Further Maths for Physics Degree?

OP

Original post by Killer Bean

Yeah, that's fine. I don't know of any universities that require further maths, so if you can self-teach C1, C2, M1 and get started on C3 over the summer, you could theoretically catch up with your normal class, and join them as normal, doing C4 as normal and sitting C1, C2, C3 and maybe M1 in January, and M2 and C4 in June. Of course it might be a bit of a bitch tainting your summer with work, but if you take it bit by bit, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to get it done while doing everything else you should be doing over the summer too.

Of course that would leave you without any further maths, but don't worry, it'll be fine - as I've said, nowhere requires it, especially if you explain your situation in your personal statement. Physics, Maths and Religious studies is a perfectly strong combination for a physics degree (along with Music tech/English Language if you feel inclined to take either to A2. The other subjects may not be directly pertinent to physics, but universities tend to appreciate the conscientiousness and well-roundness implied by their prescence), and along with a strong personal statement, there's no reason you shouldn't get offers from some decent universities. :smile:

Thanks a lot mate, you've really helped me make a concise decision about what to do. If it means getting into a uni for physics, I will be a bitch over the summer!
If I can get an A* in my physics I should have a alright chance :smile:

Reply 22

Phil1541

10

Original post by tommowg

Hi,

I'm doing my AS Levels currently and at the start of the year I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I picked my fav. subjects:
Physics
Music Technology
English Language
Religious Studies

Basically I now know I want to do a degree in physics and I know my subjects are not the ones for it! :tongue:

To get into a uni to do physics, would I need to take AS Maths and AS Further Maths? I would drop two subjects but keep physics + another for A2.

I need some help and advice on taking Maths and Further Maths please... :smile:

You need to have a full A level in Maths and Physics to get in.

Don't worry too much about Further Maths, I didn't have it and still got 4/5 offers and it was more down to my AS grades that I was rejected than me not taking Further Maths.

Take Maths, Physics, and music tech to A2 then I wouldn't bother with an AS in Further maths as I think you will have enough work as it is with learning the whole A level maths syllabus in 1 year.

Reply 23

blue_shift86

Original post by tommowg

To get into a uni to do physics, would I need to take AS Maths and AS Further Maths? I would drop two subjects but keep physics + another for A2.

I need some help and advice on taking Maths and Further Maths please... :smile:

my personal opinion is that maths a level would be great. And AS further maths is harder than A2 normal maths, so you might as well do a full a-level in maths. It also looks better than having 2xASs

Also, no i wouldn't bother with f.maths cos you'll do it in uni again anyway, and i found it tedious going over same stuff again so might as well just wait till u get to uni and do the advanced stuff.

Hope this helps, Good luck :smile:

Reply 24

OP

Original post by SmallTownGirl

As others have said, you WILL need both physics and maths at A2 as well as one other subject at A2. Don't bother with further maths. Where are you thinking of applying to? What are your predicted grades?

I'm thinking of applying to Nottingham, Southamton, Liverpool... to name a few.
My predicted grades at the start of the year were B/Cs but I got As in my january modules, so hopefully they should go up! :smile:

Reply 25

Extricated

Original post by StephenP91

100% do Further Maths and Maths.

Physics in University is Mathematics. You will definately have to take Mathematics to A-level. As for Further, you'll only need it for the Top Unversities, but regardleas you'll meet Further Maths in a Physics degree, but Maths will be taught on top of the degree.

I miss your sig.

Reply 26

OP

Original post by Phil1541

You need to have a full A level in Maths and Physics to get in.

Don't worry too much about Further Maths, I didn't have it and still got 4/5 offers and it was more down to my AS grades that I was rejected than me not taking Further Maths.

Take Maths, Physics, and music tech to A2 then I wouldn't bother with an AS in Further maths as I think you will have enough work as it is with learning the whole A level maths syllabus in 1 year.

Yeah I definately plan to do this if I can.
I'm going to have to be a nerd all year :biggrin:

Reply 27

Extricated

at the very least do maths.

Reply 28

OP

Original post by blue_shift86

my personal opinion is that maths a level would be great. And AS further maths is harder than A2 normal maths, so you might as well do a full a-level in maths. It also looks better than having 2xASs

Also, no i wouldn't bother with f.maths cos you'll do it in uni again anyway, and i found it tedious going over same stuff again so might as well just wait till u get to uni and do the advanced stuff.

Hope this helps, Good luck :smile:

Thanks a lot, I appreciate the opinions, it's helping!

Reply 29

Original post by tommowg

I'm thinking of applying to Nottingham, Southamton, Liverpool... to name a few.
My predicted grades at the start of the year were B/Cs but I got As in my january modules, so hopefully they should go up! :smile:

Well I applied to Sussex, Southampton, Bath, Bristol and York this year and all require at least an A in maths and physics and a B in another subject. I have looked at ABB unis that preferred the A to be in maths rather than physics.

Why those particular unis? What are you looking for in your degree?

Reply 30

limetang

19

You need A level maths. As for Further thats completely personal choice on your part.

Reply 31

OP

Original post by SmallTownGirl

Well I applied to Sussex, Southampton, Bath, Bristol and York this year and all require at least an A in maths and physics and a B in another subject. I have looked at ABB unis that preferred the A to be in maths rather than physics.

Why those particular unis? What are you looking for in your degree?

I know Nottingham Uni and Southamton Uni are well renowned for research, e.g. the black hole discovered by Southamton Uni. This interests me a lot and looks great on a CV.

Reply 32

Original post by tommowg

I know Nottingham Uni and Southamton Uni are well renowned for research, e.g. the black hole discovered by Southamton Uni. This interests me a lot and looks great on a CV.

Do you have a particular interest within physics? Because unis will specialise in different areas and these areas influence the modules within the degree.

Are you looking at doing a BSc or MPhys/MSci? You might want to consider whether a course is accredited by the IoP.

Reply 33

OP

Original post by SmallTownGirl

Do you have a particular interest within physics? Because unis will specialise in different areas and these areas influence the modules within the degree.

Are you looking at doing a BSc or MPhys/MSci? You might want to consider whether a course is accredited by the IoP.

I have an interest in theoretical particle physics and I am going to have to look into what the Institute of Physics 'accept' :smile:

Reply 34

Original post by tommowg

I have an interest in theoretical particle physics and I am going to have to look into what the Institute of Physics 'accept' :smile:

Yay. Another particle physicist. Except I'm an experimentalist. I think the IoP have a list of accredited degrees on their website but most unis will have it written somewhere on their physics page.

Reply 35

blue_shift86

Original post by SmallTownGirl

Yay. Another particle physicist. Except I'm an experimentalist. I think the IoP have a list of accredited degrees on their website but most unis will have it written somewhere on their physics page.

remind me of Sheldon Cooper and Leonard from the big bang theory :eek:

Hmm I wonder what Informed Choices has to say about this ...

Edit:

Spoiler

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 37

Lyndon1504

11

you need to do maths and physics at a2 to do physics at uni... further maths would help but not crucial

Reply 38