Choosing your A Levels is a big decision, as these subjects shape your university and career choices. If you’re here, you’re likely weighing up A Level Biology, wondering if it’s as challenging as people say. 

Well, we’re here with the answers. While it’s not the easiest subject around, Biology is immensely rewarding. It opens doors to exciting careers in fields like healthcare, environmental science, genetics and biotechnology – providing fascinating insights into how our world works.

As part of this series on A Level subjects and their difficulty, we’ve already covered English Literature and Language, History, Maths, Economics and Chemistry. Now it’s time for A Level Biology. 

So let’s break down what makes A Level Biology tough, how it compares to other subjects, and what you can do to succeed.

In this article:

Is A Level Biology hard?

The short answer is yes, A Level Biology is challenging. But it’s not just about the amount of material. Biology combines theory with practical application, meaning you’re expected to learn concepts as well as analyse, interpret and apply ideas. Unlike some subjects, where memorisation gets you quite far, Biology demands critical thinking and deep comprehension of processes.

In other words, to secure top grades in A Level Biology, you’ll need to go beyond facts. You’ll have to understand how things like cellular respiration, photosynthesis or genetic inheritance work and how they link together. Plus, A Level Biology exams ask you to interpret data, draw conclusions and solve unfamiliar problems.

That said, Biology is a massively rewarding A Level. You’ll explore the very makeup of life, from the cellular to the ecological level, and each topic reveals new insights about the world around you. So yes, it’s hard. But for those with curiosity and dedication, it’s worth the effort.

Why is A Level Biology so hard?

A Level Biology covers a range of complex topics. For instance, Molecular Biology requires a fair amount of abstract thinking. Human Physiology involves plenty of memorisation and Ecology-related topics need solid data-interpretation skills. Each topic requires not just memorisation but critically analysing how processes fit into the broader picture of life sciences.

While each exam board has their own specification, here are the main areas of A Level Biology and why they can be challenging:

• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry: You might explore the molecules that form cells, like DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. Understanding how these molecules interact within a cell is fundamental, but it can also feel abstract and complex. For example, you could learn about processes like DNA replication and protein synthesis, involving intricate steps and specific enzymes that can be tough to memorise and fully understand.
• Genetics and Inheritance: This area is about how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Common topics include Mendelian inheritance, genetic mutations and the role of genes in diseases. Concepts like alleles, dominant and recessive traits, and genotype vs. phenotype can be tricky to grasp. Plus, you might have to apply mathematical skills to predict genetic outcomes, adding another layer of difficulty.
• Human Physiology: Studying the human body involves understanding the systems that keep us alive, from the respiratory and circulatory systems to the nervous and immune systems. Each system has many interdependent components and processes, all of which you’ll learn in detail. You may also cover how these systems respond to changes, such as how the body reacts to disease or physical exercise – needing a deep understanding of biological mechanisms.
• Ecology and the Environment: You might learn about ecosystems, species interactions and environmental sustainability, involving concepts from both Biology and Geography. For instance, you may cover different ecosystems, food chains and how human activities impact the environment. Ecology may seem less technical, but it requires solid data interpretation skills and understanding large-scale interactions.

Is Biology A Level much harder than GCSE?

A Level Biology is a big step up from GCSE. At GCSE, you’ll cover foundational concepts like cell structure, genetics, human anatomy and ecology. But at A Level, these topics are taken to a new depth. 

For instance, if you studied photosynthesis at GCSE, you learned the basic idea: plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. At A Level, however, you’ll learn this process in stages, covering the specific reactions in the light-dependent and light-independent stages, as well as all the enzymes involved. 

In addition, A Level Biology demands far more in terms of data analysis and experimental skills. You’ll learn to analyse experimental data, interpret graphs and evaluate the reliability of sources – skills rarely covered in Biology GCSE.

Is it hard to get an A* in A Level Biology?

Achieving an A* in A Level Biology is challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible! The grade boundaries for an A* are usually quite high, meaning you’ll need to score around 70% to reach it. 

Overall, about 10% of students achieve an A* in A Level Biology. Here’s a breakdown of A* grades across the main exam boards:

• AQA: 8.6%
• OCR (Biology A): 9.1%
• OCR (Biology B): 15.2%
• Edexcel (Biology Salters): 8.8%
• Edexcel (Biology B): 11.9%
• Eduqas: 9.7%

Hoping to be among that 10%? Here’s what to do to boost your chances of an A* in A Level Biology:

• Use past papers strategically: Practice is key. Biology exams present data or scenarios you won’t have seen before, and past papers help you get used to this. By doing as many past papers as you can, you’ll get a feel for the types of questions that come up.
• Go beyond memorisation: Biology is all about understanding how things work. Take time to understand each concept fully, rather than just memorising facts. Making connections between topics (like how respiration links to energy in ecosystems) will deepen your understanding.
• Stay on top of practical work: Many Biology courses include a practical component. Doing well in practicals not only prepares you for exams but also reinforces the concepts you’re learning.
• Use reliable resources: Not all revision resources are created equal! Misleading or poorly-organised material can set you back. Stick to trusted Biology revision guides, recommended textbooks and reputable websites to ensure you’re on track.
• Create a balanced revision timetable: Organise your time to cover all your A Level subjects (not just Biology!). Use techniques like time-blocking to dedicate specific slots to each subject. Having a clear revision timetable helps you stay on track and reduces stress by breaking your workload into manageable chunks.

How many people get an A in A Level Biology?

On average, only 29% of A Level Biology students achieve an A or higher. This varies by exam board, but it reflects the challenge of A Level Biology and the high standards needed for top marks. 

Here’s the percentages of A Level Biology students with an A grade or higher:

• AQA: 26.8%
• OCR (Biology A): 26.7%
• OCR (Biology B): 32.8%
• Edexcel (Biology Salters): 27%
• Edexcel (Biology B): 33.3%
• Eduqas: 29.7%

Just like our tips for A* grades, consistent hard work, solid study techniques and a thorough understanding of the Biology syllabus are essential. 

If you’re struggling or have just missed out on your desired GCSE or A Level grades, remember retakes are an option. At Academic Coaching, we’ll help you succeed with personalised revision strategies, exam technique and overall confidence.

Is Biology a respected A Level?

Yes, Biology is a highly respected A Level subject. It’s one of the “facilitating subjects” that’s valued by Russell Group universities for a wide range of degrees. 

Alongside subjects like Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics, Biology is respected as academically rigorous. It’s valued not only for the knowledge, but also the skills it develops, like analytical thinking and problem-solving. These skills are prized not just in science-related fields, but areas like accounting and law too.

A Level Biology is also essential for certain career paths and degrees. If you’re interested in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or other life sciences, Biology will be a fundamental part of your studies. 

So, not only is it respected, but it’s also a prerequisite for many exciting careers!

Is A Level Biology the hardest A Level?

While Biology is challenging, it’s generally not considered the hardest A Level. Most students and teachers consider Further Maths as the most demanding A Level due to its advanced abstract concepts and the level of mathematical proficiency required. 

In Biology, the challenge is often the volume and depth of content, along with the analytical skills needed to interpret data and experiments. However, if you enjoy learning about living organisms and have a solid study routine, you’ll likely find it manageable with effort.

Want to learn more about the hardest and easiest A Level subjects, as well as the most challenging and simplest degrees? Check out our in-depth guides and rankings.

Which science is hardest at A Level?

Opinions differ, but most students find Physics the hardest A Level science. 

Why? While Biology involves lots of content and interpretation, and Chemistry demands understanding of abstract concepts, Physics requires a unique combination of complex theories and mathematical problem-solving (including high-level skills like calculus) – making it particularly challenging.

Oh, and A Level Physics grade boundaries can be pretty high too.

But of course, what’s hardest will depend on your interests and skills. So don’t let this put you off!

Is Biology easier than Chemistry A Level?

Whether Biology is easier than Chemistry will come down to the individual. But overall, most students find A Level Chemistry more difficult.

Chemistry is known for its abstract concepts, especially in areas like physical chemistry and organic chemistry. It also has a mathematical component, which some students find challenging.

In comparison, Biology is generally more content-heavy and descriptive. While Chemistry requires logical problem-solving skills and understanding molecular interactions, Biology focuses more on applying detailed processes and systems. There’s also Maths, but not quite as much.

Although grades don’t tell the full story when it comes to difficulty, here’s the percentage of students achieving A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

• Biology: 8.9%
• Chemistry: 9.5%
• Physics: 11.2%

For comparison, 28.4% of students achieve an A* in A Level Further Maths. In Psychology, it’s 5.8%.

Is A Level Biology harder than Psychology?

Again, it comes down to the individual student, But in general, A Level Biology is considered harder than Psychology. 

• Psychology, while still challenging, involves less intense memorisation and mathematical analysis. Psychology students study research methods, cognitive and social psychology (and some biological processes), but the depth and breadth are generally less than what’s required in A Level Biology.
• Biology focuses on molecular processes, biochemical pathways and systems within organisms – involving greater detail and precision. Psychology concentrates on theories and research studies, which some students find easier to grasp compared to the content-heavy nature of Biology.

Biology and Psychology A Levels also pair incredibly well, offering complementary insights into the science of life and the mind. Studying both can deepen your understanding of topics like neurobiology, where biology and psychology intersect, providing a holistic view of human behaviour and physiology. 

This combination (alongside a third or fourth A Level) is particularly useful for careers in Healthcare, Neuroscience and Psychiatry. You’ll also find it opens doors in fields like Sports Science, Forensic Science, Pharmaceuticals and Public Health.

If you’re weighing-up career options, don’t miss our guides to the highest-paying graduate and non-graduate jobs. A Level Biology can lead to exciting degrees, but if you aren’t sure about university (or exploring pathways like Degree Apprenticeships), there are plenty of alternative options that still result in rewarding and lucrative careers.

Ready to reach your potential in A Level Biology and beyond?

Choosing A Level Biology might not be the easiest path. But it’s incredibly rewarding and provides a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. 

If you’re struggling with A Level choices, Academic Coaching can help. From effective revision and exam prep to early career advice, we’re here to guide you. We also provide expert assistance with university applications and academic life coaching to help you navigate these big decisions with confidence.

Let’s make sure you’re on the path to success. Get in touch today for help reaching your potential.