Alevel Physics or Biology

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)

I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)

Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...

Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

Reply 1

DataVenia

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Whenever I see people use phrases like, "I've heard the exam board..." and "(from what I've heard) most universities..." I silently scream, "Have you checked?!" at the screen. :smile:

I can't comment on the requirement to write an essay in your Biology A level, as you haven't mentioned your exam board. The subjects required by universities are listed both within the UCAS Search tool and on each universities own web site. I prefer the latter.

So pick a few random universities, or universities which appeal for some reason. and see what A level subjects they require. He's what University of Manchester (which I just picked at random) require for each of those two degrees:

Dentistry: "Our standard A-level offer is AAA including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology" (source).
Optometry: "AAA - AAB, including two science subjects (Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry)" (source).

So, using this sample of one (!), Chemistry, Maths and Biology would meet the entry requirements for both degrees, but Chemistry, Maths and Physics would prevent you applying for Dentistry (at Manchester). Hence why it's important to revisit your "I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay" comment. Which exam board would you sit Biology with?

Reply 2

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)
I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)
Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...
Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

Hi there,

In all honesty, lacking an A-Level in Biology will hinder your chances for dentistry. Most applicants apply with Biology, Chemistry and Maths and you may be perceived as someone who will struggle with the degree because you did not do Biology. You will be immediately rejected regardless of if you hit A*A*A*.
However, optometry seems a lot more relaxed with their subject requirements, and with this combo you would meet the subject requirements.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 3

carnaldrax

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)
I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)
Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...
Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

Hi, I’m currently studying A-Level Physics, and I remember being in your position, feeling unsure about whether to choose it because of the notorious belief that it’s much harder than GCSE Physics. And honestly… it is harder! But so is every A-Level subject. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
If you genuinely enjoy Physics, then you’ll be more motivated, and that really makes a difference. That’s the main reason I chose it, because I enjoyed it. Studying a subject you like will definitely help you get through the challenges during the year. Also, don’t forget that you can always change your subject choices early on if something doesn’t feel right. So don’t stress too much, give it a try and see how you feel!

Reply 4

crazymeowmeow

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)
I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)
Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...
Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

i say this as a medicine applicant that i did not enjoy biology at a level. in fact, i don't think i enjoyed a single lesson the whole two years. but if i had to go back and pick my a levels again, i would pick biology again, because i need it for medicine and studying outside lessons can be fun.

don't choose too much based on what you think you'll be good at. at a level, subjects will have a ridiculously insane amount of content to revise compared to gcses. you'll feel that way in year 12 at the start, then while preparing for your year 12 mocks, and then at the start of year 13 and at the end of year 13 where i am at now.

what i mean to say is, you're doubting your skill on something you haven't even witnessed yet. sure, you might hate it. i do ocr for a level biology. i dont have essays so i cannot advise you on essay writing. but i mean to say, if you want to do something, do it. skill can get you a reasonable degree of far in whatever you do, but having a strong will and working hard can get you further.

Reply 5

the_stu_DENT

Defo have bio under your belt, and chem, physics is a bonus
And choose Dentistry lol

Reply 6

Phelena

Definitely do bio for your degree requirements but I'd recommend physics as a fourth. Physics A-Level is definitely difficult but its grade boundaries are low (under 70% for A* sometimes) and it's usually fun.

Reply 7

Reality Check

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)
I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)
Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...
Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

It's hardly an 'essay' - you're not being asked to write a 4000 word analysis on metaphysical love poetry. The 20-marker to which I think you're referring is a very straightforward 'essay' where you get to show your synoptic knowledge. Extended writing in science subjects is commonplace as you progress, so it's something you'd need to get used to, really.

Reply 8

mehet07

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)
I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)
Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...
Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

The 25marker essay for AQA is not even that bad. I’ve just finished yr13 and the essay was one of my favourite parts, you get to show off your knowledge. All you do is AO1 topic then link to an AO2 topic and repeat atleast 3 times!

Reply 9

ayan huseynova

Original post

by the_stu_DENT

Defo have bio under your belt, and chem, physics is a bonus
And choose Dentistry lol

Why dentistry you think? I am also yr 12 student between perusing optometry or dentistry

Reply 10

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

Original post

by ThebrownOrange

Hi guys,
I'm aspiring to be a dentist or a optometrist in the future but right now I'm currently in year 11. I've already chosen my alevel options as Chemistry, Maths and Biology but I'm kinda hesitant in choosing biology as I've heard the exam board I'm doing requires us to write an essay ......(I don't like essays but you gotta do what you gotta do 🫤)
I'm pretty fond of physics atp but I'm pretty sure my perspective will change once I do alevel content. I'm aware that alevel physics is considerably more challenging than gcse physics, however I feel as though I'd regret not choosing physics but I have a feeling I'd be the only girl in my physics class (I already know that'll be awkward 😅....)
Essentially, I was wondering if picking physics over biology would hinder my chances of getting into either dentistry or optometry, (from what I've heard) most universities require alevel chemistry but I'm not sure about biology...
Thanks for taking the time to read this ☺️
Hope you have a nice day 🤗

Check the courses you want to do on unis websites to see what subjects they specify.
If they specify biology, then you are best off taking biology.
Could you not do physics and start with the 4 subjects? At least for the first few weeks anyway. See what you think of physics and the others, then drop your weakest one.

Reply 11

the_stu_DENT

Original post

by ayan huseynova

Why dentistry you think? I am also yr 12 student between perusing optometry or dentistry

Med is so screwed in the UK currently due to lack of speciality training posts
Optometry is bleak, lowered pay over the last few years, reduction in jobs and fixed salaries, with AI soon to take over most of UK optom work

Dentistry is flexible, pays well, great career, I make videos about this all the time on my socials

Check them out or get in touch, happy to help

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