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What A-Levels should I do?
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I’m in year 11, choosing my A-Levels, and in the future I am pretty confident (but not absolutely certain) that I want to do a scientific degree (such as Biomedical Science, Neuroscience etc), so I’m planning on doing Biology and Maths, and I also want to do English Literature as it is one of my favourite subjects and I don’t want to restrict myself to science, in case I regret it later.
My issue, however, is trying to decide between Physics and Chemistry as my fourth A-Level. I did not take Chemistry at GCSE (we can choose sciences individually at my school), and although I feel it would be the best subject for me to take at A-Level, I fear that I might really struggle with it, since it is known for being very difficult. As far as physics is concerned, I do it at GCSE but I do not like it very much. I would preferably take Chemistry but i’m concerned that it will be too difficult, so should I go for it, or stick with Physics.
If it’s at all relevant, I tend to do very well in my subjects at GCSE (A* in everything), and would be willing to look over Chemistry content the summer before AS, but i’m still struggling to decide if it would be a wise choice or not worth it.
My issue, however, is trying to decide between Physics and Chemistry as my fourth A-Level. I did not take Chemistry at GCSE (we can choose sciences individually at my school), and although I feel it would be the best subject for me to take at A-Level, I fear that I might really struggle with it, since it is known for being very difficult. As far as physics is concerned, I do it at GCSE but I do not like it very much. I would preferably take Chemistry but i’m concerned that it will be too difficult, so should I go for it, or stick with Physics.
If it’s at all relevant, I tend to do very well in my subjects at GCSE (A* in everything), and would be willing to look over Chemistry content the summer before AS, but i’m still struggling to decide if it would be a wise choice or not worth it.
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#2
no point doing chem A-level if you haven't done it a gcse. I don't think sixth forms/colleges would let you, unless you were like a prodigy. That being said it seems you'd need chemistry for the degrees you want to do (need as in make a competitive application to a good uni) so self teaching and acting like you're a genius to the sixth form/college you want to go to may be an option haha.
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#3
(Original post by Luca Ward)
I’m in year 11, choosing my A-Levels, and in the future I am pretty confident (but not absolutely certain) that I want to do a scientific degree (such as Biomedical Science, Neuroscience etc), so I’m planning on doing Biology and Maths, and I also want to do English Literature as it is one of my favourite subjects and I don’t want to restrict myself to science, in case I regret it later.
My issue, however, is trying to decide between Physics and Chemistry as my fourth A-Level. I did not take Chemistry at GCSE (we can choose sciences individually at my school), and although I feel it would be the best subject for me to take at A-Level, I fear that I might really struggle with it, since it is known for being very difficult. As far as physics is concerned, I do it at GCSE but I do not like it very much. I would preferably take Chemistry but i’m concerned that it will be too difficult, so should I go for it, or stick with Physics.
If it’s at all relevant, I tend to do very well in my subjects at GCSE (A* in everything), and would be willing to look over Chemistry content the summer before AS, but i’m still struggling to decide if it would be a wise choice or not worth it.
I’m in year 11, choosing my A-Levels, and in the future I am pretty confident (but not absolutely certain) that I want to do a scientific degree (such as Biomedical Science, Neuroscience etc), so I’m planning on doing Biology and Maths, and I also want to do English Literature as it is one of my favourite subjects and I don’t want to restrict myself to science, in case I regret it later.
My issue, however, is trying to decide between Physics and Chemistry as my fourth A-Level. I did not take Chemistry at GCSE (we can choose sciences individually at my school), and although I feel it would be the best subject for me to take at A-Level, I fear that I might really struggle with it, since it is known for being very difficult. As far as physics is concerned, I do it at GCSE but I do not like it very much. I would preferably take Chemistry but i’m concerned that it will be too difficult, so should I go for it, or stick with Physics.
If it’s at all relevant, I tend to do very well in my subjects at GCSE (A* in everything), and would be willing to look over Chemistry content the summer before AS, but i’m still struggling to decide if it would be a wise choice or not worth it.
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#4
(Original post by Anti-Fem)
Bad news OP, you can't do English Lit if you are planning for a science degree, it just won't fit in. Good news though. I assume you are taking physics GCSE, I recommend taking physics, maths, further maths and then Biology and going straight into engineering
Bad news OP, you can't do English Lit if you are planning for a science degree, it just won't fit in. Good news though. I assume you are taking physics GCSE, I recommend taking physics, maths, further maths and then Biology and going straight into engineering
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#5
From what I gathered from my fellow sixth formers, maths was maths while Physics was hella maths. So how gud is your maths?
In your position I'd take the one I liked more, cause if you stick with it then you will be doing it for 2 years and you don't want 2 years of a subject you don't at least somewhat like.
In your position I'd take the one I liked more, cause if you stick with it then you will be doing it for 2 years and you don't want 2 years of a subject you don't at least somewhat like.
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#6
(Original post by igotohaggerston)
not true, a girl at my college in Cambridge got into medicine with english lit. unis only ask for 3 A-levels 4th can be what ever you want lol.
not true, a girl at my college in Cambridge got into medicine with english lit. unis only ask for 3 A-levels 4th can be what ever you want lol.
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#7
(Original post by Retired_Messiah)
From what I gathered from my fellow sixth formers, maths was maths while Physics was hella maths. So how gud is your maths?
In your position I'd take the one I liked more, cause if you stick with it then you will be doing it for 2 years and you don't want 2 years of a subject you don't at least somewhat like.
From what I gathered from my fellow sixth formers, maths was maths while Physics was hella maths. So how gud is your maths?
In your position I'd take the one I liked more, cause if you stick with it then you will be doing it for 2 years and you don't want 2 years of a subject you don't at least somewhat like.
To the OP I'd recommend chemistry. If you're an able student you'd certainly be able to pick up anything you didn't do at GCSE, and I remember the first parts of most of the modules being GCSE revision anyway. Chemistry would definitely help for anything like biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology ect. and is more of a natural fit with biology than physics.
Or you could ditch English lit and take all 3 sciences.
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#8
(Original post by sindyscape62)
That isn't true about physics, the A level contains only basic maths, and many parts of it are quite qualitative.
To the OP I'd recommend chemistry. If you're an able student you'd certainly be able to pick up anything you didn't do at GCSE, and I remember the first parts of most of the modules being GCSE revision anyway. Chemistry would definitely help for anything like biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology ect. and is more of a natural fit with biology than physics.
Or you could ditch English lit and take all 3 sciences.
That isn't true about physics, the A level contains only basic maths, and many parts of it are quite qualitative.
To the OP I'd recommend chemistry. If you're an able student you'd certainly be able to pick up anything you didn't do at GCSE, and I remember the first parts of most of the modules being GCSE revision anyway. Chemistry would definitely help for anything like biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology ect. and is more of a natural fit with biology than physics.
Or you could ditch English lit and take all 3 sciences.
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#9
(Original post by Anti-Fem)
4 A-Levels are very hard to do, and having English Lit as a subject is useless, as it isn't related to the course. What other subjects did that person do?
4 A-Levels are very hard to do, and having English Lit as a subject is useless, as it isn't related to the course. What other subjects did that person do?
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#10
(Original post by igotohaggerston)
Chem, Bio, Maths. It seems like the OP is planning on doing 4 anyway so it shouldn't be a problem. Also from what I hear the more biological science subjects tend to have quite a bit of essay writing hence it would definitely not be useless at all if she did English lit. Like I said before 3 scientific A-Levels and one fun one isn't a restriction since unis only give out offers based on 3 A-Levels. The existence of broccoli doesn't affect the taste of chocolate.
Chem, Bio, Maths. It seems like the OP is planning on doing 4 anyway so it shouldn't be a problem. Also from what I hear the more biological science subjects tend to have quite a bit of essay writing hence it would definitely not be useless at all if she did English lit. Like I said before 3 scientific A-Levels and one fun one isn't a restriction since unis only give out offers based on 3 A-Levels. The existence of broccoli doesn't affect the taste of chocolate.
Also I do biology A level, there is no such essay writing - it's a lot of memorising and recalling.
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#11
(Original post by Luca Ward)
I’m in year 11, choosing my A-Levels, and in the future I am pretty confident (but not absolutely certain) that I want to do a scientific degree (such as Biomedical Science, Neuroscience etc), so I’m planning on doing Biology and Maths, and I also want to do English Literature as it is one of my favourite subjects and I don’t want to restrict myself to science, in case I regret it later.
My issue, however, is trying to decide between Physics and Chemistry as my fourth A-Level. I did not take Chemistry at GCSE (we can choose sciences individually at my school), and although I feel it would be the best subject for me to take at A-Level, I fear that I might really struggle with it, since it is known for being very difficult. As far as physics is concerned, I do it at GCSE but I do not like it very much. I would preferably take Chemistry but i’m concerned that it will be too difficult, so should I go for it, or stick with Physics.
If it’s at all relevant, I tend to do very well in my subjects at GCSE (A* in everything), and would be willing to look over Chemistry content the summer before AS, but i’m still struggling to decide if it would be a wise choice or not worth it.
I’m in year 11, choosing my A-Levels, and in the future I am pretty confident (but not absolutely certain) that I want to do a scientific degree (such as Biomedical Science, Neuroscience etc), so I’m planning on doing Biology and Maths, and I also want to do English Literature as it is one of my favourite subjects and I don’t want to restrict myself to science, in case I regret it later.
My issue, however, is trying to decide between Physics and Chemistry as my fourth A-Level. I did not take Chemistry at GCSE (we can choose sciences individually at my school), and although I feel it would be the best subject for me to take at A-Level, I fear that I might really struggle with it, since it is known for being very difficult. As far as physics is concerned, I do it at GCSE but I do not like it very much. I would preferably take Chemistry but i’m concerned that it will be too difficult, so should I go for it, or stick with Physics.
If it’s at all relevant, I tend to do very well in my subjects at GCSE (A* in everything), and would be willing to look over Chemistry content the summer before AS, but i’m still struggling to decide if it would be a wise choice or not worth it.
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#12
(Original post by sindyscape62)
That isn't true about physics, the A level contains only basic maths, and many parts of it are quite qualitative.
To the OP I'd recommend chemistry. If you're an able student you'd certainly be able to pick up anything you didn't do at GCSE, and I remember the first parts of most of the modules being GCSE revision anyway. Chemistry would definitely help for anything like biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology ect. and is more of a natural fit with biology than physics.
Or you could ditch English lit and take all 3 sciences.
That isn't true about physics, the A level contains only basic maths, and many parts of it are quite qualitative.
To the OP I'd recommend chemistry. If you're an able student you'd certainly be able to pick up anything you didn't do at GCSE, and I remember the first parts of most of the modules being GCSE revision anyway. Chemistry would definitely help for anything like biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology ect. and is more of a natural fit with biology than physics.
Or you could ditch English lit and take all 3 sciences.
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#14
(Original post by igotohaggerston)
Not true A2 physics contain stuff in A -Level further maths mechanics, which i wouldn't call "basic maths" at that level. I'm just saying from my experience basically everyone I know who got A*s in physics did at least AS further maths.
Not true A2 physics contain stuff in A -Level further maths mechanics, which i wouldn't call "basic maths" at that level. I'm just saying from my experience basically everyone I know who got A*s in physics did at least AS further maths.
There was overlap between the mechanics in physics and maths, but the physics was always much simpler, and mostly about plugging numbers into formulas.
I agree that almost everyone who does well at physics also takes maths/further maths, but I think this is because they require the same skills and the revision overlaps rather than the maths material being necessary.
I was mainly arguing against the other poster who said physics has more maths than maths does - I agree they're good subjects to take together.
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#15
(Original post by Anti-Fem)
I get what you mean, but I think doing 4 will just give unecessary stress to OP, its better if OP just focuses on those 3 subjects and gets really good grades, rather than getting 4 A levels with avg grades.
Also I do biology A level, there is no such essay writing - it's a lot of memorising and recalling.
I get what you mean, but I think doing 4 will just give unecessary stress to OP, its better if OP just focuses on those 3 subjects and gets really good grades, rather than getting 4 A levels with avg grades.
Also I do biology A level, there is no such essay writing - it's a lot of memorising and recalling.
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#16
(Original post by igotohaggerston)
Also, although I didn't do chemistry a lot of "able" students have told me it is a very big jump from GCSE. I'd say being an "able" student may give you the ability to pick up some subjects at A-Level,but from what I hear chemistry isn't one of them and I'd be very surprised if any sixth form/ college let the OP do chem having no understanding of it at the basic level.
Also, although I didn't do chemistry a lot of "able" students have told me it is a very big jump from GCSE. I'd say being an "able" student may give you the ability to pick up some subjects at A-Level,but from what I hear chemistry isn't one of them and I'd be very surprised if any sixth form/ college let the OP do chem having no understanding of it at the basic level.
Obviously if they've done no chemistry at all it would be a big challenge to do it at A level (although probably not impossible if they were prepared to work at it)
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#17
(Original post by sindyscape62)
I only took A level physics a couple of years ago, and the it didn't even include calculus, let alone any differential equations, complex numbers ect. Obviously it may have changed, but I think the A levels are designed to be independent of each other.
There was overlap between the mechanics in physics and maths, but the physics was always much simpler, and mostly about plugging numbers into formulas.
I agree that almost everyone who does well at physics also takes maths/further maths, but I think this is because they require the same skills and the revision overlaps rather than the maths material being necessary.
I was mainly arguing against the other poster who said physics has more maths than maths does - I agree they're good subjects to take together.
I only took A level physics a couple of years ago, and the it didn't even include calculus, let alone any differential equations, complex numbers ect. Obviously it may have changed, but I think the A levels are designed to be independent of each other.
There was overlap between the mechanics in physics and maths, but the physics was always much simpler, and mostly about plugging numbers into formulas.
I agree that almost everyone who does well at physics also takes maths/further maths, but I think this is because they require the same skills and the revision overlaps rather than the maths material being necessary.
I was mainly arguing against the other poster who said physics has more maths than maths does - I agree they're good subjects to take together.
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#18
(Original post by sindyscape62)
My understanding was that the OP had done something along the lines of double science rather than triple, so they're still learning chemistry and are being examined in it, they just haven't done the maximum amount possible. It would be very strange for a student to have the choice to do no science at GCSE (not sure that's allowed by the government either).
Obviously if they've done no chemistry at all it would be a big challenge to do it at A level (although probably not impossible if they were prepared to work at it)
My understanding was that the OP had done something along the lines of double science rather than triple, so they're still learning chemistry and are being examined in it, they just haven't done the maximum amount possible. It would be very strange for a student to have the choice to do no science at GCSE (not sure that's allowed by the government either).
Obviously if they've done no chemistry at all it would be a big challenge to do it at A level (although probably not impossible if they were prepared to work at it)
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#19
To be honest, the Maths in Physics A level is trivial compared to the Maths in Maths A level (obviously).
It's usually just plugging into formulas and trigonometry and simple vectors. But the Maths in Physics can be hard for those who hate mathematics as a subject.
It's usually just plugging into formulas and trigonometry and simple vectors. But the Maths in Physics can be hard for those who hate mathematics as a subject.
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#20
(Original post by thekidwhogames)
To be honest, the Maths in Physics A level is trivial compared to the Maths in Maths A level (obviously).
It's usually just plugging into formulas and trigonometry and simple vectors. But the Maths in Physics can be hard for those who hate mathematics as a subject.
To be honest, the Maths in Physics A level is trivial compared to the Maths in Maths A level (obviously).
It's usually just plugging into formulas and trigonometry and simple vectors. But the Maths in Physics can be hard for those who hate mathematics as a subject.
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