Choosing between CSCA Physics and Chemistry based on your school grade is like choosing a visa by its colour. Your preference does not decide the requirement; the programme does.
Some majors require one subject, some require both, and some require neither. There is no single list that applies to every university.
The shared format
Both Physics and Chemistry have:
- 60 minutes;
- 48 single-answer multiple-choice questions;
- a score from 0 to 100;
- Chinese or English, subject to the chosen university’s rules.
For CSC applicants, Mathematics and Professional Chinese are mandatory. Physics and Chemistry depend on the university and major.
What CSCA Physics covers
The official 2025 syllabus has five modules.
Mechanics
- kinematics;
- Newton’s laws;
- momentum and conservation of momentum;
- work and energy;
- circular motion and gravitation;
- harmonic motion and waves.
Electromagnetism
- Coulomb’s law, electric fields and potential;
- direct-current circuits;
- magnetic fields;
- Ampere and Lorentz forces;
- Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws.
Thermodynamics
- molecular kinetic theory;
- ideal gases;
- the first law of thermodynamics.
Optics
- reflection and refraction;
- interference and diffraction.
Modern physics
- the photoelectric effect;
- atomic structure;
- basic nuclear physics.
What CSCA Chemistry covers
The official syllabus has four modules.
Basic concepts and calculations
- classification of substances;
- reaction equations;
- concentration and pH;
- amount of substance;
- ideal gases.
Properties and reactions
- elements, oxides, acids, bases and salts;
- basic organic chemistry;
- redox reactions;
- ionic reactions and qualitative tests.
Theories and laws
- atomic structure and the periodic law;
- chemical bonding;
- reaction rates and equilibrium;
- electrolyte solutions.
Experiments and applications
- laboratory safety and equipment;
- preparing and identifying gases;
- separation and purification;
- industrial processes such as ammonia synthesis.
Real programme examples
Fudan University’s 2026 list of English-taught undergraduate programmes shows how much requirements can differ:
- Data Science and Big Data Technology requires Mathematics and Physics;
- MBBS requires Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry;
- Economics and Fintech require Mathematics, without Physics or Chemistry.
One official list is enough to disprove the claim that every STEM applicant must take Physics.
How to choose the subject
- Find the current major list.
- Check the row for the exact major, not only the faculty.
- Compare scholarship and self-funded requirements separately.
- Confirm the permitted language for each subject.
- Save the official document or the admissions office’s written reply.
If you are applying to several universities, combine their requirements. One programme may ask for Physics and another for Chemistry, which means you may need both across your application portfolio.
Which language should you choose?
CSCA offers Chinese and English, but the university decides which version it accepts.
Take a full practice test in both languages. Confidence with subject terminology matters more than the general feeling that English is easier.
In Physics, you must read quantities and relationships quickly. In Chemistry, substance names, reaction conditions and laboratory wording become decisive.
Which subject is harder?
“Physics” is not an honest universal answer. Neither is “Chemistry.” The harder subject is the one where your syllabus gaps are larger and your reading speed is slower.
Run a diagnostic test:
- 48 questions;
- 60 minutes;
- no notes;
- an error log organised by module.
The result does not override the programme requirement, but it shows how much preparation you need.
Bottom line
Physics and Chemistry are not electives to choose by taste. They may be conditions of admission to a specific major.
An unnecessary exam costs money and weeks of preparation. Missing a required subject can make the entire application unusable. Read the university document first; build the study plan second.
