Subject choice questions

[EhabEbeid]

Hey, guys, I'm currently studying the IB MYP in French, in Egypt. I take Arabic and French as languages A, and English as my language B, but I'm relatively comfortable with English literature. I'm going to study for the diploma at Li Po Chun UWC starting this September and I'm making my subject choices right now. I'm opting to qualify for the bilingual diploma, and I'm planning on majoring in engineering. Your feedback and tips are much-appreciated So far that's how it is:

HL:

• English A L&L
  
• Maths
  
• Physics
  

SL:

• Arabic A Lit.
  
• Spanish Ab. initio
  
• Economics
  

And the extended essay in Economics, written in French.

Also, is it possible to study Chemistry as a standard course, or would I have to drop Spanish to do that?

Sorry, I have lots of questions.

Thanks a lot for your time

Edited May 8, 2012 by EhabEbeid

[Gaby]

I think that for engineering, your subject choices are just fine, I'd check if the universities you wish to apply to require any other subjects, maybe Chemistry. I don't really see a point in taking 3 languages, especially with 2 A languages, but that's your choice, as long as your school goes for it. I really think Chem would be more useful for engineering, it being a science, after all, but as you're taking Physics, taking two sciences, provided you don't need to, would be just putting more stress upon you, which should be avoided at all costs, and Spanish ab shouldn't be that demanding a course. So I think your choices are good as long as they fulfill the requirements of the universities you want to apply to.

Have a great summer now, enjoy your free time before the IB and just have fun.

Hope this helped.

[HiggsHunter]

Some tertiary institutions do require chemistry as well as physics for certain branches of engineering, so if possible I would suggest looking ahead at the admission requirements of the universities at which you might study later. Apart from the entrance qualifications, some universities run a "Chemistry for engineers" course during the first year of undergraduate study, which you might find quite challenging if you haven't taken the subject at all in your IB diploma.

[Eastcoast93]

what exactly is a bilingual diploma? two hl languages? or just two a languages? anyone willing to check my subject combination in the footer and see if qualify?

[HiggsHunter]

what exactly is a bilingual diploma? two hl languages? or just two a languages? anyone willing to check my subject combination in the footer and see if qualify?

At present, you can qualify for a bilingual diploma in these ways:

Taking two languages A1, or one language A1 and another A2, or

Taking a Group 3 or Group 4 subject in a language other than your language A1, or

Doing your EE in a Group 3 or Group 4 subject in a language other than your language A1.

So with German A1 HL and English A2 SL you should qualify for a bilingual diploma, even if you do all your other subjects in German only.

[Tony Stark]

Hey, guys, I'm currently studying the IB MYP in French, in Egypt. I take Arabic and French as languages A, and English as my language B, but I'm relatively comfortable with English literature. I'm going to study for the diploma at Li Po Chun UWC starting this September and I'm making my subject choices right now. I'm opting to qualify for the bilingual diploma, and I'm planning on majoring in engineering. Your feedback and tips are much-appreciated So far that's how it is:

HL:

• English A L&L
  
• Maths
  
• Physics
  

SL:

• Arabic A Lit.
  
• Spanish Ab. initio
  
• Economics
  

And the extended essay in Economics, written in French.

Also, is it possible to study Chemistry as a standard course, or would I have to drop Spanish to do that?

Sorry, I have lots of questions.

Thanks a lot for your time

Chemistry is often, if not a requirement, highly recommended for Engineering applicants; I would certainly recommend it. It is possible to take it as a 7th subject as a separate IB Certificate, however it would not appear on your Diploma, rather it would be a separate course. 7 subjects, particularly with Maths and Physics at HL, is highly inadvisable, and I don't really see much point to you taking on another language, particularly at Ab Benito, where it's not near fluency. I'd say drop Spanish in favour of Chem, and maybe do it at HL.

Oh, and also, you qualify for the Bilingual Diploma already doing two languages A, there is no need to do your EE in French, it would not add anything to your qualification. Not only this, stopping academic study of French after the MYP and then attempting to do an EE in it is a highly inadvisable exercise, particularly in a technical subject like Economics. You should also probably do your EE in one of your HLs, where you have greater understanding of the topic; perhaps English A LL.

Edited May 9, 2012 by Tony Stark

[EhabEbeid]

Hey, guys, I'm currently studying the IB MYP in French, in Egypt. I take Arabic and French as languages A, and English as my language B, but I'm relatively comfortable with English literature. I'm going to study for the diploma at Li Po Chun UWC starting this September and I'm making my subject choices right now. I'm opting to qualify for the bilingual diploma, and I'm planning on majoring in engineering. Your feedback and tips are much-appreciated So far that's how it is:

HL:

• English A L&L
  
• Maths
  
• Physics
  

SL:

• Arabic A Lit.
  
• Spanish Ab. initio
  
• Economics
  

And the extended essay in Economics, written in French.

Also, is it possible to study Chemistry as a standard course, or would I have to drop Spanish to do that?

Sorry, I have lots of questions.

Thanks a lot for your time

Chemistry is often, if not a requirement, highly recommended for Engineering applicants; I would certainly recommend it. It is possible to take it as a 7th subject as a separate IB Certificate, however it would not appear on your Diploma, rather it would be a separate course. 7 subjects, particularly with Maths and Physics at HL, is highly inadvisable, and I don't really see much point to you taking on another language, particularly at Ab Benito, where it's not near fluency. I'd say drop Spanish in favour of Chem, and maybe do it at HL.

Oh, and also, you qualify for the Bilingual Diploma already doing two languages A, there is no need to do your EE in French, it would not add anything to your qualification. Not only this, stopping academic study of French after the MYP and then attempting to do an EE in it is a highly inadvisable exercise, particularly in a technical subject like Economics. You should also probably do your EE in one of your HLs, where you have greater understanding of the topic; perhaps English A LL.

Thanks a lot! I guess it should be HL: English A Language and Literature, Maths, and Physics and SL: Arabic Lit., Chemistry and Economics. Spanish Ab initio or French B would've been a good option... will see.

[Carpe Diem]

Hey, guys, I'm currently studying the IB MYP in French, in Egypt. I take Arabic and French as languages A, and English as my language B, but I'm relatively comfortable with English literature. I'm going to study for the diploma at Li Po Chun UWC starting this September and I'm making my subject choices right now. I'm opting to qualify for the bilingual diploma, and I'm planning on majoring in engineering. Your feedback and tips are much-appreciated So far that's how it is:

HL:

• English A L&L
  
• Maths
  
• Physics
  

SL:

• Arabic A Lit.
  
• Spanish Ab. initio
  
• Economics
  

And the extended essay in Economics, written in French.

Also, is it possible to study Chemistry as a standard course, or would I have to drop Spanish to do that?

Sorry, I have lots of questions.

Thanks a lot for your time

You're going for engineering so universities require PCM HL.

So for you chemistry is a must.

You can go for something like 4 HLs and 3 SLs but that would be a headache

[ChocolateDrop]

I would have to disagree with a lot of the posts regarding chemistry being required in order to read engineering at University. It is advised, but not required unless you want to pursue Chemical engineering/ Petroleum engineering/ Biomedical engineering which are heavy load chemistry content. The only requirements for other engineering disciplines such as Mechanical and even General engineering is Maths and Physics. Mostly Physics HL. The chemistry content these other light chemistry engineering courses only contain very basic chemistry which often over laps with physics such as half life (Civil engineering) or materials science in Mechanical engineering which is straightforward. If you are not considering Chemical/ Petroleum engineering do not be fooled into the trap of Chemistry, Physics and Maths HL, this is in my opinion actual suicide unless you have a flair for these subjects or spend most of your time on them and I unless you absolutely need these subjects I would strongly advise you not to take them unless at A level or n a course where you specialise solely on them.

[EhabEbeid]

I would have to disagree with a lot of the posts regarding chemistry being required in order to read engineering at University. It is advised, but not required unless you want to pursue Chemical engineering/ Petroleum engineering/ Biomedical engineering which are heavy load chemistry content. The only requirements for other engineering disciplines such as Mechanical and even General engineering is Maths and Physics. Mostly Physics HL. The chemistry content these other light chemistry engineering courses only contain very basic chemistry which often over laps with physics such as half life (Civil engineering) or materials science in Mechanical engineering which is straightforward. If you are not considering Chemical/ Petroleum engineering do not be fooled into the trap of Chemistry, Physics and Maths HL, this is in my opinion actual suicide unless you have a flair for these subjects or spend most of your time on them and I unless you absolutely need these subjects I would strongly advise you not to take them unless at A level or n a course where you specialise solely on them.

I think I'll drop Spanish and Economics, taking Chemistry and Political thought instead.

[ChocolateDrop]

I would have to disagree with a lot of the posts regarding chemistry being required in order to read engineering at University. It is advised, but not required unless you want to pursue Chemical engineering/ Petroleum engineering/ Biomedical engineering which are heavy load chemistry content. The only requirements for other engineering disciplines such as Mechanical and even General engineering is Maths and Physics. Mostly Physics HL. The chemistry content these other light chemistry engineering courses only contain very basic chemistry which often over laps with physics such as half life (Civil engineering) or materials science in Mechanical engineering which is straightforward. If you are not considering Chemical/ Petroleum engineering do not be fooled into the trap of Chemistry, Physics and Maths HL, this is in my opinion actual suicide unless you have a flair for these subjects or spend most of your time on them and I unless you absolutely need these subjects I would strongly advise you not to take them unless at A level or n a course where you specialise solely on them.

I think I'll drop Spanish and Economics, taking Chemistry and Political thought instead.

Keep economics, as an engineer one should learn to be innovative. The ideal and model successful engineer is an entrepreneur. Economics might help you begin to develop these skills.

[Carpe Diem]

The coordinator at my school, my friend's school, and the representatives of universities from UK, USA and Canada have suggested Physics, Chemistry and Math as a must. However, you can take Chemistry at SL, but the ratio of students getting a 7 in Chemistry HL is higher than the ones getting it at SL. I suggest you go for PCM HL, Economics, English and a second language at SL.

[carpediem]

Where are you thinking of applying for university? I think it depends where and which university you decide to go to.

Taking two languages A1, or one language A1 and another A2, or

Taking a Group 3 or Group 4 subject in a language other than your language A1, or

Doing your EE in a Group 3 or Group 4 subject in a language other than your language A1.

So with German A1 HL and English A2 SL you should qualify for a bilingual diploma, even if you do all your other subjects in German only.

The EE option doesn't apply FROM May 2013 examinations. Not sure about the others, but I can tell you for sure that this the case because I was told specifically that I cannot get a bilingual diploma.

Edited August 16, 2012 by carpediem

[ChocolateDrop]

The coordinator at my school, my friend's school, and the representatives of universities from UK, USA and Canada have suggested Physics, Chemistry and Math as a must. However, you can take Chemistry at SL, but the ratio of students getting a 7 in Chemistry HL is higher than the ones getting it at SL. I suggest you go for PCM HL, Economics, English and a second language at SL.

I'm not entirely sure of Canada and USA, but in the UK PCM HL is only required for Chemical/ Petroleum and possibly bio medical engineering. Obviously I was not present when your coordinator and representatives stated this however after checking a few of the universities subject requirements I see no such stated requirements.

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ugprospectus/facultiesanddepartments/mechanicalengineering/entryrequirements (Imperial College London)

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/search2013/atoz/course/?code=03921&pg=3 (Manchester University) Only SL requirement is 5 in English

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate-study/degrees-1314/umnmecsing05 (UCL)

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/mechanicalmaterialsandmanufacturingengineering/meng-mechanical-engineering.aspx (Nottingham University) Maths and Physics HL/SL

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/mechanical_engineering.shtml (Southampton) Only SL requirement is a 5 in English

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/engineering_science/engineering_scienc_2.html (Oxford University) <-------Engineering science

These are the requirements for mechanical engineering Meng for a few of the Universities I looked at, because Mechanical Engineering is the most general branch of engineering apart from engineering science/ general engineering and the requirements for Meng are usually stricter than Beng. There was more but the general pattern is Maths and Physics HL, some accept one of Maths or Physics at SL like Nottingham and at most that I looked at the only SL requirement was in actual fact a 5 in English. None of the requirements I looked at mention Chemistry at all, SL or even AS chemistry for A- level students. Maybe PCM HL was suggested as a desirable combination rather than a must for the general engineer. It would not be worth your while to take this combination unless if going into P.E/ C.E or B.E at all, save yourself.

[EhabEbeid]

I would have to disagree with a lot of the posts regarding chemistry being required in order to read engineering at University. It is advised, but not required unless you want to pursue Chemical engineering/ Petroleum engineering/ Biomedical engineering which are heavy load chemistry content. The only requirements for other engineering disciplines such as Mechanical and even General engineering is Maths and Physics. Mostly Physics HL. The chemistry content these other light chemistry engineering courses only contain very basic chemistry which often over laps with physics such as half life (Civil engineering) or materials science in Mechanical engineering which is straightforward. If you are not considering Chemical/ Petroleum engineering do not be fooled into the trap of Chemistry, Physics and Maths HL, this is in my opinion actual suicide unless you have a flair for these subjects or spend most of your time on them and I unless you absolutely need these subjects I would strongly advise you not to take them unless at A level or n a course where you specialise solely on them.

I think I'll drop Spanish and Economics, taking Chemistry and Political thought instead.

Keep economics, as an engineer one should learn to be innovative. The ideal and model successful engineer is an entrepreneur. Economics might help you begin to develop these skills.

The thing is that the College just sent us the academic booklet saying that Economics will only be offered at HL this year... :/

[EhabEbeid]

Guys, thank you so much for your feedback. It's been really informative! At the College I'm permitted to attend Chemistry HL classes until the end of the first year. This means that I can have 4 HLs registered until the first year, where I have to make on of the SL. Due to Econ only available at HL, I think Political thought will be a good option. I'll take HL PCM + English until the end of the first year, where I'll see if I'll drop Chemistry or English to SL.

ChocolateDrop, I'm considering the UK for university, but I'm a bit undecided because I'm not exactly decided on my major, and I heard UK universities demand that we be very specific about what we want to study before applying. You can say that I'm closest to engineering, but I haven't even thought about what engineering I want to study. At the same time I want to be well-prepared for Engineering in university through my subjects.

Thank you everyone for your feedback