Physics SL acceptable for Engineering and/or Applied Mathematics?

[Heinrich]

Good day guys! 

Is anyone here familiar with European universities? 

I am currently at the end of IB1 and I was wondering if most universities accept Physics SL as one of my courses. I am currently taking Physics HL but I am in great doubt that I can finish the course successfully as my Physics teacher is highly unfamiliar with the IB and can't teach. We covered 3/4 of the syllabus but none of the topics in great depth. I tried attempting past papers and found it extremely difficult (this includes the rest of the class) and most of us couldn't score past 30%. I am on the other hand taking Math HL with a predicted grade of a 5 which makes me wonder if Math HL (5) and Physics SL (5-6(with a lot of extra work)) would be good enough for Engineering for most European universities. I will replace Physcis HL with Psychology HL as there are no additional HL topics discussed yet. Additionally, the only math-related subjects I take besides Mathematics HL would be Economics (SL) and Physics. Will the lack of Math related subjects at HL decrease the chances for me getting into any university in Europe as well? And is it recommended to drop down to Physics HL for a higher total IB points at the end of the IBDP without reducing my chances of getting into European universities?

Thank you so much guys! 

 

[alessandromasettipl]

Hey I'm going to uni this year. 

From my experience, if you're looking at a good university. Physics SL won't cut it. Only Physics HL, and taking Physics HL also gives you advantage as you are more likely to be picked.

For engineering Maths HL and Physics HL are much better, Maths Sl might be accepted, but its better both HL. Maths HL is basically required for Applied Mathematics so physics SL can cut it for Applied Maths.

Just remember one thing though, there are tons, and I mean tons of online resources to help you with Maths and Physics. 

 

These are just some links that can help you in Physics:

http://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-ib-physics-study-guide-notes-sl-hl

https://ibphysicsnotes.wordpress.com/

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/IB_Physics

You can do it, it seems tough. But that's the point. IB Hl topics are basically the first year of Uni. So strive, work hard and you'll get into a top uni in Europe with HLs. Good luck man!

[IB`NOT`ez]

10 hours ago, alessandromasettipl said:

Hey I'm going to uni this year. 

From my experience, if you're looking at a good university. Physics SL won't cut it. Only Physics HL, and taking Physics HL also gives you advantage as you are more likely to be picked.

For engineering Maths HL and Physics HL are much better, Maths Sl might be accepted, but its better both HL. Maths HL is basically required for Applied Mathematics so physics SL can cut it for Applied Maths.

Just remember one thing though, there are tons, and I mean tons of online resources to help you with Maths and Physics. 

 

These are just some links that can help you in Physics:

http://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-ib-physics-study-guide-notes-sl-hl

https://ibphysicsnotes.wordpress.com/

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/IB_Physics

You can do it, it seems tough. But that's the point. IB Hl topics are basically the first year of Uni. So strive, work hard and you'll get into a top uni in Europe with HLs. Good luck man!

 

@alessandromasettipl is on point. I wouldn't worry too much about how "math-related"your subjects are as it's an unsolvable issue: IB Physics is notorious for its lack of calculus and more mathematical aspects otherwise present in AP Physics and I think A-Level Physics, whilst Economics SL has no maths whatsoever, but even at HL the only maths involved is extremely rudimentary algebra.

Generally speaking, most universities that commonly accept IB students will understand the lack of mathematics applications in IB subjects and so you shouldn't worry about your chances decreasing should you not be taking them.