Advanced Higher Mechanics?

Hello,
Last year I severely underperformed in my Highers. This year I am trying to perform to a much better standard, and I am currently studying AH Maths, Physics and Maths of Mechanics.

A plan I had in my mind was to either take a gap year after S6, or attend a nearby university for a year and leave to start first year at an English university. I plan on studying Physics, and I was wondering if Mechanics is seen as a different subject to Maths or Physics? No English, or even Scottish, website mentions Mechanics in their entry requirements. I originally thought that Mechanics was the Scottish version of the English Further Maths? My school doesn't offer Statistics either.

Thank you !

Reply 1

Bhuvi112233

It's great to hear that you're aiming to improve your performance this year! Regarding your questions about the subjects you're studying and how they relate to university entry requirements, here’s a detailed breakdown:
### Understanding Mechanics in the Context of University Admissions
1. **Mechanics as a Subject**:
- **Mathematics of Mechanics** (often referred to simply as Mechanics) is typically a branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects and the forces acting on them. In the context of Scottish Higher Education, Mechanics is generally considered a part of Physics rather than a separate subject.
- English universities often list Physics and Mathematics as prerequisites for courses in Physics, but they may not explicitly mention Mechanics since it is assumed to be part of a comprehensive Physics curriculum.
2. **University Entry Requirements**:
- Many universities in the UK, including those in England and Scotland, emphasize **A Level Physics** and **A Level Mathematics** for courses in Physics. The omission of Mechanics in entry requirements may simply reflect an assumption that all prospective students will have a foundational understanding of Mechanics through their study of Physics.
- Some universities do consider Further Mathematics as beneficial, especially for physics or engineering courses. Since you mentioned that your school does not offer Statistics or Further Mathematics, it's essential to clarify directly with the universities you're interested in whether your current qualifications will meet their requirements.
3. **Gap Year vs. Attending a Nearby University**:
- Taking a gap year can provide you with valuable time to enhance your academic profile, whether through work experience, independent study, or other educational pursuits. It can also give you a chance to prepare specifically for the requirements of English universities.
- Alternatively, attending a nearby university for a year can help you acclimate to university-level studies and strengthen your application. Many universities accept students from various educational backgrounds, so completing a year of study in subjects relevant to your future degree may strengthen your application.
### Recommendations:
- **Contact Universities Directly**: Reach out to the admissions departments of the universities you are interested in. They can provide specific guidance on how your qualifications are viewed and whether Mechanics is considered adequate preparation for their Physics programs.
- **Research Entry Requirements**: Websites like [UCAS](https://www.ucas.com/) provide comprehensive information about entry requirements for various courses across UK universities. Additionally, university prospectuses often have detailed information about the subjects they require.
### Conclusion
In summary, while Mechanics is not explicitly listed in many entry requirements for Physics courses, it is usually encompassed within the Physics syllabus. Given your situation, it would be beneficial to clarify with potential universities regarding how they view Mechanics in conjunction with your other qualifications. Best of luck with your studies and future applications!