A level choices and Science careers

[secretscwirrels]

DS2 is approaching GCSE and trying to choose his A level subjects.
He's a good all rounder and should get A*/As.
He has no clue what he wants to do. Went through a phase of wanting to be a pathologist but doesn't want to study medicine.
A long time ago I remember someone put a link on here to a good web site about careers related to medicine, I can't find it now.
Last week he was thinking about law, today he's come home inspired by a lesson about genetic engineering.
His long shortlist of subjects includes, Maths, Biology, Physics, History, Philosophy, Computer Science (partly because I think he might like it).
He hates chemistry.

Any advice gratefully received.

He needs to sit down with a few Uni prospectuses (school careers office or order them from Uni websites) and read every science course description. What appeals to him - why? What doesnt - why?

In particular look at unfamiliar subjects not taught at school and combined/joint subjects, and the new 'Liberal Arts and Science' degrees (4 year with Year Abroad) that many Russell Group Unis are starting to offer. Then check out the admissions requirements in terms of subjects for the areas that interest him.

There will be lots of Uni Open Days in June/July and September - Years 10 and 11 are welcome to attend. A visit can often really focus their heads on 'what I want to do is....'.

PS. www.liv.ac.uk/educational-opportunities/residentials/10_Motivated_Summer_School.htm

We are at the same place with DS1. Information evening this week, an interview with sixth form staff in a couple of weeks. School has also organised a university info evening for them in a couple of weeks with universities visiting to help with this. He is thinking science/law/maths type careers.

DS is thinking of doing a science degree or maths degree and doing a law conversion afterwards if that is what he wants.

He has a shortlist - Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Geology. A slight possibility of exchanging Physics for Music.

He tells me he can do Physics at Uni with Maths and Chemistry? Also that Chemistry is important for any science degree.

MrsBright We have lots of uni prospectuses in the house (DS1 in Y13), that's a great idea.

The http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/careers-in-healthcare-science/ NHS careers website has info about science careers in medicine.

I'm a medical physicist, and went down that career path as I love medicine but didn't want to be a Dr and the physics side has always been a passion

The idea of A levels is to keep a number of academic & career routes open for as long as possible. However, for those thinking of a career using Physics, both Maths AND Further Maths may be required...
See the latest Informed Choices booklet from the Russell Group on choosing A levels: russellgroup.org/InformedChoices-latest.pdf

That sounds interesting, CMOTDibbler, will suggest he looks at that.

If he hates chemistry that narrows down his science options.
Genetics would definitely need chemistry

For a medical related career the key subject to study at A level is Chemistry rather than Biology.
The only exceptions are Optics (to become an optician) which requires Physics and Maths, Medical Physics and Radiography.
If he is interested in Pathology without studying medicine Forensic science would be a possibility but that would again require Chemistry.
Physics and Maths A levels would also mean that a career/degree in Engineering would be possible.
Further Maths probably wouldn't be essential but it depends how the school organises the Maths modules: the key ones for Physics and engineering are Mechanics (M) and Pure Maths (P) rather than Statistics (S). For Biology degrees though statistics would be more useful. HTH

Hmm, I think we need to talk about chemistry. I know he dislikes the current teacher but he gets A*s and he's a sensible enough lad not to let that influence him normally.

Would AS chemistry be a compromise?

I did genetic engineering for 14yrs without chemistry A level...but i believe it is tough to get on any science degree with only 1 science, although maths often counts.

Life sciences is best complemented by chemistry I'm afraid.

Yep, our understanding is that Chemistry is essential.

Further Maths for DS is offered as twilight, so doesn't come into his options, but presumably massively ramps up his workload?

He got A* last summer for Maths, so is doing Further Maths GCSE at present which hopefully will give him a bit of a head start.

My eldest wants "a science career" and is thinking of doing Chemistry, Biology, Engineering and Something Else. From the shortlist that your DS has then I'd be inclined to go for Physics, Biology, Maths and Computer Science.

I've had a chat with him and explained that, because he doesn't yet know what he wants to do I am anxious that he doesn't "close the door" on any options. He will think about Chemistry. DS1 is doing Chemistry A level and promises him it is much more interesting than GCSE.
I am thinking that doing maths and sciences doesn't rule out a degree in a none science subject, whereas the other way round it would? I could easily see him doing PPE though not sure about career options.