A Level subject choices for Physics!
Hi Everyone,
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
Original post
by TeamTyDai20Hi Everyone,
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
Hi! Both options look great, but I would be biased to say Chemistry as this A-level offers a wider range of University course opportunities.
Reply 2
Original post
by TeamTyDai20Hi Everyone,
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
Hi,
It’s really up to you, but I’d definitely recommend taking A-level Chemistry. It keeps more options open for university and has many resources available to help with studying. I’d be happy to share some of these, along with revision tips, if you’d like.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep
Reply 3
Do whichever one you're more interested in/think you can perform best in.
From a qualifications standpoint, it doesn't sound like it matters if you're as set on physics as you say you are.
As far as I know, for physics, universities will care about maths, physics, (and fm depending on the institution). If you've got those 3 a-levels that they like, then they shouldn't care whether another a-level is in chemistry/electronics/spanish/whatever - i.e., only the letter grade will really figure (if at all, as your offers will mostly be on 3 a-levels only).
The resources might make it more worth doing chem if you think that would stress you out for electronics (although electronics sounds fun! I hadn't realised it was an a-level until today).
From a qualifications standpoint, it doesn't sound like it matters if you're as set on physics as you say you are.
As far as I know, for physics, universities will care about maths, physics, (and fm depending on the institution). If you've got those 3 a-levels that they like, then they shouldn't care whether another a-level is in chemistry/electronics/spanish/whatever - i.e., only the letter grade will really figure (if at all, as your offers will mostly be on 3 a-levels only).
The resources might make it more worth doing chem if you think that would stress you out for electronics (although electronics sounds fun! I hadn't realised it was an a-level until today).
Reply 4
14
Original post
by TeamTyDai20Hi Everyone,
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
For experimental particle physics, an electronics background would be more helpful. For teaching, either would work since you would have a degree in physics in either case.
Check out these: https://compos.web.ox.ac.uk/compos-follow-along-programme, https://solvay-education-programme.web.cern.ch/online-course, https://ppc.web.cern.ch/, https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/arkwright-engineering-scholarships/, https://beamlineforschools.cern/, https://solvay-education-programme.web.cern.ch/student-camps
Reply 5
Original post
by TeamTyDai20Hi Everyone,
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
My school has started to get us thinking about A level options and I am certain that I want to study physics at uni so therefore I defo want to take physics, fm and maths. However, I am considering a 4th option, either electronics or chemistry. I am really interested in both of these subjects and I am currently studying gcse electronics and also separate science. So far, i am doing well in both.
I want to pursue experimental particle physics, however, I am also considering a career as a secondary school physics teacher mainly as a backup, but it's also something that I'm interested in so I'm not too sure which one of the two subjects is more helpful. I am also a bit of a control freak when it comes to studying and academics, so ideally I would want lots of resources, and this is something that electronics lacks!
I suppose the question is which of the subjects would universities prefer?
Any help is very much appreciated
Either is fine, or any other subject for that matter 🙂 Take something you enjoy!
Reply 6
Hey,
Great to hear that you're considering studying Physics at university! At the University of Leicester, we ask for Physics and Maths as subject requirements for A-levels, but your third A-level can be in any subject. As others have said, it's a good idea to choose something you really enjoy, especially if you're certain you'd like to study Physics. If you think you might change your mind, then it might be worth looking into other subject requirements for other potential options for that third A-level choice.
If you want to get a taste of what studying Physics is like at university, we're running a virtual taster lecture in January that you might be interested in. This is completely free, and hosted online on Teams.
Monitoring Climate Change from Space
Wednesday 7th January, 5pm - 6pm
Sign up here
All the best with your studies,
Daisy
Great to hear that you're considering studying Physics at university! At the University of Leicester, we ask for Physics and Maths as subject requirements for A-levels, but your third A-level can be in any subject. As others have said, it's a good idea to choose something you really enjoy, especially if you're certain you'd like to study Physics. If you think you might change your mind, then it might be worth looking into other subject requirements for other potential options for that third A-level choice.
If you want to get a taste of what studying Physics is like at university, we're running a virtual taster lecture in January that you might be interested in. This is completely free, and hosted online on Teams.
Monitoring Climate Change from Space
Wednesday 7th January, 5pm - 6pm
Sign up here
All the best with your studies,
Daisy
Quick Reply
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