Biochemistry without maths?

I’m currently in year 12 and studying biology, chemistry, history and french. I’m hoping to study biochemistry at university (possibly combined with french) but I know that some universities, particularly Oxford, which I’m hoping to apply to, often want maths as well.
I considered taking maths at A level, but decided that, as a pure subject, I just really didn’t enjoy it and, whilst I always did well in class, my exam results were too unpredictable for it to be a safe bet; in addition, I really love history and thought that I may as well take this chance to take it beyond GCSE, because I enjoy it.
I can do maths, and have an 8 in further maths at GCSE, but I was wondering if I should complete another maths course/ do some self -study to show that I can do the requisite maths for the course?
TL;DR: How necessary is maths really to be considered for biochemistry at Oxford/Imperial, and should I self-study more of it to improve my chances?

Reply 1

McGinger

18

You don't need A level Maths.

Bath - AAB in three A levels including A in Biology and A in Chemistry.

Manchester - AAA-AAB, including grades AA in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics and Mathematics

Birmingham - AAB to include A level Chemistry and a second science

Sheffield - AAB including Chemistry and a second science

Bristol - AAA including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject

East Anglia (UEA) - ABB including Chemistry.

Sussex - BBB including Chemistry

Etc etc.

Reply 2

squiddy135

OP

11

Original post by user120384

defo try to do maths as it is good for unis in ur application.

i am a tutor myself and i can teach and help u with maths,bio and chem if u need as i got 2a* and 1 a in bio

Thanks, I’m not going to be able to do a maths qualification as I barely have enough time as it is to do 4 A levels, but do you think it would still help if I self-studied certain elements? Do you know what might be most important to learn?

Reply 3

McGinger

18

Original post by squiddy135

Thanks, I’m not going to be able to do a maths qualification as I barely have enough time as it is to do 4 A levels, but do you think it would still help if I self-studied certain elements? Do you know what might be most important to learn?

See my post above - you don't NEED Maths.

Reply 4

dunnott

6

From the Oxford Biochemistry webpage - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/biochemistry-molecular-and-cellular

A-Level Requirements:
A*AA including Chemistry and another Science or Mathematics.

The A* must be in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, or a very closely related subject

So, as long as you continue do Biology and Chemistry and can get an A* in one of these, you're eligible to apply without Maths.

Reply 5

squiddy135

OP

11

Original post by dunnott

From the Oxford Biochemistry webpage - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/biochemistry-molecular-and-cellular

A-Level Requirements:
A*AA including Chemistry and another Science or Mathematics.

The A* must be in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, or a very closely related subject

So, as long as you continue do Biology and Chemistry and can get an A* in one of these, you're eligible to apply without Maths.

Thanks, I should be able to do that - I’ve spent a fair amount on that website but it’s good to hear from people that it isn’t (covertly) compulsory. I think I’ll still look through some stuff - demonstrate commitment and all that - but thanks, that’s reassuring.

Reply 6

user120384

7

Original post by squiddy135

Thanks, I’m not going to be able to do a maths qualification as I barely have enough time as it is to do 4 A levels, but do you think it would still help if I self-studied certain elements? Do you know what might be most important to learn?

i would say its better to focus on ur 3 a levels now rather than self study certain elements from maths. make sure u get good predicted grades and if u have any upcoming mocks and all.

good luck bro, dm if u need any other help.

Reply 7

totallyfine

9

I would drop History and focus on the other grades

Reply 8

Jess_Lomas

17

Like the post above shows many doesn't need maths
I'm at Sheffield and they have an optional module for people who didn't do maths A-level to learn things such as logs so that they can understand the maths in the course so i think many unis might do something like that so I wouldn't worry about it

Reply 9

ape2006

1

Original post by McGinger

You don't need A level Maths.

Bath - AAB in three A levels including A in Biology and A in Chemistry.

Manchester - AAA-AAB, including grades AA in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics and Mathematics

Birmingham - AAB to include A level Chemistry and a second science

Sheffield - AAB including Chemistry and a second science

Bristol - AAA including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject

East Anglia (UEA) - ABB including Chemistry.

Sussex - BBB including Chemistry

Etc etc.

Do I need math for Edinburgh?
So I am an Indian student and I had math till grade 10. I dropped math in grades 11 and 12 and chose physics, chemistry, biology, sculpture, and English instead.
I am interested in pursuing a bsc biochem and wondered if Edinburgh needed math for bsc biochem?

Reply 10

squiddy135

OP

11

Original post by ape2006

Do I need math for Edinburgh?
So I am an Indian student and I had math till grade 10. I dropped math in grades 11 and 12 and chose physics, chemistry, biology, sculpture, and English instead.
I am interested in pursuing a bsc biochem and wondered if Edinburgh needed math for bsc biochem?