How useful is doing a course in physics (A-Level) for studying medicine?

Hi, I’d like to know if it’s worth taking A-Level Physics, particularly if doing so would make me a better physician. Will I still learn the necessary physics at university, making it unnecessary to take the course now? I’m planning to study at the University of Luxembourg, and from what I understand, A-Level Biology and Chemistry are the main requirements.

I’m considering taking A-Level Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and either Physics or French or German. I’m unsure if Physics is worth the effort, since taking French or German at A-Level could be really beneficial. I’m currently learning French, and I plan to study German later. Would skipping Physics in favor of a language be a better choice?

Reply 1

usycool1

I did physics in A-Level and am a doctor now.

I've not found the physics in A-Level that I learnt that helpful in my practice now. It does help with some theoretical things at times (e.g. I am doing an echo course at the moment and it can help with some of the theory...although it's a very small amount) but even then, the level of knowledge that I need is usually GCSE level rather than A-Level.

If you like Physics, go for it. If not, go for a a language. Just do the one you enjoy more/think you're more likely to do better in.

Reply 2

alejabrianna

Original post by usycool1

I did physics in A-Level and am a doctor now.
I've not found the physics in A-Level that I learnt that helpful in my practice now. It does help with some theoretical things at times (e.g. I am doing an echo course at the moment and it can help with some of the theory...although it's a very small amount) but even then, the level of knowledge that I need is usually GCSE level rather than A-Level.
If you like Physics, go for it. If not, go for a a language. Just do the one you enjoy more/think you're more likely to do better in.

Thanks a lot for answering, I think I'll go for the languages then, bc I need them.

Reply 3

sound-famous-

Original post by alejabrianna

Hi, I’d like to know if it’s worth taking A-Level Physics, particularly if doing so would make me a better physician. Will I still learn the necessary physics at university, making it unnecessary to take the course now? I’m planning to study at the University of Luxembourg, and from what I understand, A-Level Biology and Chemistry are the main requirements.
I’m considering taking A-Level Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and either Physics or French or German. I’m unsure if Physics is worth the effort, since taking French or German at A-Level could be really beneficial. I’m currently learning French, and I plan to study German later. Would skipping Physics in favor of a language be a better choice?

Medicine admissions tutors have told me they like applicants with A-Level Physics because it develops a certain problem solving skill that other sciences don't have as much emphasis on which they really valued. However, this was the opinion of a small group of people, and certainly not every medicine admissions tutor will feel this way. While there are some valid reasons to choose physics, ultimately you should choose any third subject that you will enjoy and do well in, as it won't matter that much.

Also, a language is really great, and I would never recommend against taking one, so if you'll do well in one of those then a language would be a great choice instead too.