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Biological Sciences at Cambridge, without maths A Level?

I am hoping to apply to Cambridge in the October of 2015, to do Natural Sciences. The subjects I am interested in would be almost entirely Biological, so, Biology of Cells etc.

I am currently taking my AS Levels - Bio, Chem, English Lit. and History (and Psychology over 2 years) and I am slowly becoming more and more concerned about my decision to not take AS Maths.

Even though the Biological side of the NatSci Tripos appears to not require a huge deal of complex maths, I am wondering whether or not I should have taken it after all. I got an A* in all three sciences at GCSE, an A* in Maths a year early, and then went on to achieve an A in IGCSE Further Maths, but felt that the AS was not for me, as I love my other subjects and really wanted to maintain a variety across my AS choices. According to some of my friends who did the IGCSE and now take AS Maths, the syllabus is actually very similar!

Overall, I would really like to find out how much of a disadvantage I am at, in terms of application, considering my lack of AS Maths. So, if anybody who is studying Biological Sciences or similar (at Cambridge or anywhere else) could offer their advice, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you very much!
(edited 9 years ago)
Reply 1
Avatar for Roxxstar
Roxxstar
7
Hi. I'm not in university yet however I also hope to study Biological sciences at Cambridge and I have researched the subject quite a bit. They do have an elementary Maths for biologists option which only requires a gcse Maths qualification so I think you should be fine. I really don't want to do Maths but I'm taking to As level just to be on the safe side. I doubt you're at a disadvantage though. Just focus on getting good grades in your current subjects :smile:
Reply 2
Avatar for MrJAKEE
MrJAKEE
5
Original post by Meloddymaybe
I am hoping to apply to Cambridge in the October of 2015, to do Natural Sciences. The subjects I am interested in would be almost entirely Biological, so, Biology of Cells etc.

I am currently taking my AS Levels - Bio, Chem, English Lit. and History (and Psychology over 2 years) and I am slowly becoming more and more concerned about my decision to not take AS Maths.

Even though the Biological side of the NatSci Tripos appears to not require a huge deal of complex maths, I am wondering whether or not I should have taken it after all. I got an A* in all three sciences at GCSE, an A* in Maths a year early, and then went on to achieve an A in IGCSE Further Maths, but felt that the AS was not for me, as I love my other subjects and really wanted to maintain a variety across my AS choices. According to some of my friends who did the IGCSE and now take AS Maths, the syllabus is actually very similar!

Overall, I would really like to find out how much of a disadvantage I am at, in terms of application, considering my lack of AS Maths. So, if anybody who is studying Biological Sciences or similar (at Cambridge or anywhere else) could offer their advice, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you very much!


From when I remember looking at the course there was an option for biologists to study biological maths only requiring gcse maths, so I think you should be fine. AS maths isn't that hard if you've got the aptitude, you could easily take it as an extra AS if you're that worried.


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Reply 3
Avatar for alow
alow
19
Do A Level maths if you can, some colleges already require it for NatSci and I know that some others are considering making it a requirement (only one out of the 37 NatScis at Homerton take EMB). Plus, it's easy and will look good for any university.
I'm studying NatSci at Cambridge - and the Bio options don't require A level Maths, so you should be ok - however you are only offering two science subjects which would be more of a concern (basically, your subject choices only just meet the entrance requirements). There is a Maths option in first year aimed at people without A level Maths, and if you are only studying Bio subjects you won't need much complicated Maths knowledge.

However, if you have the opportunity to pick up AS/ A level Maths next year I would recommend it - it would keep more options open for modules at Cambridge/ make the Maths option easier/ keep other university options open. Also, as you said, the syllabus isn't much harder than your IGCSE Further Maths - so it wouldn't be much more work.
I think I will take AS Maths next year, just to be on the safe side. Thank you for your replies!

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