Are these A-levels suitable for someone who wants to become a doctor in the UK?

Question

Physics

Maths

Chemistry

Biology

I've wanted to be a lawyer since I was about seven, but recently (mostly due to struggling in GCSE English) I've decided to give that up. I'm now thinking of medicine and was wondering if the above A-levels would be appropriate for this. I'm not sure if biology is essential as some people have said it is while others have said chemistry is often as good or better. Regardless, I've decided to take it anyway as I have enough option spaces and I think I'm good at the subject. Just wanted to run these by people as possible A-level choices

Answer 1

Good luck to you. Seems you don't need much to be a doctor in the UK. But then you can't get a job when you have done it all.

Answer 2

Yeah that's fine-you don't have to do Physics by the way to be a dr but if you want to that's up to you. Good luck.

Answer 3

yes these chooses are very much ideal for medicine.

i dont know who said not biology but that would probably be the crucial one, though you would need chemistry aswell.

chemistry would generally be like the medicine side of things in doctoring, whilst biology would be more the body eg. anatomy.

Answer 4

You've got a perfect set right there. Physics is not so useful but if you are doing four then it is the best you could choose in my opinion.

Biology is obviously the top of the list. Mathematics is essential if you look at university entrance requirements. Chemistry is very useful too.

Answer 5

Yes.  That is definitely suitable.

What University do you intend to study at?  I can give you some links to the requirements if I know that.

And just out of curiosity, are you from the UK?

Answer 6

These are the A levels that are usualy taken in accordance to be a doctor in the UK. But university places in medicine are very, very, very competitive and  have you considered how difficult those A Levels are going to be? I myself study Classical Civilisation, Psychology, Film Studies and History and found AS's a real struggle, theres is a reasonable chance you will drop one, most probably Physics in the first 6 months. Just remember, if you are prepared to work really really hard, to get EXCEPTIONAL grades in your subjects and spend six years learning how to become and doctor, then go for it. But if you really want something else take slightly 'easier' subjects and get good grades in them with less effort, with A Levels its all about what YOU want to do, not what people think is good for you.

Ps, BIOLOGY IS A DEFINITE IF YOU WANT TO BE A DOCTOR.

Answer 7

they are all good, but human biology would be better to do, as that looks more at humans

but im not that sure if physics is that needed though

so that can be one you drop

and maths is always good to have :)

im going to be doing maths :D

Answer 8

Yep, they seem prefect! In fact you don't actually need Physics, so you can drop that in the 2nd year if you want to!

x*x

Answer 9

Yes. It's disappointing to see so many people telling you that you don't need Physics. Well you could also get away without Maths or Biology: Chemistry is the important Science for Medicine. The reason some medical schools do not require Biology is because it is the easiest Science to teach from scratch. Physics would definitely be useful. What I suggest you do is start with those four subjects for AS level and consider dropping one at the end of the first year.