How Is A Level Biology?
As one of the sciences, A level biology is arguably one of the most challenging subjects you can pick, but that’s not to say that it isn’t rewarding! So, how is biology A level, really? Let’s discuss this in more detail!
A broad subject
How is A level biology? Broad is one way to describe it. Don’t worry if you don’t like one particular aspect of biology – you’ll cover a whole breadth of knowledge in your A level, with cells, genetic information, organisms, and ecosystems being just a few of them.
A level biology is great for its variety – this could help you consider if you want to continue further study in biology at university and could get you thinking about what kind of thing you’d want to specialise in afterwards, shaping your whole future career.
For example, you may find yourself on the path to becoming a microbiologist, environmental biologist, or pharmacologist to name a few: the different branches studied in A level biology are wide and varied. It could really put things into perspective for you.
A difficult subject
Calculating moles, mass, and MR, you’ll definitely need to bring your calculator along to this class! Whilst studying A level maths alongside chemistry may help with your mathematical knowledge in applying it to the chemical formulas, you do not require maths to an A level standard in this subject.
Some things you may be asked to work out only require basic maths. Chemical formulas can be learned in your chemistry class without knowing an advanced standard of mathematics.
For example, you might be asked to work out the mass number of a chemical element, in which you would only need to add the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus together – adding simple numbers together is barely an A level standard of maths, especially when you can take a calculator into the exam! You should be given a method for each problem you could be asked to tackle – if you follow this method, you shouldn’t have too many problems.
The average student will find any A level difficult, although the sciences are arguably even more challenging with their huge step up from GCSE. If you pick this A level, you need to prepare yourself for a lot of hard work – revising throughout the year, having an experienced online biology tutor, practising past papers, and tackling all the questions in your course textbook is just the start of it.
You’ll need to be able to learn and grasp the new scientific concepts you’ll come across to apply your knowledge to exam questions – A level, unlike GCSE, is less about memorising the textbook facts, and more about applying what you know to real-life scenarios.
If you find application difficult, you may struggle with A level biology, although the mathematical questions included are often basic. Consider asking your teacher to explain things in more detail if you don’t understand something – it’s better to grasp knowledge early on rather than leaving it too late and becoming panicky for your exam.
With A level biology having a wide range of curriculum, you’ll need to plan out your revision and revise each of your modules both in-depth and in good time. Reduce your stress as much as possible through this method! If the shock from transferring from GCSE to A level is still causing you problems throughout your mock exams, consider getting a private tutor.
This will cost you money, although they are getting paid for a reason – an expert can help you focus on the topics you are struggling with and will give you all the attention you require. There are plenty of resources to help combat A level biology being a difficult subject.
So, if you think you’re up for the challenge, picking A level biology could be a great option for you and your future career. It is difficult, although other subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, and even geography can easily complement this course.
You’ll gain many skills from biology such as practical skills, application skills, and excellent written communication, so if you really want to know what biology is like, just know that it is a very rewarding and respected subject which, with a range of opportunities, can help you secure a better future.
If you, or your parents would like to find out more, please just get in touch via email at info@exam.tips or call us on 0800 689 1272.