Secrets To Biol Success - Proven

[shinny]

well its only 6 months on and ive practically forgotten about 75% of my bio, so studying too hard too early might not be too useful in terms of time efficiency...but well, if u really have the time and motivation, why not? in terms of sources, i compiled my final set of notes using around...2 textbooks (nature of biology and nelson), A+ publishing notes, tsfx notes, neap notes and even uni textbooks i took from my brother. going through that many sources helps to get everything u need to know on those particular topics and aids with thorough understanding of the concepts covered in biology, because often the section where people lose marks is the application of the theory, and that only comes through thorough understanding; not mere rote learning

[Voltman]

well its only 6 months on and ive practically forgotten about 75% of my bio, so studying too hard too early might not be too useful

At my school we are advised to memorise the definitions of biology words on a weekly basis, and the testing of those spelling words is also done. Now, is this really necessary (memorising definitions)? Is understanding good enough? As, I'd hate to work hard only to forget them in the end when it may really count. I'm sure I can write my own definitions when we have the tests, through understanding. Would this be ideal, and therefore a great method?

[shinny]

memorising definitions is definitely helpful; saves time recalling and making up the wording for them on the spot during the exam...its also quite hard to get a good concise definition too, and wasting time definitely isnt something u want to be doing in a bio exam. for the unit4 exam, hardly anyone finished so ull definitely want to be getting as much time as u can.

in regards to spelling, its actually not required, as long as it PHONETICALLY sounds right since vcaa isnt testing ur spelling; but i wouldnt take any chances anyway. an example my teacher gave is that u could spell glycogen as glicojen and get a mark, yet spell it as glucogon and get it wrong, even though the 'correct' one looks completely wrong, and glucogon is only 2 letters away, except glucogon is the name of another molecule and uld get it wrong. but yes, ur probly better off not taking any chances

[Saraime2003]

haha a self exampple of this by me was in the mid year exam, i wrote adenisine instead of adenine... i suck. lol

Aimee

[Huygen]

memorising definitions is definitely helpful; saves time recalling and making up the wording for them on the spot during the exam...its also quite hard to get a good concise definition too, and wasting time definitely isnt something u want to be doing in a bio exam. for the unit4 exam, hardly anyone finished so ull definitely want to be getting as much time as u can.

So, just to clarify, you would recommend memorising definitions for someone doing units 1 and 2? Or did you mean just for units 3 and 4? There are many things that you do in previous units that you don't need for the following units.

[shinny]

You could memorise the definitions now, but honestly, its not that hard to memorise it during units 3 and 4 anyway. Theres actually not that many you need to know from memory (compared to other theory subjects), but if you've seriously got time to burn, and the motivation to revise them next year again, then hell why not. I actually have no idea whats in the unit 1/2 course, but the key to biology is actually understanding the concepts, and understanding their relation to the analysis/problem solving style questions in biology. While some are straight forward, once you start revising for the exams, you'll see some quite whack questions, particularly for unit 3

[Kellie Sewell]

Great advice here.  Learning definitions is definitely the way to start with your Biology knowledge and some parts of the course are like learning another language.  If you don't use the right terms/words in the right place in your answer, you won't get full marks.  In fact you might even contradict yourself in your answer and get no marks!!  For example in Unit 3 if you get a questions talking about cellular respiration or endergonic and exergonic reactions and you just use the word energy and not mention ATP you may not receive full marks.  Particularly if it has been an easy exam and the assessors are looking for ways to work out A+ from A etc etc.  They do get picky in these circumstances.  The key is to definitely read as many Biology sources/texts as possible because each of them explain the content in a different way and contain different examples.  This all helps to increase your knowledge and familiarity with the content.  Hope this helps!!!

[khalil]

hey,
i was wondering if you tutor, but for starters are you a guy or girl... cause i feel for comfortable with a girl...!and if you aren't aBLE TO tutor, do you have anoyone who is willing to??? cause i got a lot confusions, and would like to clarify them as quick as possilbe, before the exams come....and if you could find a female tutor who is willing to tutor at my house in Narre warren or in narre warren libraRY, THAT would be great..... thanks ......email me on [email protected]    thx a billion!

[hard]

are you a girl khalil?

[shinny]

Yeh I'm confused as well. Profile says male but the email indicates otherwise =P

[khalil]

lol..yer this is my brothers username, i forget to log out. I am a girl and Khalil is a boy!

[Kellie Sewell]

I am a bit confused, are you asking me if I tutor???

If yes, then I do, although I am quite full at the minute.  I do have places in my tutorial classes though and they have just started.  Classes and tutoring are held in Glen Iris.  All details are on my website www.enhanceeducation.com.au

[physics]

OH WOW! i am doing 3& 4 and i am in year 11. there is so much pressure on me right now cause i do methods cas 3&4 as well. anyway ur tips are great!

[jaja]

well its only 6 months on and ive practically forgotten about 75% of my bio, so studying too hard too early might not be too useful in terms of time efficiency...but well, if u really have the time and motivation, why not? in terms of sources, i compiled my final set of notes using around...2 textbooks (nature of biology and nelson), A+ publishing notes, tsfx notes, neap notes and even uni textbooks i took from my brother. going through that many sources helps to get everything u need to know on those particular topics and aids with thorough understanding of the concepts covered in biology, because often the section where people lose marks is the application of the theory, and that only comes through thorough understanding; not mere rote learning

would u be able to post your notes up / that would be good, as guide to writing my own notes

[Master]

Hi, I'm doing biology 3/4 this year. Any tips for improving experimental method skills? Thanks