Chemistry or Physics HEEELPP

Original post by finding dory

hii, i am currently studying english, history, ict and maths for as level however i received a C in chemistry and physics and biology gcse, my teacher is aware that i have the ability to do all three and was just as confused with the grades i received, i really want to do a science in a levels so i have been given a chance to retake the science that i would like to do next year and use my gap year to complete it, however i dislike biology and have no intention of doing biology for a levels at all, so I'm basically tied between chemistry and physics i am aware that physics has a lot of workload and the fact that I'm taking two essay subjects i don't know please i would like some opinions.. what do u think i should take and thank u in advance :smile:

Is it not a bit late in the year to change your AS choices?

Reply 2

kelefi

19

personally from my experience (i did all 3 sciences at AS and am doing them at A2 now as well) physics is by FAR the least demanding science, both in terms of work load and exams. although i would say that its a difficult science to study, because there are things you will learn that will make your mind go "nope", i would highly reccomend physics. chemistry however opens up more doors at degree level, so id think carefully about which you take :smile:

just for reference;
science - workload - exams - enjoyability - revision time needed
biology - 10 - 8 - 3 - 9
chemistry - 9 - 9 - 6 - 7
physics - 2 - 5 - 9 - 3

Reply 3

AH127

Chemistry is much harder at A level than Physics is, at least from my own experience and that of people I know.

Reply 4

Kevin De Bruyne

21

If you're confident with Maths lean towards Physics. If not then Chemistry.

Personally, I found Chemistry to be a bit more challenging than Physics (I lean towards Maths).

Reply 5

OP

Original post by liquity

Is it not a bit late in the year to change your AS choices?

I am allowed to retake science at gcse level and next year take that retaken science at as level and use my gap year to complete it :smile:

Reply 6

OP

Original post by kelefi

personally from my experience (i did all 3 sciences at AS and am doing them at A2 now as well) physics is by FAR the least demanding science, both in terms of work load and exams. although i would say that its a difficult science to study, because there are things you will learn that will make your mind go "nope", i would highly reccomend physics. chemistry however opens up more doors at degree level, so id think carefully about which you take :smile:

just for reference;
science - workload - exams - enjoyability - revision time needed
biology - 10 - 8 - 3 - 9
chemistry - 9 - 9 - 6 - 7
physics - 2 - 5 - 9 - 3

thank you so much this was really helpful :smile:

Reply 7

Little_Tigger

7

I take all three sciences and maths, seeing as you take maths I would advise physics because maths and physics cross over. If you enjoy practical work, i would say there are more opportunities to do practicals in chemistry than physics. Especially if you are taking the applied unit mechanics in maths, physics would definitely be very useful! :smile:

Reply 8

kelefi

19

Original post by Little_Crazy_KK

I take all three sciences and maths, seeing as you take maths I would advise physics because maths and physics cross over. If you enjoy practical work, i would say there are more opportunities to do practicals in chemistry than physics. Especially if you are taking the applied unit mechanics in maths, physics would definitely be very useful! :smile:

just to expand a little here; physics and maths (modules M1 at AS and M2 at A2 in most schools, some schools do these modules at different times) strongly interlink with one another. actually, about a third of your physics grade will be down to things you will be taught in mechanics (although you will also be taught it in physics).

also, physics is actually more enjoyable at A level than at GCSE, because you get into the really cool stuff like quantum theory. chemistry is also interesting, but many of my friends and colleagues found it to be quite boring because of the amount of work you need to put in. there simply isnt enough time to enjoy the fun bits, whereas in physics you will only need about 1/2 the year to learn the course, after which you can revisit the nice easy bits and also improve on your weak spots :smile:

Reply 9

Original post by finding dory

I am allowed to retake science at gcse level and next year take that retaken science at as level and use my gap year to complete it :smile:

Oh okay, what subject are you swaying towards more?

Reply 10

OP

Original post by liquity

Oh okay, what subject are you swaying towards more?

as in career wise or as in which i enjoy more?

Reply 11

Original post by finding dory

as in career wise or as in which i enjoy more?

Both

Reply 12

OP

Original post by liquity

Both

lol okay so career wise: i am not so sure but my subjects at the moment are leading to careers like law (english and history) or maths related if i do physics probably engineering as u can see i have not yet made my decision on careers but am trying to keep my options open

regarding enjoyment i dislike biology completely, chemistry and physics I'm at the same level and i have no preference between the two so I'm not sure which i should pick :smile:

Reply 13