subject: How To Succeed In College Biology [print this page] How To Succeed In College Biology How To Succeed In College Biology
There are many ways in which one can approach the subjects of biology and make good grades in them. It all depends on why/how you found yourself in a college biology class. If you are in biology because it is a requirement for a general college degree or another major, then the kind of study approach you take towards that course will be completely different. If you are in biology because you are seeking a degree in biology (pre med, pre dental, pre PhD, etc) then you need a completely different mindset and approach in your going to succeed in biology with all 'A's'
Biology (the Course): Lets face it, you probably can't wait for the semester to be over and move on to the courses of your major or degree plan that interest you. But you still want to make a good grade in biology though, you don't want to have to retake the class, do you? So here's a cute little secret.
1. Never cram any of the material: Biology is very comprehensive, anything you learn will be needed for the next concept to complete your understanding.
2. Stay familiar with the material: Review it everyday as soon as new material is presented to you. Never put it off for later, because you never want to find yourself playing catch-up with biology. That's a hard battle to win...it's still possible.
3. Master the big picture: Memorizing the small details and facts are irrelevant if you do not understand the big picture. With basic or any biology, you learn the main idea first, then you master the little concepts.
Biology (the Degree): You already know that more is required from you. You cannot and should not do without all that has been mentioned above. In addition to all of that, you need to start thinking biology. As you study the heart, for example, you want to start thinking how, why, what if, when, etc. As you study you want to start thinking about the material. It is pointless to memorize and know something you cannot apply in a given setting.
If you take a look at the content of materials for general biology, it is the same as that of a premedical curriculum, and that is in turn the same as those of a Medical curriculum. So is it just repetition over and over again? Yes it is. The big difference is the level of detail and application demand.
Pre meds, pre dentals, pre PhD's, and all biology students should seek out supplementary resources and materials that will help re-enforce the material to your learning and understanding. There are lots of FREE online sources that can help every and any student succeed in Biology (the course and the degree).
