Can I take physics instead of biology when applying for medicine?

Hey, I hate plants and despite looking into the AQA Biology A and discovering that human biology is a large part of the AS modules there is still some ecology involved which just doesn't appeal to me.
I want to study medicine and will study maths, chemistry and Spanish alongside whichever subject I choose, but can I study physics instead and still get offers?
Thank you :smile:

Reply 1

Padwas

i would not recommend it bio and medicine go hand in hand like maths and engineering

Reply 2

Changing Skies

I think it'd extremely limit your options, I'm no medic but I'd definitely go for biology.

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Reply 3

muonz

I took maths to study physics but I sure as hell do not enjoy learning about probability. It's about compatibility. You'd be far better off studying biology. As you said human biology is a large part of the course still so to exempt it because you do not like ecology would not be a wise choice!

Reply 4

jadpan

Usually you need it at a c at AS if not offered at A level although this depends where you apply. I would personally recommend you do it, I hated all the plant and ecology stuff but it was a pretty fun subject and usually a good bet for a high grade! The biology and chemistry are pretty handy and so is maths especially staristics. I would say either do physics and biology or just the biology but don't overload on subjects!

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Reply 5

Vodka

Always hated learning about plants, biodiversities and evolution etc, but once I started the course, they are actually quite enjoyable.

If you are serious about taking medicine then take up biology. Biology isn't a must for medicine but the majority of the universities prefer people taking them. Not taking biology limits your choices of university (only Aberdeen, East Anglia, Leeds and Sheffield consider applicants not taking biology if I am correct), doing only AS biology opens up a few more universities that are willing to consider you, doing a full A level biology will make all the med schools available for you. :smile:

Reply 6

Chief Wiggum

I think you'd be limiting your options a fair bit. Probably better to do Biology - surely you can cope with a bit of ecology, it's hardly that bad...

Reply 7

Democracy

Just do biology - there'll be lots of things at med school which you won't find interesting either, but you just need to get through it all the same. Doing biology will definitely increase the range of med schools which you'll be able to apply to.

Reply 8

username1155925

Some medical schools don't mind if you don't take biology, but in my opinion you want to keep your options open. I do AQA biology, and yes, the ecology stuff can be boring, but you just have to bear it and keep your long term goals in mind. You do also do some human stuff, such as lung and heart function and disease :smile:

Reply 9

nexttime

There is a human biology a-level, but i'll assume that's not an option.

You don't have to do biology, but it limits your options. Chemistry is the more essential subject. Look at this resource and the university websites - all requirements will be clearly stated.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 10

MedicalMike

Original post by TheBookWorm101

Few med schools say they require Biology at A2

Many med schools say they require Biology at AS

I would say you don't want to close any doors, if you're capable take Biology. It would maximise your chanced of getting in in the long term.

Reply 11

woodpecker

Original post by TheBookWorm101

I thought exactly like this when I was choosing A levels, but I ended up taking biology. AS (I did AQA too :smile:

) isn't too bad in terms of ecology. I found that there was enough human stuff in there to keep me interested. (I would say don't carry it on to A2 though if you don't like ecology because unit 4 is virtually pure ecology!)

At the end of the day, as long as it's only the ecology/plant stuff that's putting you off taking it, I'd say that that's a small price to pay for the much larger choice of medical schools you'll be able to apply to.

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Reply 12

em.d_4

Original post by TheBookWorm101

Personally I find ecology etc ****, even my biology teacher dislikes it. It wouldnt be a major issue for many unis to not have biology however from what I understand it'd put you at a disadvantage in first year. You may also face questions as to why someone who wants to study the body fforever has chosen not to do so at a level. Disliking plants won't cut it as an answer

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Reply 13

TheBookWorm101

Original post by Vodka

Thank you all for your responses :smile:

Could I take it up to AS then pursue the other 3 sciences instead, since, the AS units seem manageable but A2 seems impossible with AQA as an exam board

Reply 14

TheBookWorm101

So.. Based on all of your responses bio is inevitable, but, can I drop it at AS instead, then?

Reply 15

ermm

A friend of mine did Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Economics and got interviews from all 4 choices. On the other hand, many of my friends had Maths, Chemistry, Biology + another academic subject and didn't get all their interviews. You should look at which Uni's place more emphasis on academics and which prefer other qualities and then choose accordingly. You could always do both and drop Biology after AS, although it will be a larger workload

Reply 16

em.d_4

Original post by TheBookWorm101

So.. Based on all of your responses bio is inevitable, but, can I drop it at AS instead, then?

It not impossible to do that but most people wouldn't recommend it

Reply 17

Exon

Most applicants are going to have A2 Biology or equivalent. I wouldn't if I were you.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 18

Vodka

Original post by TheBookWorm101

Thank you all for your responses :smile:

Could I take it up to AS then pursue the other 3 sciences instead, since, the AS units seem manageable but A2 seems impossible with AQA as an exam board

You can but decide on that AFTER you have finished your AS exams and have received your results. But nevertheless, A2 biology is where the fun comes in!

PS: If you can't handle A2 Biology, what makes you think you can handle 5/6 years of medschool?