Need some assistance with IB subject choices

[EmilyPainter]

I'm about to start the IB program at a new school and I'm having some trouble with choosing subjects, especially considering i have no idea what i would like to study at university.

Anyway, here's my ideas thus far:

 

High Level:

Economics

Computer Science/Physics/Chemistry

Physics/Chemistry

 

Standard Level:

French

English Literature

Math

 

I'm concerned that if I do a science plus com sci that i'll be limiting the subjects that i can take at uni. Also, if i choose two sciences (without com sci), it will be equally as difficult to study computer science at university - especially considering that i am not going HL math.

 

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. 

[mr_awesome]

Personally, from what I know chemistry is the most important science to do if you want to do anything medicine/science related in Australian Universities. So to keep your future options as wide as possible, I would pick chemistry and com sci. I don't believe physics is a prerequisite for any course... unless it is directly related to engineering. But even then you can find courses that allow you do to engineering without taking physics. 

 

[sarahsaurus]

I think your first thing to decide is whether you are more interested in science or computer science. I know that is a hard choice to make but if I was you I would look at some universities I was thinking of going (or just all I can think of) and look at their subject requirements for any subject I thought I was even slightly interested in. Then make a tally based on which ones require what subjects. If more of you university options require physics/com sci/etc. take that. That way you can keep your subjects reasonably open.

 

Also if it is a choice between physics and chemistry I would advise chemistry as chemistry is used in more university subjects than physics is, and sometimes you can get away without physics if you've done sl math.

[UncleChopChop]

Computer Science as a subject is not a prerequisite for CS at university in Australia - in fact, most entering students haven't studied it. That being said, if it's your end goal to study CS, you should definitely do it at high school and consider HL seriously.

[lonesoldier]

You should definitely take chemistry as your HL because if you're going into any branch of science it's guaranteed that chemistry will help you and it is usually required for many science programs in university.

 

For the physics vs computer science it all comes down to what you think you want to do in the future and what is easier for you. Unless you're planning to go into physics or engineering (or you're particularly good in the course) I wouldn't suggest taking it because I know so many people that are finding SL physics difficult. With computer science, even if you're planning to go into that in post secondary, most universities don't require you to have taken any computer related courses in high school as they start teaching you from the basics. So I think if you really have no idea what you want to do in the future, just pick it based on interest and your skill level.

[Charleen]

Depends what you want to go into for university, but I've heard that Chemistry HL is by far one of the most difficult subjects. Math SL is a good choice; our school doesn't offer Math HL at all because it's too difficult.