied chemistry :')


Posted from TSR Mobile

An understanding of Chemistry is essential for advanced Biology - when you get down to the molecular level, Chemistry is invaluable (although of course it's unnecessary for things like Physiology/Zoology).




You can still enjoy clubbing and socialising at Oxbridge, not everyone is an autistic shut-in...




You'd very much struggle to get into Cambridge with only one science subject, but Oxford is possible.




Both Oxford and Cambridge are very close to London (close enough for a day trip, if you wanted, but neither close enough to go for a night out). Oxford is not much bigger population-wise, but the university is spread over a larger area.

Very insightful comments. Although I would like to add that I did not expect the students to be 'autistic shut-ins'. I just simply thought that they would be much more focussed and driven than myself- another reason why I may not fit the bill