Physics for A-Levels?
Scroll to see replies
Original post by Chelle-belle
Ah does Cambridge not offer Physics then
I've heard you have to study all three for two years or something and then specialise.
I took 8, you should do 8 or more, if you really want to stand out
Oxbridge don't stand for anything less
Oxbridge don't stand for anything less
Like many have said, six A-levels would be irrelevant.
I do five [English Literature, History, Economics, Mathematics & Politics] and it proves to be quite a lot.
If you're planning on doing Physics or Mathematics in University then Mathematics, Further Maths and Physics is plenty (and maybe English Literature/History as a fourth A-level to show versatility).
I do five [English Literature, History, Economics, Mathematics & Politics] and it proves to be quite a lot.
If you're planning on doing Physics or Mathematics in University then Mathematics, Further Maths and Physics is plenty (and maybe English Literature/History as a fourth A-level to show versatility).
Original post by OS92
Economics is a "blacklisted" subject
- No, Economics is not a "blacklisted" subject. Mathematics is preferred, but Economics certainly isn't blacklisted.
Original post by KingofSpades
I took 8, you should do 8 or more, if you really want to stand out
Oxbridge don't stand for anything less
Oxbridge don't stand for anything less
Sarcasm?
Original post by Mr Inquisitive
Like many have said, six A-levels would be irrelevant.
I do five [English Literature, History, Economics, Mathematics & Politics] and it proves to be quite a lot.
If you're planning on doing Physics or Mathematics in University then Mathematics, Further Maths and Physics is plenty (and maybe English Literature/History as a fourth A-level to show versatility).
I do five [English Literature, History, Economics, Mathematics & Politics] and it proves to be quite a lot.
If you're planning on doing Physics or Mathematics in University then Mathematics, Further Maths and Physics is plenty (and maybe English Literature/History as a fourth A-level to show versatility).
Thanks for the reply. Wouldn't it be a good idea to take Chemistry along side Physics as well?
Definitely. If you can handle it, you should do it.
But you may seem rather one-dimensional if you're completely science orientated. If you're set on Physics or another science as a career and degree choice, then I would probably advise Chemistry along side Mathematics, Further Maths and Physics just to show awesomeness.
But you may seem rather one-dimensional if you're completely science orientated. If you're set on Physics or another science as a career and degree choice, then I would probably advise Chemistry along side Mathematics, Further Maths and Physics just to show awesomeness.
Original post by aliakhtar
How about Biology as well? The Natural Sciences course at Cambridge teaches all three so wouldn't it be a good idea to do all three?
If you do natural sciences, you say when you apply whether you want to specialise in either Biological or Physical NatSci.
For example, I've applied for Physical NatSci and if I get in, my degree will look like this:
1st year: Maths, Physics, Chemistry & Materials/CompSci/Geology
2nd year: Maths, Physics A, Physics B
3rd year: Experimental and Theoretical Physics
4th year: Experimental and Theoretical Physics
As you can see, you can become a straight "physicist" in the second year. You could do some biology if you wanted, but it's definitely not compulsory. You can definitely get your fair share of physics and maths, and the DAMTP has an outstanding reputation
Here's a link to Cambridge's course structure: http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ps/structure/
You definitely don't have to do any biology; that's what's great about Cambridge's course - you don't have to marginalise yourself as a "chemist", "biologist" or "physicist". The sciences are linked, and the course lets you tailor your degree to your wants/needs.
Original post by Mr Inquisitive
.
- No, Economics is not a "blacklisted" subject. Mathematics is preferred, but Economics certainly isn't blacklisted.
- No, Economics is not a "blacklisted" subject. Mathematics is preferred, but Economics certainly isn't blacklisted.
I know that, but you could try reading the whole thread and you'll see that I corrected myself. It's not blacklisted but it's only "of limited use for arts subjects"; doesn't change the fact that it's completely useless for science at Cambridge, though
(edited 13 years ago)
Physics at A-level is alright, but it no way is like University level which is applied Mathematics.
Original post by OS92
It's not blacklisted but it's only "of limited use for arts subjects"
http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/index.php?pageid=604 - Hmm?
Original post by StephenP91
Physics at A-level is alright, but it no way is like University level which is applied Mathematics.
So there's an even bigger jump from A-Level Physics to Uni Physics?
Original post by aliakhtar
So there's an even bigger jump from A-Level Physics to Uni Physics?
Of course.
Original post by aliakhtar
So there's an even bigger jump from A-Level Physics to Uni Physics?
Well you should come to expect that naturally. If you ever plan to take Physics to Uni then Maths and Further Maths is a must or at least Maths.
Original post by OS92
If you do natural sciences, you say when you apply whether you want to specialise in either Biological or Physical NatSci.
For example, I've applied for Physical NatSci and if I get in, my degree will look like this:
1st year: Maths, Physics, Chemistry & Materials/CompSci/Geology
2nd year: Maths, Physics A, Physics B
3rd year: Experimental and Theoretical Physics
4th year: Experimental and Theoretical Physics
As you can see, you can become a straight "physicist" in the second year. You could do some biology if you wanted, but it's definitely not compulsory. You can definitely get your fair share of physics and maths, and the DAMTP has an outstanding reputation
Here's a link to Cambridge's course structure: http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ps/structure/
You definitely don't have to do any biology; that's what's great about Cambridge's course - you don't have to marginalise yourself as a "chemist", "biologist" or "physicist". The sciences are linked, and the course lets you tailor your degree to your wants/needs.
I know that, but you could try reading the whole thread and you'll see that I corrected myself. It's not blacklisted but it's only "of limited use for arts subjects"; doesn't change the fact that it's completely useless for science at Cambridge, though
For example, I've applied for Physical NatSci and if I get in, my degree will look like this:
1st year: Maths, Physics, Chemistry & Materials/CompSci/Geology
2nd year: Maths, Physics A, Physics B
3rd year: Experimental and Theoretical Physics
4th year: Experimental and Theoretical Physics
As you can see, you can become a straight "physicist" in the second year. You could do some biology if you wanted, but it's definitely not compulsory. You can definitely get your fair share of physics and maths, and the DAMTP has an outstanding reputation
Here's a link to Cambridge's course structure: http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ps/structure/
You definitely don't have to do any biology; that's what's great about Cambridge's course - you don't have to marginalise yourself as a "chemist", "biologist" or "physicist". The sciences are linked, and the course lets you tailor your degree to your wants/needs.
I know that, but you could try reading the whole thread and you'll see that I corrected myself. It's not blacklisted but it's only "of limited use for arts subjects"; doesn't change the fact that it's completely useless for science at Cambridge, though
That makes life much easier now. I can stick to 4 A-Levels now if I want to do either Physics or Economics. Thanks, this has been wonderful help and I will check out the link you have mentioned in a while
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by Mr Inquisitive
Of course.
Isn't the biggest jump in education from GCSE to A-Level? This is what my teachers have been telling me for the last two years
Original post by aliakhtar
Physics and Maths are the subjects I love in GCSE. Physics is like my passion, it is the one subject that I do extra research on and I even wrote a few articles on it. I'm predicted 11 A*'s in GCSE's so instead of taking 4 AS Levels I want to differentiate myself and take 6 AS Levels.
Physics
Maths
Further Maths
Chemistry
English Language or Literature
Economics
Would those be good subject choices for studying Physics in the future as a undergraduate in university?
Physics
Maths
Further Maths
Chemistry
English Language or Literature
Economics
Would those be good subject choices for studying Physics in the future as a undergraduate in university?
no need for economics.
if u merk them 5 a levels and get at least 6+ a*'s which looks likely as your predicted 11 a*'s...the academic side to uni is sorted 
Original post by aliakhtar
That makes life much easier now. I can stick to 4 A-Levels now if I want to do either Physics or Economics. Thanks, this has been wonderful help and I will check out the link you have mentioned in a while
No problem, hope you make the right choices
Original post by Mr Inquisitive
Stop nitpicking and find something else fun to do, economics is still useless for physics.
Original post by aliakhtar
Isn't the biggest jump in education from GCSE to A-Level? This is what my teachers have been telling me for the last two years
Well, the GCSE - A-Level jump is different for everyone. As you're tested purely on strengths at A-Level rather than broadly as done in GCSE, it's a rather big jump if you're not picking things you're particularly strong at.
The main jump to University is independent study - and lots of it.
Original post by Mr Inquisitive
Well, the GCSE - A-Level jump is different for everyone. As you're tested purely on strengths at A-Level rather than broadly as done in GCSE, it's a rather big jump if you're not picking things you're particularly strong at.
The main jump to University is independent study - and lots of it.
The main jump to University is independent study - and lots of it.
So basically A-Levels is just a build-up to what your going to experience at Uni. It's a bit like the build up from Key Stage 3 to GCSE right?
Would Further Maths really later on in Uni or can you just start the concepts fresh at Uni?
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- A-level Exam Discussions 2024
- A level physics or chem?
- Need help picking a levels
- Can I do engineering without chemistry in a levels
- Is the physics in an Engineering degree much harder than A Level physics?
- Physics degree without maths alevel?
- Cambridge
- chemical engineering
- How important is maths in a-level physics?
- Physics A-Level
- math or physics degree?
- a level subjects for chemical engineering
- Is it possible to do A level Physics, chemistry and Biology ?
- A Level Options?
- A Level Choices Help (Aqa Physics V Chemistry)
- Is Physics A-Level even THAT hard?
- Chemistry or physics A level
- Alevel options
- Isaac physics quantum mechanics primer difficulty level
- Fourth a-level as a private candidate.
