The Student Room Group

a level biology???

Hi,
I'm taking PE and Psychology for my a levels but am stuck on the third option since receiving my GCSE results. My original plan was English language but after looking into the course and receiving a 6 in my GCSE I'm not sure it suits me as I really didn't enjoy the long written exam. I got a 9-8 in combined science with biology being my best science which shocked me because I only ever got 4s and 5s in biology and never expected a 9.

I know biology goes with my subjects very well as my future career plans are PE based and universities would rather have a science than English but I want to know if it would be too hard to bridge the gap having only learned two thirds of the GCSE course, then having to learn all the A level content. I have also heard that biology is a really hard A level in itself.

I'm stuck on what to do because I have never ever achieved higher than a 5 in biology and my mock result was 41%, I fear that it was a anomaly and if I did biology A level I would come out with a very low grade. Another point to make is I enjoyed revising and learning GCSE biology over my other subjects, including English. Overall, how much harder and different is the biology A level compared to biology combined science at GCSE?
Reply 1
There will be a significant step up for all subjects at A Level. If you enjoy biology and you got a 9, and your other subjects are very complementary with biology then I would choose that. However, if you really like English and you’d miss it, then pick that.
Reply 2
Hi there, maybe try talking to your biology teacher for their advice - if they think taking biology is a wise option, then I'd say go for it! Biology at A Level is mainly memorising content and perfecting exam technique - the concepts aren't too difficult to understand and it's a popular A Level, meaning there are plenty of resources for it online! Don't just take biology because you think you're good at it, but because you like it, as you're unlikely to be motivated to revise and work hard unless you enjoy the subject.
Best of luck!
Reply 3
Check different Uni websites for the A level subjects requirements for the degree you want to do.
Do they want PE and a science? Does Psych count as a science or does this have to be Biology etc?

Example - Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education BSc | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University (lboro.ac.uk) - "AAB including at least one of the following preferred subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, History, Geography, Physical Education and English Literature or English Language."

Most Unis will only specify one or two A level subjects and often the 3rd subject can be literally anything - all they are interested in is the grade. If that subject doesnt matter, it makes sense to pick a subject that you will enjoy studying and where you feel confident of a good grade.
Reply 4
Original post by charsunders
Hi,
I'm taking PE and Psychology for my a levels but am stuck on the third option since receiving my GCSE results. My original plan was English language but after looking into the course and receiving a 6 in my GCSE I'm not sure it suits me as I really didn't enjoy the long written exam. I got a 9-8 in combined science with biology being my best science which shocked me because I only ever got 4s and 5s in biology and never expected a 9.
I know biology goes with my subjects very well as my future career plans are PE based and universities would rather have a science than English but I want to know if it would be too hard to bridge the gap having only learned two thirds of the GCSE course, then having to learn all the A level content. I have also heard that biology is a really hard A level in itself.
I'm stuck on what to do because I have never ever achieved higher than a 5 in biology and my mock result was 41%, I fear that it was a anomaly and if I did biology A level I would come out with a very low grade. Another point to make is I enjoyed revising and learning GCSE biology over my other subjects, including English. Overall, how much harder and different is the biology A level compared to biology combined science at GCSE?


I do a level biology and it’s a definitely harder than gcse. There are quite a few overlaps from gcse such as building knowledge from gcse biology. Also with a level there is a lot more content to learn

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