A level choices Biology instead of Physics

[mizu]

Posted about DD2 doing A - levels to go on to do engineering a while ago and got some really useful advice so I am back 😀

She is now definitely doing maths, product design and economics and was going to do physics too but doesn't really want to!! She is down to do it but if she changes it, would like to replace it with another science.

She says she would prefer to do biology instead. Other science options are chemistry or environmental science but she is not keen on those either. I like the look of environmental science but DD has turned her nose up at that and says it is a subject that is not as valuable as other sciences.

Her heart is not set on engineering tbh although she is still interested but I am just wondering if biology goes with maths and her other subjects...... the only other options are politics, history or PE...... it's so hard to decide when she doesn't really know what she wants to do in the future.........

Any advice for her?

Surely you liking the look of environmental science is neither here nor there?
She’s got 3 varied and interesting subject. So let her take Biology if that’s what she wants - it’s her decision. If she has a change of heart a few weeks in, if she’s strong in maths (and obviously she is) I don’t see why they wouldn’t let her switch.

Thanks, testina. Environmental science just looked like a good subject for possible environmental engineering??

But, yes, it's up to her. I don't want her to do physics if she is not going to enjoy it.

Most people who have ambitions to do a MEng at a decent uni study double maths and physics (and one other science, chem/biology maybe) The double maths (especially the extra pure) is a massive help in the first year of eng degrees.

She needs to choose 4 A-levels and drop one after year 12 just for info.

So is she doing four, or is she set to swap the biology for another? It's been said before no doubt but there s no purpose in doing four A levels, except perhaps to see which you like best (esp if untried subjects like economics or psych) and then dropping one.

DS2 did maths and biology (and PE actually) and found the maths and biology complemented each other well. Ditto bio and PE. He is not studying biological sciences at uni. Think your DD has some good options there.

sorry x post. That dropping after yr 12 is so mad. What exactly is the point, I ask (I assume the school insists). If she is finding four too much, she shuld let them know.

She needs to add either FM or physics if she's serious about engineering. Maybe she isn't that serious about it - which is fine!

Again though not sure of the relevance of you liking Env Sc - maybe you should study if it you fancy it!

If she wants something with a Maths bend degree-wise and a subject that is highly employable them she should do an economics degree.

For that apart from Maths she needs to choose other subjects she is interested in but can get high grades in.

If she wants to do engineering, physics will be better than biology and will also help with applied maths.

If she doesn't have an affinity for physics, is engineering the right degree for her?

Doing 4 A levels is tough and a heavy workload. I think your daughter should choose something that she enjoys to be honest. If she prefers Biology to Physics I think it’s fine. If she chooses History or Politics over Biology then that gives her a Humanity, PE is a combination of practical skill, Biology and Psychology.

She's right. Environmental Science is pretty much a geography A-Level, rather than a true science. She would be better off with physics, but biology or history are still "serious" subjects so would be an ok choice. Engineering is quite competitive though so it would be best not to disadvantage herself before she even starts

Hi OP
Which kind of engineering does your daughter want to do, genetic engineering or mechanical/ technical engineering?
If it's along the medical route, then A level maths, chemistry & biology but if it's mechanical/ technical, I would suggest 3 of the following - engineering, physics, electronics, ( maths definitely being a choice)

Thanks all, all useful comments. You wouldn't believe I'm a teacher!! But ESOL in FE so just languages - and post 18.

Yes, the school (state) say you have to do 4 A-levels. DD1 (yr 12 and very much more language and humanities driven) has just dropped one so now has 3.

DD2 is very good at product design and I think this led her to the idea of engineering initially. She's doing additional maths too.

She doesn't really enjoy physics and finds it quite difficult in parts so I don't think there is much point in taking it.

As for the environmental science, it is an A level option and I thought it was a possible route to environmental engineering ??

I'm not even sure she wants to do engineering tbh. So young to be making decisions like this!

If she really wants to do Engineering, she needs to be very careful about choosing Biology as it could close the vast majority of doors for her. Most engineering courses require Maths and minimum one of Physics or Chemistry or possibly Computer Science.

Is product design = DT?

Product design is DT I think.

If she does want to do engineering, check out a-level requirements at universities - maths and physics are usually the most useful for many engineering degrees courses and are essential at some (eg I know at UCL maths and physics are both required for mechanical engineering).

Have a look at this website: Uni www.whatuni.com

You can put in the degree you want to do and it will show you all the options at UK universities. Click on any you like the look of and it will take you to the uni's course info page, including what A levels they expect and at what grades (plus a lot more about graduate salaries, drop out rates etc).

Environmental engineering degrees usually want maths and either physics or chemistry, but you can see the exact entry requirements.

Environmental science, despite its name, is more of a humanities subject. It's looking at the human impact of environmental issues, the politics and economics type of thing.

There are degrees in product design and industrial too. Not sure of the requirements but iirc, Liverpool is one university that offer them and I think one of the Scottish universities

This is all really useful and I will share with her.

Op I think as someone else said, if she is not keen on physics or FM then yes, engineering might not be for her. Better surely to choose A levels you like and will do well in; then be led by that to a university course.

Never a bad idea of course to check out what courses you A levels might lead to.

She can’t do computer science at a college or online, can she? That would be the natural option for several branches of engineering I’d have thought.

My DS did an HNC& HND in mechanical engineering & works at a well known food manufacturer.DD did a dual degree in biology & forensic science her DH did environmental and the are both International teachers.

It's definitely worth doing the research on degree requirements and I would say that where a subject is required for the course, it's because it's a big part of the teaching. If that's the case with physics, then doing 2 years of A-level physics and 3-4 years of a physics heavy degree course, is a lot of physics if you don't enjoy it, and you're not going to get good grades (to get on a competitive engineering course) if you're not good at it either.

I would also remember that extra A-levels can be taken as an adult. There is a financial cost and also a time cost, but it is possible. I did this after taking 3x science A-levels and then realising I wasn't good enough at chemistry to do my chosen career. I did another A-level in a gap year before reapplying to university.