A Level biology is one of the hardest subjects. Biology has the lowest proportion of students earning A or A* grades when compared to Math, Physics, and Chemistry (31% in Math, 41% in Physics, and 26% in Biology in 2023).
There is a perception that biology is a broad A Level subject with a lot of material to learn and retain. Every issue in biology is often approached from start, in contrast to math and physics, where more complicated concepts may be deduced from a strong grasp of basic principles. This implies that a large amount of content has to be memorized, which is a challenge for certain pupils.
However, some individuals find courses like Chemistry to be more conceptually difficult than Biology; thus, a significant portion of how difficult A Level Biology is for you will depend on your own learning style.
How to excel in biology at the A level
Since the Biology syllabus covers a lot of ground, it is best to stay up to date with the course work from the moment you begin your sixth-form studies. During class, take thorough notes, and devote the time and attention necessary to your preparation or assignments. Request that your A-Level Biology Tutor go over any classes you are not completely understanding with you.
Exam past papers are a very helpful resource and are accessible online. You may approach prior exams “open book” and without any time constraints when you first begin practicing with them. This will acquaint you with the kind and complexity of problems answered at the A Level. It will also help you find any knowledge gaps or weak points early on in the revising process. Try taking practice tests under exam settings as the examinations get closer. You could find that this helps you manage your time better and handle pressure better.
Remember to review the examiners’ reports related to the test board you are sitting for. These are a vital resource for understanding which answers get points and which ones don’t. Test approach may make all the difference in grades on the day of the test. Ensure that you thoroughly read each question, provide a clear and legible response, and review your answers after the test is over.
Ultimately, hiring a qualified private biology teacher is highly recommended if you want to get the best possible marks. All of the instruction provided by StudyMind’s subject matter and test board specialists is one-on-one. A competent instructor will adjust their methods to your specific needs, going over difficult material again and ensuring you have understood the course. As the tests get closer, they may provide revision advice, mark your work and offer comments, and impart invaluable exam technique suggestions that have been refined over years of experience. This sometimes makes the difference between getting the grade you deserve and receiving a disappointing one.
Tips for Editing for Biology
The time you spend organizing and preparing your strategy before beginning editing is usually money well spent. Examine the curriculum for the board you will be sitting for and make a note of any subjects you believe need more study. Next, make a revision schedule by assigning slots based on how much work you anticipate each subject will need. Don’t forget to include plenty of short breaks to keep you motivated and alert.
Examine your notes for each subject and contrast them with the syllabus to see whether you understand it all. Do you still have any questions? If so, use the educational materials we’ve provided links to below to address them. There are a number of tried-and-true revision strategies, depending on how you learn best:
Condensing your notes into flashcards
Self-testing
It won’t be long before it’s time to put your skills to the test. Complete prior exams and grade your scores using the examiners’ report and mark system for that year. Note any subjects you found difficult and set aside additional time in your schedule for review of those subjects.
Make sure you are exam-ready by testing yourself under exam settings in the final weeks leading up to your A Levels.
Grade limits for Biology at A Level
The borders between grades change from year to year and across test boards. But in 2023, the following grades could only be obtained with an average score across the OCR, Edexcel, and AQA test boards:
- A*: 68.9%
- A: 58.8%
- B: 49.3%
Exam boards and specifications
Almost all renowned exam boards offer A Level Biology, including:
- AQA
- WJEC Eduqas
- Pearson Edexcel – including Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) and Biology B
- CIE (Cambridge)
- OCR – including Biology A and Biology B (Advancing Biology)
Frequently Asked Questions
Biology at A Level: Is it tough?
Biology is a difficult A Level subject, with very few students receiving an A or A* in it. Biology is known for being an A Level subject with a lot of material to learn and retain, which many students find challenging. Some students do, however, believe that it is less conceptually difficult than disciplines like Chemistry.
Is earning an A* in Biology at the A Level difficult?
Compared to other main STEM subjects like Chemistry, Physics, and Math, a smaller percentage of A Level Biology students obtain A*s. That makes it one of the most difficult topics to get an A* in. However, getting an A* is possible if you study hard, have a supportive biology instructor or tutor, and organize your revision.
Does the Biology A-Level include a lot of math?
In A Level Biology, mathematical proficiency accounts for around 10% of the final score. Since the requisite math is not very difficult, any student who completed their GCSE in math with a mark of 6 or above should be able to do A Level Biology.
Which topics complement biology at the A Level?
A Level Biology is a great combination with other scientific courses, especially Chemistry since the two have considerable overlap. Students often take biology together with two or three courses in chemistry, physics, and math if they want to pursue medicine or a similar field in college. Additionally, Biology is enhanced by Psychology, the second most popular A Level in the UK, especially for students who want to study Psychology at college.
