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Original poster

Physics A Level - without Maths?

59 replies

ilovemydogandmrobama2 · 29/09/2021 11:43

DD1 is Y11 but is struggling somewhat with A level choices.

She still doesn't really know what she wants to do career wise so she is basing A levels off of what subjects she enjoys, which I think is probably best.

She loves physics and does reasonably well, but really doesn't want to do Maths A level. Her teacher says that it's possible to do Physics without it, but am wondering if this would limit any university choices?

Thoughts?

OP posts:
MissingInk · 29/09/2021 13:21

Agree. Makes life more difficult during A Levels and would limit choices quite a lot with a degree. Unless her other subjects are something like English/Art/History/Politics etc and she sees herself going in that direction - in which case it won't matter.

CrumbleLady · 29/09/2021 13:18

I'd agree with the PPs. Physics without maths is just making life hard for yourself. The two are complementary and definitely have overlaps.

She'd make extra work for herself having to learn the relevant maths whilst the others in the class would already know it and be able to concentrate on applying the maths techniques to their physics.

BornIn78 · 29/09/2021 13:16

I know her teacher said it’s possible, but will her choice of sixth form/college allow her to do physics and not maths? My sons college just won’t allow this.

SkunkButRug · 29/09/2021 13:15

I did it but wouldn't recommend it. Both or neither Smile

IglesiasPiggl · 29/09/2021 13:15

What else would she be doing it with? It's definitely more common to do maths alongside. Most science degrees would prefer two relevant science plus maths, than 3 sciences but no maths. But if she doesn't want to do a science degree she might be OK, but it would probably limit her uni choices.

RampantIvy · 29/09/2021 13:15

At DD's school they weren't allowed to do A level physics without A level maths.

There is a lot of maths in A level physics.

PurpleDaisies · 29/09/2021 13:13

What’s she thinking of doing at uni? She’ll need maths if she wanted to do physics.

I wouldn’t recommend physics without maths a level.

Orangejuicemarathoner · 29/09/2021 13:12

The two subjects compliment each other, and the overlap means a slightly decreased work load. She should do both together

titchy · 29/09/2021 13:11

Although it's possible I really wouldn't recommend it. Even where Maths isn't required for the degree, in reality pretty much all Physics and Engineering students will have Maths A level - and a good proportion will have FM as well.