Anyone done A'level Biology?

[Monkeyandbooba]

Is it challenging??

yes, as level less so but the full a level was hard

I've got an MA but not in a science subject (did Science at GCSE level 16 years ago) so am used to studying but worried about absorbing a different information.

Yes and I failed it .

Is it hard ? well it was for me but that question is a bit subjective really .

All I remeber now is discecting the rats !

Oooh yuck

THink I need to give this further consideration then.

A long time ago - it was the easiest and also the most enjoyable science subject.

It was back in the mid 80's so things might have changed by now as to whether you disect anything at all !

yes . I found v easy but I loved Biology, my fave subject and went on to do a Biology BSc.

I did it. But in 1990

I loved it, but then, I loved chemistry and physics too.

yes, it's challenging but any decent A level is.

Really depends what you want to do at the end of it.

There aren't that many great jobs in chemistry / biochemistry in the UK.

I did it but it was 20 years ago so not sure my experience is relevant.

THinking about a change of career into midwifery

Do you need Biology A level for that?

A friend of mine is switching (from being a dental nurse) and she doesn't have biology A level as far as I know)

I dont think even if you want to go to medical school you need a biology A level , chemistry yes but not biology , on the other hand I may be wrong .

I did maths, chemistry and biology and found biology the easiest of the three but enjoyed chemistry more. As I recall (and it was quite a long time ago) I didn't like the biology practicals so much. Lots of stuff with fruit flies which always made me feel itchy and the results were always a bit inconclusive. I preferred chemistry practicals, I think because they were more like cooking!

I didn't like the frogs and rats... I can still smell the rats - urgh!! But maybe they don't do that anymore?

I did it, [several] years ago. I liked it for its mix of thoery and practice, and for the fact thwat much of the subject can be seen and experienced in everyday life (in contrast to maths or physics, which can be somewhat more theoretcial).

I found it hard yes, I did it in 2002, was an enjoyable course though.

You can do an access to midwifery at your local FE college which is more helpful than A'Level biology. They can help you get onto the uni course too.

I did A level biology 2 years ago. I found the course easy, tbh. A levels are now modular, so there are 6 exams spread through the 2 years, including a synoptic paper.

Have you thought about an access course?

Remember that A-levels have all changed dramatically this year, including the Science ones. They may not be the same as what people have done 2, 10, 20 years ago.

I think Biology is the hardest of the three Science A-levels (I am not a biologist though).

Yes, about 16 years ago, I passed with a Grade

......E.....sneeks off quickly.

Tricky but worth the effort

My BF got onto a midwiffery course with an A level equivalent in anatomoy and physiology. I think that was more relevant than learning about the photosynthesis of grasses.

See what they want then choose a suitable course

My hubbie tesches it. He says:

"Yes.

Relative to most A-Levels it is extremely hard work. Relative to Maths and Physics it is a tiny bit easier... it is on a par with Chemistry. Certainly harder than English or anything along the lines of Psycology, citizenship and all the rest... generslly considered to be the 3rd or forth most challenging of them all.

However the hardest part for most is learning to study properly, adjusting to the challenge and not giving up. As a mature student you'd not have those issues.

Personally I find it a little challenging to teach but its OK. With the right teacher it'll be fine.

You have no need to worry, if you're thinking of midwifery then you've obviously got the intellectual capacity to cope.

The biggest issue beyond the initial challenge for many is the abstract nature of much of it... again as a mature student you will be more than capable of coping with this as many A-Level students simply cannot cope due to not having the physical mental development necessary to cope with the level of abstract thinking required."

Biology is easier than Physics or Chemistry but it's still challenging and there's a lot to learn. Attitude and work ethic are a huge part of success though and the modular structure of the course suits learners who work hard and study throughout. Have you checked out entry requirements on local courses as often they take A level equivalents such as BTEC which may be more appropriate to the course.

I did Biology 10 years ago - it was a final exam course rather than the modular courses done now. As there is a lot of factual stuff you just have to memorise for the exams, I think modular would be a lot easier to cope with.

Oh and I didn't have to dissect anything! Worst I had to do was squash up some peas

I have since done a post grad diploma in law, and I found the change of subject quite hard after science A levels and a chemistry degree. I went from there always being one answer which was either right or wrong, to having to interpret stuff where there are only opinions to be had..I guess you would be going the other way to me, and I think that would be easier. Good luck with whatever you end up doing!

Thanks everyone this is really helpful, I have checked the entry requirements and because midwifery is very competitive they require one science a'level and some institutions specify biology as the subject of choice.

Lots of people get onto midwifery after doing access, I would contact your local uni and ask, IMO its more relevant than an A'Level in biology.

Am student nurse btw.