Are you planning on continuing in Life Science? Or do you want to specialize? Some specializations require phys1B03 to be completed by the end of level 2, but you'll have to take it as one of your electives, which can cause problems. If you're thinking of going into a specialization that doesn't give you lots of elective space, I'd recommend doing it in first year. Don't worry about it being a GPA killer--whether you take it in first year or second year, it will still affect your cumulative average in the same way. Also, it might be easier to take 1B03 in first year, since 1L03 will be fresh in your mind (you won't worry about forgetting the stuff you learned) and you'll have more time to devote to it, since first-year courses are generally easier than second-year courses. Taking 1B03 in the summer is another option.
Also, the first year of university DOES count towards professional school, especially since many of the prerequisite courses are first-year courses. Optometry school, for example, requires a full year of first-year physics with a lab...so they'd definitely look at your physics mark. You tend to apply to professional school at the end of first/second year to start in second/third year. Regardless of when you apply, they look at your overall GPA...I've never heard of a professional school ignoring first-year courses completely. Grad school is different--I think they only look at years 3+4, depending on the school/program.
If you really like english, much more than economics, then take it! Interest plays a huge role in your grade...if you like the subject, you're more willing to put time/effort into it, and thus will get a better grade without it seeming like that much work. If you hate the subject, you'll put off doing any work for it (instead doing work for other classes), and thus will get a lower mark. Don't let the fear of a low mark stop you from taking a course you're really interested in!
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