Qualifications

[Hatchorder]

Thought that was the case Chris, thank you for confirming it. I knew he did the mechanics side of Physics in the first year but the mechanics side of Maths was in the second year.

[HarmlessWeasel]

I only over did one mechanics module, in my second year. For some reason my maths teacher preferred statistics, grrrr.

In M1 we covered friction, pulleys, acceleration and linear collisions, as well as resolving forces at angles (sideways component of gravity pulling an object down a slop etc). Is there anything I'll be lacking for the FD course? I'm confident I can learn it, as I found mechanics very intuitive, just wondering if I should be teaching myself or revising a bit over summer.

[chris]

It would be handy to know the maths syllabus for the fd deck course - Any former / current fd deck cadets out there?

[Fox]

FD Maths syllabus for Phase 1 (this is from memory & related to Fleetwood) is some but not all algebra from Higher Tier GCSE, Trigonometry and all things shape related and then Spherical Trig and a few other bits that are straight forward. I never did A level maths but did do the higher tier GCSE so other than spherical trig had done it all before.

[HarmlessWeasel]

FD Maths syllabus for Phase 1 (this is from memory & related to Fleetwood) is some but not all algebra from Higher Tier GCSE, Trigonometry and all things shape related and then Spherical Trig and a few other bits that are straight forward. I never did A level maths but did do the higher tier GCSE so other than spherical trig had done it all before.

OK sounds grand. Only spherical trig I've ever done is the haversine rule, but I've forgotten it since. Looking forward to learning it again

[jteed]

I'm just looking at the Edexcel physics course that my school offers:
AS
Unit 1 - Study of mechanics
Unit 2 - Study of waves
A2
Unit 4 - Study of further mechanics
Unit 5 - Study of thermal energy

Probably best to opt for full A level and go for the A2

[chris]

Looks a good course, they've cut out the difficult nuclear bit I had to do in the old days (Pre 2000). The mechanics will certainly be useful in the deck department and the thermal stuff is good if you decide to become an engineer or just for general knowledge.

[Squareleg28]

Looks a good course, they've cut out the difficult nuclear bit I had to do in the old days (Pre 2000). The mechanics will certainly be useful in the deck department and the thermal stuff is good if you decide to become an engineer or just for general knowledge.

Thought the nuclear was the most interesting part of the A-level physics course! Personally I found the methods taught for the mechanics in physics clashed with the methods taught in the mechanics component of A-level maths to a degree.

If I had my time again I would do four A-levels - Maths and the three sciences - this means you can apply for any scientific or technical degree, from medicine to engineering or a more "pure" science course.

[chris]

@squareleg28: 4 tough A Levels, sounds like a lot of work. Why no throw a Further Maths A Level into the hypothetical mix for even more fun.

[AlternativeNavs]

I cant help but feel that some advice given in this thread is subjective, non productive, and in some cases, not particularly helpful.

Check out the entry requirements for the sponsorship schemes individual companies have. If it says 3 A levels, but does not say which ones, then use a bit of logical thought to work out which ones may help and further promote your application. Most will detail the A levels they are looking for, some ask for science based or ones with a mathematical module or two. I have to say that I didn't have a A level in maths or chemistry when I applied. I did, however, have one in Geology and guess what..... I qualified! So don't be dissuaded by some who spout off with ill informed information. Pick ones that you enjoy, will do well out of and have a future... the maths, english and science ones will always be sought after and will keep your options open.

Don't be so quick to dismiss A levels. If you have the time, capability and drive to do well at them then I would concentrate on getting some good passes under your belt. A levels not only allow you entry to higher level educational courses, thus keeping your options open, but are sought after by employers both at sea and ashore further down the line in the way of UCAS points.

As for the HND vs FD argument. I find it pretty amusing that those who have A levels sell themselves short by doing a HND as it is, to some... 'a easy option'. To say that the ones who do the FD have it harder because they have to study for themselves and spend lots of time in the library is in no ways a negative, in fact, it is very much a positive.