Med or biochem (pharma or something medicinal)? going to sixth form

9

As a GCSE student picking his A levels, I have chosen biology and chemistry, yet I am not sure about my third and am debating between maths and psychology
I have several options here
- Chose maths, do an EPQ based on psychology
- Chose psychology, do core maths (if offered) or an EPQ
- Chose BOTH maths and psychology
I am predicted - as of now - a 9 in maths, bio, and chem
I am also predicted 8 in English lang and 7-8 in lit
If I choose 4 a levels, I would like to do them without the intention to drop one, since I've hear that this practice is generally frowned upon. But I do not know if I need 4 a levels, I just know I would like to do psychology, and that maths is very useful
The thing is, I don't hate maths, I like it, but I'm not SUPER passionate about it. I look at it as a skill to use in other subjects and doing questions is fun. We never get a taste of psychology at GCSE level, but I'm interested in it and I imagine it will be quite fascinating.
Additionally, I also looked at universities, and for medicine and biochem, generally I only need bio and chem and a third a level of choice. For biochem, I would imagine maths is preferred, and more medicine, it doesn't matter that much. But I also asked my teacher for advice (he has friend's who work in medicine) and he said that while medicine is very interesting, one downside is it is not very organised. I know both are quite employable, and pay well, but I don't know what path to go down here. I'm interested in both, yet I don't want any regret.
What do I do? Also, please tell me about other biochem jobs that are medicinal or pharma.

Reply 1

LondonMetIz

Official Rep

6

Original post

by Bananaman575

As a GCSE student picking his A levels, I have chosen biology and chemistry, yet I am not sure about my third and am debating between maths and psychology
I have several options here
- Chose maths, do an EPQ based on psychology
- Chose psychology, do core maths (if offered) or an EPQ
- Chose BOTH maths and psychology
I am predicted - as of now - a 9 in maths, bio, and chem
I am also predicted 8 in English lang and 7-8 in lit
If I choose 4 a levels, I would like to do them without the intention to drop one, since I've hear that this practice is generally frowned upon. But I do not know if I need 4 a levels, I just know I would like to do psychology, and that maths is very useful
The thing is, I don't hate maths, I like it, but I'm not SUPER passionate about it. I look at it as a skill to use in other subjects and doing questions is fun. We never get a taste of psychology at GCSE level, but I'm interested in it and I imagine it will be quite fascinating.
Additionally, I also looked at universities, and for medicine and biochem, generally I only need bio and chem and a third a level of choice. For biochem, I would imagine maths is preferred, and more medicine, it doesn't matter that much. But I also asked my teacher for advice (he has friend's who work in medicine) and he said that while medicine is very interesting, one downside is it is not very organised. I know both are quite employable, and pay well, but I don't know what path to go down here. I'm interested in both, yet I don't want any regret.
What do I do? Also, please tell me about other biochem jobs that are medicinal or pharma.

Hi there! I currently study Biomedical Science at London Metropolitan University!

My course is IBMS accredited which provides a lot of opportunity going into work, especially for areas such as histopathology or microbiology if I were to work in a hospital laboratory. Work experience for companies such as GSK, Pfizer or a hospital placement would also be great for employability, but I have yet to do one of those. I just bring this up because you mentioned working in an area of pharmacy or medicine. Degree apprenticeships are also an option for some of these companies, where you work in the biochemical industry while studying for a degree that they'll cover the cost for.

For my course, biology was the only subject-specific requirement for A-Levels, and I chose Biology, Physics and Computer Science. 4 is a very impressive goal!! Just remember that a lot of courses only require 3 so you could save some energy and focus on your first three choices. Of course, this is all your personal choice and it's amazing to see you aim so high!!

Ultimately and only from my own experience,I would recommend choosing a third A-Level that you want to do and that you'll enjoy. Doing maths just because you think you need to runs the risk of burning you out, and A-Levels are a stressful time already. A lot can change and opportunities will constantly come up that will give you more experience than an A-Level could. At this stage, get your required A-Levels in the bag and focus on doing your very best at those, and for your third you could totally explore psychology since it's an area of interest to you!

Core maths or an EPQ sound like a great choice if you wanted to push yourself further than the 3 A-Levels! They only require a year as opposed to the full 2 years of another A-Level, so I think you have some great ideas! They're also great for bumping up your personal statement.

You seem really passionate about the field which is amazing to see! I know you'll go really far with this dedication. Just try not to push yourself Too hard during this time as well because I know how easy it is to feel stressed about the future.
I wish you the best of luck in your studies!! If you have any more questions about employability in this field, feel free to reach out!

Reply 2

Bananaman575

OP

9

My main issue is that I don't know if I will enjoy psychology or not. It is an essay based subject, and broadens my horizons,. but I am not sure about what is preferred over what in universities. I'm simply worried about being put at a disadvantage if I choose to do psychology over maths. I also want to know what its like doing 4 a levels as each a level is an extra 185 hours of study roughly over two years. Also, I've considered doing biomedicine, but I've heard from multiple people that just a degree in biomedicine is not highly employable, and that you also need to have work experience or transition into traditional medicine, or biochemistry to have more options. Is this true?

Reply 3

grey_cloud

12

As long as the uni website for the courses doesn't say it requires or prefers maths, then taking psych will not put u at any disadvantage. Also, to getter a better idea of psych at A level maybe look at an A level specification from an exam board, or have a little look through a psych textbook (borrow one from your school's psych department maybe?). Maybe research one of the topics further and see what its like/ whether you are interested.

Reply 4

McGinger

20

he said that while medicine is very interesting, one downside is it is not very organised.

Meaning what exactly.

Reply 5

Bananaman575

OP

9

Original post

by McGinger

he said that while medicine is very interesting, one downside is it is not very organised.
Meaning what exactly.

i suspect he meant that as the average junior doctor in the uk, you spend a lot of time being frustrated with incompetence, disorganisation of others, the NHS, night shifts, etc etc. While I have really no problem with this, I'm simply wondering if biochemistry might be the path to take

Med or biochem (pharma or something medicinal)? going to sixth form

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