The Student Room Group

Will I Need Chemistry A Level?

While I know its not required i was wondering if im going to struggle at University level biology without doing chemistry a level, I do Maths, Biology and Philosophy, and am a hard worker therefore I get good grades in the subjects i do do etc, Ive recently received all my offers for Biology and just had a little bit of doubt about my chemistry ability carrying over, I got a 9 at GCSE (i know this is nothing compared to a level) but i was wondering if you think ill really struggle or if its not that deep, and if so is there anything I can read up on (thats not too weighty) before actually going to Uni.

Thanks.

Reply 1

Original post by AwesomeSillyBoy
While I know its not required i was wondering if im going to struggle at University level biology without doing chemistry a level, I do Maths, Biology and Philosophy, and am a hard worker therefore I get good grades in the subjects i do do etc, Ive recently received all my offers for Biology and just had a little bit of doubt about my chemistry ability carrying over, I got a 9 at GCSE (i know this is nothing compared to a level) but i was wondering if you think ill really struggle or if its not that deep, and if so is there anything I can read up on (thats not too weighty) before actually going to Uni.
Thanks.


no… if it’s not required then it obviously it is not required… it’s biology not chemistry mate

Reply 2

Original post by AwesomeSillyBoy
While I know its not required i was wondering if im going to struggle at University level biology without doing chemistry a level, I do Maths, Biology and Philosophy, and am a hard worker therefore I get good grades in the subjects i do do etc, Ive recently received all my offers for Biology and just had a little bit of doubt about my chemistry ability carrying over, I got a 9 at GCSE (i know this is nothing compared to a level) but i was wondering if you think ill really struggle or if its not that deep, and if so is there anything I can read up on (thats not too weighty) before actually going to Uni.
Thanks.


I’d say maybe research what elements of the course you want to do involve chemistry and maybe watch some YouTube videos for a level chemistry on those topics. That way you’ll have a foundation knowledge.

Reply 3

Entry requirements will vary between different Universities, and many Universities will want a second science/maths - but if a University clearly states that they don't require Chemistry A level, then you don't need Chemistry A level to apply.

Reply 4

Original post by AwesomeSillyBoy
While I know its not required i was wondering if im going to struggle at University level biology without doing chemistry a level, I do Maths, Biology and Philosophy, and am a hard worker therefore I get good grades in the subjects i do do etc, Ive recently received all my offers for Biology and just had a little bit of doubt about my chemistry ability carrying over, I got a 9 at GCSE (i know this is nothing compared to a level) but i was wondering if you think ill really struggle or if its not that deep, and if so is there anything I can read up on (thats not too weighty) before actually going to Uni.
Thanks.

i think i phrased it wrong, i know that its not required but i was wondering if its a big part of the course and ill struggle with out it,

Reply 5

Original post by McGinger
Entry requirements will vary between different Universities, and many Universities will want a second science/maths - but if a University clearly states that they don't require Chemistry A level, then you don't need Chemistry A level to apply.

yeah bro ive alr got all my offers i mean like will i struggle if i dont do it while at uni,
Original post by AwesomeSillyBoy
While I know its not required i was wondering if im going to struggle at University level biology without doing chemistry a level, I do Maths, Biology and Philosophy, and am a hard worker therefore I get good grades in the subjects i do do etc, Ive recently received all my offers for Biology and just had a little bit of doubt about my chemistry ability carrying over, I got a 9 at GCSE (i know this is nothing compared to a level) but i was wondering if you think ill really struggle or if its not that deep, and if so is there anything I can read up on (thats not too weighty) before actually going to Uni.
Thanks.

Hi AwesomSillyBoy,

After reading your enquiry, I did some research & I think I have an answer for you. These are just example university courses that I have looked at & I am unsure if it is different for other universities.

Manchester University: They would like you to do Chemistry to study Biology at their uni

Bristol University: They too, would like you to do Chemistry to study Biology

University of Bath: They would also like you to do Chemistry


What University are you applying to for Biology?

Kind regards,
Jiya Mahmood
Forensic Medical Science Year 2
University of Bradford Student Room Rep
Original post by AwesomeSillyBoy
While I know its not required i was wondering if im going to struggle at University level biology without doing chemistry a level, I do Maths, Biology and Philosophy, and am a hard worker therefore I get good grades in the subjects i do do etc, Ive recently received all my offers for Biology and just had a little bit of doubt about my chemistry ability carrying over, I got a 9 at GCSE (i know this is nothing compared to a level) but i was wondering if you think ill really struggle or if its not that deep, and if so is there anything I can read up on (thats not too weighty) before actually going to Uni.
Thanks.

Hi there!

So firstly, I did A-Level biology, chemistry and english literature. I did Biological Sciences with specialization in Medical Biology at university. There was only one 'chemistry' module taught during my first year which was called the biochemical foundations of life, and linked concepts of Biology and Chemistry together. In your first year, you are essentially laying out the foundations for your second and third year. Chemical concepts that are required are covered from scratch. Additionally, you will have access to textbooks that are also helpful. A Biological Sciences degree doesn't involve a lot of chemistry, and you are certainly not at any disadvantage! I know people that did History, French and Biology at A-Level and went on to achieve first class degrees.

If you are interested in reading up on chemistry before you start your degree, I would recommend perhaps borrowing an A-Level chemistry textbook from a friend and just browsing through so you have an idea of content you may learn in your degree. But be careful of burn out! The summer after you finish you A-Levels in meant to be a break, so don't push yourself too much :smile:

Hope this helps!

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

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