What A Levels Do I Need to Be a Marine Biologist?

If you are fascinated by marine life and ecology, Marine Biology may be a great career choice for you. The field provides a diversity of career paths, from conducting laboratory research to caring for animals in sanctuaries and aquariums, educating people about marine life and ecology, and participating in local conservation efforts. 

It is a competitive field and gaining admission into a marine biology course can be difficult. You will need to demonstrate your interest and preparedness for marine biology coursework. Completing A Levels will help your application stand out.

Essential A Levels for Marine Biologists

A Level Biology

Biology, the study of life, takes a deep dive into studying living organisms. It covers important topics like genetics, ecology, evolution, and cellular biology. 

A Level Biology provides a comprehensive look at biological processes and systems and fosters analytical and experimental skills through laboratory work. Biology classwork is essential for marine biology students as it provides foundational knowledge for understanding ecosystems, environmental impacts, and organism interactions.

A Level Chemistry

Chemistry includes the study of matter and how it interacts. A Level Chemistry focuses on topics like atomic structure, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, and thermodynamics. Marine biologists must be able to understand chemical processes and their function in marine environments.

A Level Mathematics

Mathematics covers a wide range of topics, including statistics, calculus, algebra, and mathematical modelling. Taking A Level Mathematics helps the aspiring marine biologist develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills and learn how mathematical concepts are applied in real-world situations. 

A Level Physics

Physics involves investigating the principles that govern the physical world. It focuses on mechanics, magnetism, electricity, thermodynamics, and waves. A Level Physics emphasises analytical skills, experimental techniques, and how mathematical concepts apply to physical phenomena.

A Level Geography

Geography explores both human and physical geography. This includes landforms, human interactions with the environment, climate systems, and spatial analysis. A Level Geography focuses on geographic information systems and fieldwork, which analyses environmental processes and patterns.

Optional A Levels for Marine Biology

A Level Marine Science

Marine Science isn’t required for entry into a Marine Biology university course, but it is directly related and demonstrates true interest in the topic. A Level Marine Science explores the biological, geological, and chemical aspects of the ocean. Topics include ocean currents, marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and human impact on marine environments.

A Level Geology

Geology studies the Earth, its materials, and the processes that have helped shape its structure over time. Topics in A Level Geology include rock formation, Earth’s history, and plate tectonics.

A Level Environmental Science

A Level Environmental Science studies the natural world and works to find solutions to ecological problems. It can cover a broad range of topics, which include ecology, conservation, pollution, and resource management. 

Best A Level Combinations for Marine Biologists

Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics is a great A Level combination. A Level combinations should represent a strong scientific background. Mathematics is also valuable for developing the necessary quantitative and analytical skills. It’s especially useful for students who are interested in pursuing careers in data analysis, marine research, and modelling ecological systems.

Another great A Level combination includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Biology is foundational to studying living organisms and ecosystems. Chemistry covers chemical processes in marine environments. Physics provides insights into physical processes and principles, which are helpful when studying marine ecosystems and marine life.

Requirements for Top UK Universities

St. Andrews University A Level Requirements 

Entry into St. Andrews University to study for a Marine Biology BSc will require an AAB grade in A Level Biology and one other subject: Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.

University of Exeter A Level Requirements

Students who wish to study Marine Biology at the University of Exeter will need a grade ABB. This includes at least a B in one science subject. 

University of Liverpool A Level Requirements

To enter the University of Liverpool to obtain a Marine Biology with Oceanography BSc, students will need an ABB grade in Biology and one other A Level science subject.

University of Southampton A Level Requirements

A Level requirements to enter the University of Southampton include biology with at least a B grade. Students also require one other science subject with at least a B.

How to Choose Your A Level Subject for Marine Biology

Academic Strengths

Before choosing your A Level subjects, think about your own academic strengths. Science courses tend to be intensive and difficult. If you find science and maths too challenging, you may want to pursue an alternative course of study. But if you find studying science, particularly biology, exciting and invigorating, you are setting yourself up for success.

University Requirements

Do a little research on the universities you are interested in applying to. Then, you can align your A Level subject choices with their requirements. This can save you a lot of time and be certain you’ve met the requirements of the university where you want to study.

Career Goals

There are many directions you can take as a marine biologist. After you’ve met the university requirements, choose A Level classes that will help you in the area you hope to specialise in.

Alternative Pathways for Marine Biologists

Consider an Internship

A biology internship can provide practical experience that will be required for biology-related careers. A biology intern will usually work as a research assistant in a laboratory setting, in a zoo as a wildlife biology intern, or in an office assisting experienced biologists. An internship offers career-focused training for the aspiring biologist. Some biology programs incorporate an internship into their undergraduate programmes.

Graduate School

Some employers prefer or require candidates with graduate degrees. For example, a biochemist will need to obtain a doctorate for research and development roles. An academic biologist will need a Ph.D. in biology. A master’s degree in biology can help a biologist specialise their skills and advance their careers.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

If you decide to study Marine Biology, you have a lot of flexibility since most universities don't require specific A Level courses. Becoming a marine biologist can be a time-consuming journey. If you decide the recommended A Level courses are not for you, it will delay your educational journey. 

However, if you are not comfortable with the rigours of the A Level courses and university coursework that will be required to obtain a degree in Marine Biology, perhaps you could consider a related field with easier coursework.

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