Nursing school is one of the most competitive and science-driven fields in Nigeria. Almost every week, students reach out asking: “Can I study Nursing without Biology, Chemistry, or Physics?” The short answer is no — but the longer answer explains why these subjects matter and how they shape your success before and during nursing training.
Why Nursing Requires a Strong Science Foundation
Nursing is built on the science of life, health, and healing. To excel in this field, you need to understand how the human body works, how diseases develop, and how treatments interact with the body.
That knowledge begins with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — not just as school subjects, but as the foundation of your nursing education.
Let’s break down how each subject contributes.
1. Biology — The Language of Life
Recommended Biology Keypoints; Biology Key Points; Science And Living Things
Why it matters:
Biology forms the backbone of every nursing course. From anatomy and physiology to microbiology and pathology, your understanding of the human body starts here.
Core topics every nursing aspirant should know:
- Cell structure and functions
- Human body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous)
- Reproduction and genetics
- Microorganisms and disease
- Ecology and human health
In nursing school:
Students who struggled with Biology in secondary school often find courses like Anatomy and Physiology extremely tough during their weeding exams — the crucial tests that determine who progresses beyond the first year. A strong grasp of Biology helps you interpret diagrams, memorize body systems, and understand patient symptoms faster.
2. Chemistry — Understanding Medications and Reactions
Study other chemistry keypoints here
Why it matters:
Chemistry explains the “why” behind every drug, reaction, and solution used in hospitals. Nurses calculate dosages, mix IV fluids, and understand how substances interact with the body — all rooted in Chemistry.
Core topics to master before nursing school:
- Acids, bases, and salts
- Atomic structure and bonding
- Chemical reactions and equations
- Organic chemistry and simple hydrocarbons
- Solutions and concentration calculations
In nursing school:
Courses like Pharmacology and Biochemistry build directly on these topics. Students without a good background in Chemistry often struggle with drug dosage calculations, IV fluid preparation, and lab-based practicals — all of which can impact both class and clinical performance.
3. Physics — The Hidden Science Behind Medical Equipment
Read other physics keypoints here
Why it matters:
You might not think of Physics when you picture a nurse, but it’s everywhere — in blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, infusion pumps, and X-rays. Physics teaches you the principles behind motion, pressure, heat, and electricity — all essential for safe and accurate patient care.
Core topics nursing aspirants should review:
- Motion and force
- Pressure and fluid mechanics
- Heat and temperature
- Light and optics (for understanding medical imaging)
- Electricity and magnetism
In nursing school:
Physics becomes important in clinical procedures like measuring blood pressure or operating electrical equipment. During promotional exams, many students realize too late that their weak Physics background limits their understanding of how these tools actually work.
The Role of These Subjects in WAEC and JAMB
For admission into nursing schools or universities offering B.NSc, both WAEC and JAMB require strong performance in the three core sciences.
- WAEC: You must have at least credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- JAMB: The correct subject combination is usually English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Unfortunately, many students try to substitute Agricultural Science or Geography for one of the core sciences, thinking they can “make up” for it. This is a common misconception. Neither Agric nor Geography can replace Biology, Chemistry, or Physics when applying for nursing. Admission officers and school portals automatically screen them out as wrong subject combinations.
Why These Subjects Still Matter After Admission
Even after you’ve gained admission, your understanding of these sciences determines your progress. Nursing schools in Nigeria (both universities and colleges of nursing) conduct weeding exams after the first year to test students’ foundational knowledge.
Students who lack confidence in the core sciences often find themselves repeating courses or even dropping out due to poor grades in Anatomy, Physiology, or Biochemistry — all subjects that build upon biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Final Thoughts
If you dream of becoming a nurse, treat Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as your stepping stones — not obstacles. They don’t just get you into nursing school; they prepare you for a career where science meets compassion.
Instead of looking for alternatives like Agric or Geography, focus on building your science foundation early through tutorials, online resources, and revision classes. The better your background now, the easier your journey will be — from JAMB to graduation.
