Debrecen · Choosing the second subject

Chemistry or Physics at Debrecen: choosing your second subject

Checked against the University of Debrecen's official pages on 26 October 2026. The University of Debrecen has not published its 2027/28 exam dates or fees yet; the fees quoted are for students admitted for 2026/27.

Key figures

second subject, your choice: Chemistry or Physics
1 of 2
on the Chemistry list: general, inorganic, organic
3 parts
on the Physics list, from mechanics to modern physics
6 headings
format either way: 20 questions, written tasks, then the oral
Same

The University of Debrecen's entrance exam lets you choose your second subject. Biology is compulsory for everyone; then you take Chemistry or Physics, in the written test and again in the oral. The format is the same either way, so the choice comes down to which syllabus you can master in the time you have. This page compares the two as Debrecen publishes them, and suggests how to decide.

In short

  • 'Biology is compulsory and you may choose between Chemistry or Physics as the second subject' (FAQ). You sit two subjects, not three.
  • The oral exam is in Biology and the same second subject, so your choice carries through both parts.
  • The two papers have the same layout on Debrecen's samples: 20 five-option questions and 30 points of written tasks.
  • Whichever you drop, the first year of Medicine includes Biophysics and Medical Chemistry, per the Medicine programme page.

How the choice works

The entrance-exam page describes a written test in 'Biology (compulsory for all) and Chemistry or Physics (the applicant's choice)', then an oral exam in Biology and Physics or Chemistry. The rule is the same for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and the Basic Medicine Course.

Debrecen's pages do not say when or how you declare your choice. Confirm it with the admissions team or your representative when your exam date is set.

The two papers side by side

ChemistryPhysics
Topic listThree parts: general chemistry (SI units, atoms and the periodic table, bonding, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermochemistry, redox), inorganic chemistry (the main element groups and their compounds, metals), organic chemistry (hydrocarbons to nitrogen compounds and isomerism)Six headings: mechanics (motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, fluids), thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, modern physics
Textbook Debrecen namesMcMurry and Fay, Chemistry, 6th edition (2012)Serway, Faughn and Vuille, College Physics, 9th edition (2012)
Written tasks on the sampleNaming compounds and drawing structures, unit conversions, balancing a reaction, gas-law and acid-base work, completing statementsDrawing forces, reading a graph, true-or-false items, stating laws in full, a multi-step calculation
Multiple-choice questions20, five options20, five options

Topic lists and samples from Debrecen's 'Exam topics and sample tests' page, the files for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and BMC programmes.

How to choose

These are IvyTest's suggestions. Debrecen gives no advice on the choice.

  1. 01

    Sit both samples

    Do the official Chemistry sample and the Physics sample, 45 minutes each, written tasks included. Mark them strictly. A subject that feels easier in class does not always score better under the clock.

  2. 02

    Read both topic lists line by line

    Tick what you have studied before. Count what is left in each list, and how long it would take you with the named textbook.

  3. 03

    Think about the oral

    You will explain the subject aloud. Choose the one you can talk through, not only the one where you can pick an answer.

  4. 04

    Decide early, then commit

    Choose in the first weeks and prepare only that subject. Preparing both leaves two half-prepared papers and wastes the choice Debrecen gives you.

What the choice does not change

  • Biology: compulsory for everyone, in the written test and in the oral.
  • The first year of Medicine: its main subjects include both Biophysics and Medical Chemistry (Medicine programme page; the list is 'indicative and may change').
  • The Basic Medicine Course, if the committee places you there: its curriculum covers Biology, Physics and Chemistry (Basic Medicine Course site).

Questions

Do I have to take Chemistry for Debrecen medicine?

No. Biology is compulsory, and you choose Chemistry or Physics as your second subject, for the written test and the oral exam.

Is Physics or Chemistry easier at Debrecen?

Debrecen does not say, and it publishes no scores. Both papers have the same layout on its samples. Sit both official samples under time and compare your own results; that is a better guide than any general answer.

Can I take both Chemistry and Physics?

Debrecen's pages describe Biology plus one of the two, chosen by you, and say nothing about sitting both. Prepare one well.

If I choose Physics, will I miss Chemistry later?

No. The first year of Medicine at Debrecen includes Medical Chemistry and Biophysics, per its Medicine programme page (a list it calls indicative), so both come back in the first year whichever you choose for the exam.

Official sources

Every figure on this page was read on the source itself on the date above. (26 October 2026)

Practise in the real format

The free sample test has Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each with 20 five-option questions and four written tasks worth 30 points, with every answer explained and a model answer for every task. Sit Biology and the second subject you will choose. When you want more, the IvyTest Debrecen package adds a full simulator, the study guide, lessons and application support.

Take the free Debrecen sample testSee Debrecen preparation

The Debrecen entrance exam, one question at a time

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