What Is A Level Biology? A Student's Guide

Thinking about studying A Level Biology? You're considering one of the most popular and rewarding science subjects available. 

Whether you're dreaming of becoming a doctor, want to understand how life works, or simply love biology, this guide will help you decide whether A Level Biology is right for you. As a qualified biology teacher with many years of A-level classroom and tutoring experience, I’ve helped hundreds of students choose biology and succeed across different exam boards.

Let's explore everything you need to know about this fascinating subject.

Key takeaways

• A Level Biology covers several main topic areas, from cell biology to genetics and evolution

• You'll sit three exam papers and complete required practical assessments

• The jump from GCSE is significant, but it is manageable with the right approach

• The subject requires strong analytical skills, good memory, and a moderate level of mathematical competence

• Biology A Level is essential for medicine, veterinary science, and many life science degrees

What topics will I study in A Level Biology?

While the topic details covered by each specification differ slightly, all A Level Biology courses cover the same core topic areas in order to build your understanding of living organisms.

The main topics common to all specifications include:

• biological molecules and water: the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids are linked to function, water’s solvent, thermal and cohesive roles are explained, and simple food tests are applied

• cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure is compared, organelle function is related to structure, membrane transport by diffusion, osmosis and active transport is outlined, and viruses are recognised as acellular

• enzymes: enzyme action is explained in terms of specificity and reducing activation energy, with rates affected by temperature, pH, concentration and inhibitors

• genetic information: DNA and RNA structure is studied alongside replication, transcription and translation, with cell division explored through mitosis and meiosis, plus inheritance patterns analysed using chi-squared tests 

• exchange and transport: gas exchange is compared in humans, fish and insects, whilst mass transport is examined through animal circulation systems and plant xylem and phloem networks

• disease and immunity: non-specific defences and the specific immune response are covered, with vaccination and herd immunity as key applications

• coordination and homeostasis: body coordination is explained through nervous transmission and hormonal signalling, with homeostasis maintained using negative feedback for blood glucose and water balance

• energy transfer: the transfer of light energy to carbohydrates during photosynthesis is studied, as well as the production of ATP during cellular respiration

• natural selection: evolution by natural selection is explained, including the roles of genetic variation and environmental selection pressures; natural selection is linked to speciation

• ecology and biodiversity: ecosystems are analysed through energy flow, nutrient cycles and succession, with biodiversity measured by sampling and indices, and conserved using practical strategies

For detailed breakdowns of each topic, check out our comprehensive A Level Biology topics guide.

How is A Level Biology assessed?

A Level Biology assessment combines written exams with practical work and other skills to test your abilities.

Exams

• A full A-level in Biology is assessed through three externally examined written papers

  • Two papers typically assess distinct syllabus portions: e.g.:

    • OCR Paper 1 assesses modules 1, 2, 3, 5 and Paper 2 assesses modules 1, 2, 4, 6

    • AQA Paper 1 covers topics 1–4 and Paper 2 covers topics 5–8

  • The third paper is synoptic, assessing the entire specification and requiring students to draw together knowledge and skills

• Common question formats include multiple choice, short-answer structured questions, problem-solving, calculations and extended-response questions

• Individual exams are typically 2 hours or longer

• The three papers contribute roughly equally to the final grade, e.g. 35% + 35% + 30% (AQA), 37% + 37% + 26% (OCR) or 33.33% each (Edexcel SNAB).

Skills

• At least 10% of total marks assess mathematical skills at GCSE-level or above, applied to tasks such as calculating magnification, using statistical tests and interpreting graphical data

• At least 15% of marks assess practical skills indirectly, including planning investigations, evaluating data and procedures and understanding scientific apparatus 

• Data analysis is a common requirement, including interpretation and evaluation of information from tables, graphs or scientific articles

Practical work

• For UK specifications (AQA, OCR, Edexcel SNAB) students complete a series of practical activities to demonstrate competency; successful completion leads to a separate “Pass” Practical Endorsement that is reported alongside the A-level grade

  • Each specification lists required core practicals: AQA and OCR list 12; Edexcel SNAB lists 18

  • The Practical Endorsement is assessed internally by teachers using the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC); CPAC checks that students follow procedures, use equipment safely, and make and record observations accurately

• International specifications (Cambridge IAL, Pearson Edexcel IAL) integrate practical skills via dedicated practical exam papers, such as Cambridge Paper 3 “Advanced Practical Skills” and Paper 5 “Planning, Analysis and Evaluation”

Which exam boards offer A Level Biology?

A-level Biology is offered by AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel in the UK, with international versions from Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel International. Core content across the exam boards is similar, but teaching approach, course structure, assessment and practical requirements differ. 

The core content is very similar across all boards, so don't worry too much about which one your school uses. Your teachers will be experts in their chosen specification.

To find out which exam board your school or college uses, simply ask your biology teacher or check your school's website.

How hard is A Level Biology compared to GCSE?

The jump from GCSE to A Level Biology is significant, but thousands of students make this transition successfully every year.

Key differences include:

• depth of content: A Level content is covered at a much greater depth than GCSE, for example GCSE might note that proteins have different shapes, while A Level explains how amino acid sequences determine structure and function

• independent thinking: you will need to analyse data, evaluate experiments and apply knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, not just recall facts

• exam demands: papers are longer and more challenging, requiring detailed explanations and synoptic links across topics

• pace: more content is covered in less time, so consistent classwork and regular revision are essential

The good news is that there is no need to panic! In my experience, students with good study habits and the right support can absolutely succeed, even if the learning curve feels steep to begin with.

What skills do you need for A Level Biology?

Success in A Level Biology requires a mix of scientific and analytical skills.

Essential skills include:

• critical thinking - you'll analyse experimental data, evaluate evidence, and draw logical conclusions from complex information

• strong recall - A Level Biology involves learning many facts, processes, and terminology, so effective revision techniques are crucial

• attention to detail - small differences in molecular structure can have huge biological consequences, so it is important to pay attention to technical details

• mathematical skills - you'll calculate percentages, ratios, rates of reaction, and interpret graphs and statistical data

• application - you must be able to apply your knowledge to new situations, not just recall memorised information

• practical skills - laboratory work requires careful observation, accurate measurement, and proper technique

If you enjoyed GCSE Biology and found it manageable, you likely have the foundation skills needed for A Level success.

Who should take A Level Biology?

A Level Biology suits students with a genuine interest in living things and how they function.

Consider A Level Biology if you're interested in:

• climate change

• sport performance, sleep and nutrition science

• forensics and DNA profiling

• conservation, rewilding and biodiversity

• pandemics, vaccines and disease spread

• brains, behaviour, memory and learning

• sustainable farming and future foods

Subject combinations that work well at A Level: 

Your A Level subject choices will determine what you can study later, and shape how you experience A Level Biology during the course. Some combinations keep competitive degree routes open, while others deepen particular interests. Use the pointers below to match your goals.

• Strong combinations:

  • biology + chemistry: a common pairing, and many university science courses require both

  • mathematics: builds analytical and data-handling skills that complement biology

• Also works well:

  • psychology: links biology with behaviour, cognition and research methods

  • geography: shares ideas on ecosystems, climate and fieldwork

  • physics: supports biomechanics, physiology and scientific instrumentation

Many competitive courses specify A Level Biology as essential, for example medicine typically requires biology and chemistry at A Level, while many universities also want mathematics or physics. 

Requirements vary by institution and course, so check individual university pages early.

What can you do with A Level Biology?

A Level Biology is a cornerstone for entry to medicine, veterinary science, biological sciences, biochemistry and related degrees because it builds the core understanding required at university level.

Direct career paths include:

• medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science

• nursing, physiotherapy or other healthcare careers

• environmental science or conservation

• sports science or nutrition

• teaching or science communication

• pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry roles

• research and laboratory work

Even if you choose a non-science route, A Level Biology trains analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also builds communication through clear lab reports, teamwork through group investigations and resilience as students tackle challenging concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Biology harder than A Level Chemistry or Physics?

It depends on your strengths. A Level Biology has a large syllabus and rewards students who can memorise and connect many ideas. A Level Chemistry and Physics usually have a lower content demand, but require more mathematical problem-solving and comfort with abstract models.

Can I do A Level Biology without GCSE Triple Science?

Most schools require GCSE Biology (either separate or combined science) with grade 6 or above. Some schools accept strong combined science results, but separate Biology GCSE provides the best preparation for A Level content and terminology.

How much maths is there in A Level Biology?

Around 10% of A Level Biology involves mathematical skills. You'll calculate percentages, work with ratios, interpret statistical data, and analyse graphs. The maths isn't complex, but confidence in applying mathematical concepts is needed for exam success.

Final thoughts

A Level Biology offers an exciting journey into understanding life itself. From the molecular machinery inside cells to the complex interactions between organisms and their environment, you'll explore the science behind everything that lives and breathes.

The subject suits curious students who enjoy problem-solving and aren't afraid of detailed learning. While challenging, Biology A Level rewards your efforts with fascinating insights and excellent preparation for future study or careers.

Success comes through consistent effort, active engagement with practical work, and regular revision. With the right approach and mindset, you can absolutely excel in this rewarding subject.

Ready to dive deeper into A Level Biology? Explore our comprehensive revision resources and topic guides to support your learning journey every step of the way. 

Explore Our A Level Biology Resources