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Should I choose biology as an a- level?

I really enjoy biology, and would love to go into it, but I am not a fan of physics or maths at all, and I would not want to take them as an a- level. Does this put me at a disadvantage? I really need help making my mind up over whether it is the best path to take. Honest opinions please, I will not be disheartened as I have other options if this isn't the right one.

Also, I am aware it heavily depends on my GCSE results , but I would like to know whether it is a good idea before I get too set on it.

Thank you!

Reply 1

Alevel biology doesnt really have much physics in it so that's fine. however from what I remember there was a few questions of maths (I did AQA Biology) and most of the maths is pretty weird that my A level maths didn't even help. You'll realise when you look at the mark scheme there's very little overlap. So I'd say go for it! (Depending on your other choices, you don't want to make too many random alevel choices because it makes uni admissions harder.)

Reply 2

Hi!
I agree. A Level Biology has little to no physics in it. You need GCSE level maths, plus you will learn some statistics methods, but they are not complicated and at least on my exam board (OCR A), you were told what each bit of it meant in the exam.

As long as you have probably a 5-6 in maths, you should be fine. If you love biology, I would go for it as the more complicated maths is a small section of the exam.

Maybe have a look at some past papers for heh exam boards your prospective colleges/sixth forms do.

Reply 3

Original post
by Inina
Alevel biology doesnt really have much physics in it so that's fine. however from what I remember there was a few questions of maths (I did AQA Biology) and most of the maths is pretty weird that my A level maths didn't even help. You'll realise when you look at the mark scheme there's very little overlap. So I'd say go for it! (Depending on your other choices, you don't want to make too many random alevel choices because it makes uni admissions harder.)

Okay, thank you so much!

Reply 4

Original post
by CatLover1
Hi!
I agree. A Level Biology has little to no physics in it. You need GCSE level maths, plus you will learn some statistics methods, but they are not complicated and at least on my exam board (OCR A), you were told what each bit of it meant in the exam.
As long as you have probably a 5-6 in maths, you should be fine. If you love biology, I would go for it as the more complicated maths is a small section of the exam.
Maybe have a look at some past papers for heh exam boards your prospective colleges/sixth forms do.

That's good, I was unsure of how much maths I would actually need in it, but as long as its just GCSE level I should be fine. Thank you!

Reply 5

Hey! I do Bio and I'd recommend if you're into it. The exam tech is what really kills, but the content so far has been straightfoward enough. I guess that changes in y13 though. It's also uber content heavy but that isn't an issue if you enjoy the content. Hope this helps!

Reply 6

Original post
by Camer0nR
Hey! I do Bio and I'd recommend if you're into it. The exam tech is what really kills, but the content so far has been straightfoward enough. I guess that changes in y13 though. It's also uber content heavy but that isn't an issue if you enjoy the content. Hope this helps!

Okay thank you! What other subjects would you recommend I do alongside it if I do end up doing it?

Reply 7

Original post
by KittyCat_22
Okay thank you! What other subjects would you recommend I do alongside it if I do end up doing it?

Chemistry, definitely.

Reply 8

Biology is the science (along with psychology) that is very varied in what people take. Most people take chemistry, but not everyone. If you want to do 2 humanities and a science, then biology is a common science to take.
I took biology, chemistry and history. But biology and psychology go well together, biology and PE. Some people do biology and English. A science based subject might make it easier, but you do not need a science based subject (however, some sixth forms will require it, but most don't).

Reply 9

Original post
by KittyCat_22
Okay thank you! What other subjects would you recommend I do alongside it if I do end up doing it?

I do Chem, Maths and Eng Lit. Chemistry makes biochemistry easier so that's a win but it's also good if you want to do Bio at uni, same with Maths. English or another humanity could also work just for variety. I have friends who take Economics or a foreign language along with it so there are loads of options. If you want to do it at uni I'd recommend Chem and then pick something you'll do well in as a third

Reply 10

Original post
by KittyCat_22
I really enjoy biology, and would love to go into it, but I am not a fan of physics or maths at all, and I would not want to take them as an a- level. Does this put me at a disadvantage? I really need help making my mind up over whether it is the best path to take. Honest opinions please, I will not be disheartened as I have other options if this isn't the right one.
Also, I am aware it heavily depends on my GCSE results , but I would like to know whether it is a good idea before I get too set on it.
Thank you!


As someone who does biology after loving it at gcse and got 7 + max I highly recommend you DONT take it if you DONT need it…

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