Biology / Combined Maths – What is the best choice for A/L Examination?

Biology / Combined Maths witch subject stream is the best? If you are thinking of choosing a Biology or Mathematics stream then read this article carefully first. We have written here the difference between the subjects of Biology and combined Mathematics as well as all the details you can get from learning those subjects.
What are the differences between these subjects?
Biology students can study the following subjects.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General English
Combined maths students can study the following subjects.
- Combined Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General English
As you can see above, all students are required to study Chemistry, Physics and General English. Also, the other thing you need to know is that the syllabus that all those students learn is the same.
Biology / Combined Maths is what we call the science curriculum. The common belief in society is that one learns biology to become a doctor and one learns combined maths to become an engineer. But studying these subjects can lead to jobs in many disciplines rather than becoming a doctor or an engineer.
*If you want to know how to become a doctor in Sri Lanka read the article in below link.
*Also, if you want to know how to become an engineer, read our article in below.
What are the results you need to have in the GCE Ordinary Level Examination to learn Biology / Combined Maths?
Generally, passing the O / L examination means passing at least 6 subjects and obtaining credit passes (C) in 3 main subjects. Also, when you choose Biology or Mathematics for A / L, at least you should have obtained the following results.
* Biology
If you choose Biology for A / L, you should have the following results for O / L examination.
(Minimum qualifications)
As we mentioned above, you have to pass the GCE Ordinary Level with minimum qualifications.
You must also have a credit pass (C) in science.
* Combined Mathematics
If you choose Combined maths for A / L, you should have the following results for O / L examination.
(Minimum qualifications)
As we mentioned above, you have to pass the GCE Ordinary Level with minimum qualifications.
You must also have a credit pass (C) in Mathematics.
Even if having a C pass in O / L Mathematics and Science is enough to study Advanced Level Science streams, you need to get a higher result to go to another school. Also, getting a high pass will make it easier for you to learn as the basic education obtained through the Ordinary Level is the foundation for studying the Advanced Level Science subjects.
What is the syllabus of these? What do we have to learn?
The subjects of Physics and Chemistry are taught equally to both groups. Accordingly, we consider the syllabi of those subjects as follows.
According to the NIE (National Institute of Education)
Physics
- Measurement
- Mechanics
- Oscillations and Waves
- Thermal Physics
- Gravitational Field
- Electrostatic field
- Magnetic Field
- Current Electricity
- Electronics
- Mechanical Properties of Matter
- Matter and Radiation
As mentioned above, a student has to study a total of 610 periods for the subject of Physics.
Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Structure and bonding
- Chemical calculations
- The gaseous state of matter
- Energetics
- Chemistry of s,p, and d block elements
- Basic concepts of organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons
- Oxygen-containing organic compounds
- Nitrogen-containing organic compounds
- Chemical kinetics
- Equilibrium
- Electrochemistry
- Industrial chemistry and Environmental pollution
Also, as mentioned above, a student has to study 600 periods for Chemistry.
Biology
- Introduction to Biology
- Chemical & cellular basis of life
- Evolution and diversity of organisms
- Plant form and function
- Animal form and function
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Technology
- Environmental Biology
- Microbiology
- Applied Biology
The subject of Biology must be studied in 600 periods.
Combined Mathematics
- Real numbers
- Functions
- Angular measurements
- The rectangular cartesian system, Straight line
- Circular functions
- Sine rule, cosine rule
- Polynomials
- Trigonometric identities
- Rational functions
- Index laws and logarithmic laws
- Basic properties of inequalities and solutions of inequalities
- Solving trigonometric equations
- Vectors
- Systems of coplanar forces acting at a point
- Quadratic functions and quadratic equations
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Limits
- System of coplanar forces acting on a rigid body
- Motion in a straight line
- Derivatives
- Applications of derivatives
- Projectiles
- Equilibrium of three coplanar forces
- Friction
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Work, power, energy
- Impulse and collision
- Straight line
- Integration
- Jointed rods
- Frameworks
- Relative motion
- Circular rotation
- Circle
- Permutations and Combinations
- Principle of Mathematical Induction
- Series
- Probability
- Simple harmonic motion
- Center of mass
- Binomial expansion
- Complex numbers
- Matrices
- Probability
- Statistics
The above is the series of lessons that a student studying combined mathematics should learn. Similarly, all the above lessons have to be learned in 600 periods.
A/L Combined maths Syllabus book .pdf
What jobs can I get by studying Biology / Combined Maths for A / L?
By learning Biology / Combined Maths you can easily apply for any job. This is because knowledge of mathematics and science is required for any career in the world.
Also, learning biology can be easily incorporated into disciplines such as medicine, nursing, research, and food technology. In addition, it can be applied to fields such as environmental protection, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, and biotechnology.
By studying mathematics in A/L, you can pursue a career in civil, mechanical, electronic, electrical, apparel engineering, and quantitative research. In addition, there is the potential to focus on jobs in many disciplines.
opportunities for combined maths and biology.
combined maths vs biology