MulderMan Posted August 20, 2006 Share Posted August 20, 2006 Just reviewing my choices for AS's next year, well month, but you know what I mean. Was thinking of taking chemistry, physics, computing, and another one, maybe maths. I dont really have an interest in maths (I know I should do!), but figured it may have its use for a level phys and chem, and science at the degree level. Can anyone provide some support for this? Also, I would be greatful for some recomendations of reading material for the physics and chemistry a-levels. I know the basics of the sylebuses, but always like to be ahead! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abskebabs Posted August 20, 2006 Share Posted August 20, 2006 I can only provide anecdotal evidence of this, but personally I found maths helps with physics and vice versa. The mathematics involved with Chemistry I found pretty easy, and if you're reasonable at maths you shouldnt have any problems. My advice would be to just make sure you have a good knowledge of all the units and what they mean. As for reading material, I think the textbooks you will be provided should be quite sufficient. That is, unless you're very unlucky and happen to land yourself in an OCR A-level physics course. Without a shadow of a doubt they are the worst textbooks I have ever tried to study or revise with. If you do happen to be this unlucky, I would recommend using other textbooks(even older ones, which I do have a preference for personally) and find chapters which cover the relevant areas of your syllabus. I did this for my revision this year. The same could be said if you happen to find yourself on a course with similiarly useless textbooks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drug addict Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 My recollection of A level maths was that it was a significant step up from GCSE (my school only let people who got A or A* do it), but I did my A-levels 99-01 and I've heard that they have changed the syllabus since then. Chemistry only needs pretty basic maths, stats was useful for biology. Going on to uni, A-level maths was definitely helpful as we had a five lecture course on calculus- those of us who had done maths didn't bother going and the others were so confused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajb Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 My own experiences are the same as Drug addict, the jump to A-level from GCSE is huge. Mathematics is not easy, but don't use that as a reason not to study it. A-level mathematics will help you get onto any degree sceme at university. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I agree in some respects. They've recently altered the A-level modules to make an easier transition from GCSE to A-level mathematics. That being said, I didn't find the transition particularly hard. Going from A-levels to University maths is a lot more of a challenge, in my opinion. Anyway, putting the time and effort into learning how to do these sorts of problems can only really help your application, especially if you're going to do a science-oriented subject at university. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klaynos Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I agree with Dave on this. Also bear in mind if you want to do a science at university they are very likely to want a maths A-Level, have a look around on http://www.ucas.ac.uk/search/index07.html for the subject areas you might be thinking about to see what universities are looking for... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajb Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 If they have made A-level easier, that would explain why first year students are weak in mathematical knowledge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J77 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 If you want to do any physics or engineering subject at uni, you'll need a-level maths! Probably applies to all other sciences too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 In singapore, we are doing A-levels too. we need A-level physics and maths to do engineering. anyway, A levels are really tough. i'm dying.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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