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Chemistry for Physics Degree

Would I need Chemistry at A-Levels for Physics, or can I drop it. I am taking Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, and I want to do a physics degree, hopefully in Oxford University.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

It's not necessary or beneficial (relative to any other subject) for admissions purposes in itself.

I have been told by a friend who did a physics degree (not at Oxford) and took chemistry (but not FM) that some of the chemistry concepts were useful in understanding some of the stuff they encountered in first year (although he contended that he had to catch up on some of the maths stuff as he hadn't done FM). So if you like it, it's not a bad choice.

But if you don't like it and are already taking 3 subjects, you could well drop it :smile:

The only potential caveat to be aware of is I believe they typically want to see you complete 3 sets of A-level exams in one sitting/year. So if your school teaches A-level Maths/FM such that you cover all of A-level Maths in year 12 and take the exams for A-level Maths at the end of year 12, then do all of FM in year 13 and take the exams for FM in year 13 with your other subjects, if you drop to only doing physics/maths/FM you would only have 2 sets of A-level exams in one sitting/year in year 13 which may be an issue potentially...?