Wednesday, 3 August 2011

First Year Unicellular and Molecular Biology (and BIOL 200: Cellular Biology)

Although not all universities split their first year of biology the same way, I believe the separation created by my school should be similar to the separation on how you tackle these courses. Unfortunately, the amount of detail I can give regarding this class isn't much; many details from 2004 are very hazy, but I did take Cellular Biology (second year continuation of the course) last year. Due to the similarities of courses I will combine them here.

Physiological Basis of Life
Text: Don't remember... Too long ago.
As you discover quickly in undergrad, higher level in education usually means a more specific study and intense workload of a previous course. This course is really predominately Biology 12 with a university difficulty disguise. This course is mostly the study of tissues and cells. I completely forgotten how the labs were in regards to this course, but I don't recall any difficulty regarding them. It was one of the few classes I did ok in during my first year of taking random courses.

My course description read: The course focuses on the structure and functions of macromolecules, storage of information and replication of DNA as well as the role of DNA in protein synthesis and inheritance are described and related to the functions of whole organisms. Transport mechanisms, basic metabolism and hormonal and nervous regulation of function are explored with examples.

How I Did
B+

BIOL 200: Cellular Biology
Textbook: unsure because I never bought it...
Almost everything holds the same here. The topics are quite similar but go in far greater detail regarding the actual processes that take place within the cell and how it may affect the organism. As I took this course in a college, it came with a lab component. My professor was amazing and was really lab focused. My professor was also well known for all his material coming straight from his slides, which is why I never bought the textbook.

How I Did
A-

How to Do Well
Combination of logic skills and memorization would of been my key to success... If I had only knew then what I know now.
There are two types of memorization:
1) Straight memorization of all the facts
2) Memorization of basic ideas and overall picture
I find organismal biology to be more along the lines of the second type and this is even more apparent in Cell Bio. Too often I see classmates struggle, memorizing every single detail and situation. I find that, as you learn the basic overall concepts, the details come easier. I've been told this is a similar mistake many students make in Organic Chemistry. Once I feel I have a good overall understanding of the material, I like to quiz myself with material by comparing affects that would happen if changes were made and how this would affect the cell. These courses were heave on powerpoint presentations and because of this I never bought a textbook (not 100% sure if I did for first year). This is a good example on not wasting your time with material that isn't needed. BUT, always make sure he's not a professor to pull a fast one and place material on the exam just because "it's testable."

I wish I could say more but I can't think of anything right now. I'll add more as I think of it. Also, I will be posting another personal update soon.

While writing this I listened to Rob Zombie and Skrillex

2 comments:

  1. All the students who struggled in Organic Chemistry were the ones who memorized the every situation of reaction and such. They never really understood the concept behind the mechanism and they couldn't apply it to other problems. If you need help with it, let me know.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You may hear from me this semester then (if I need it)

    ReplyDelete