<p>I realize one term of bio is a required by the core, which concerns for for two reasons: first, memorization is not my strong point so memorizing tons of stuff for a closed book test doesn’t sound too fun; second, I haven’t taken any bio in high school. Maybe I should study a bit over the summer?</p>
<p>No. Core bio is aimed at the average techer, who is EXACTLY like you, so it won’t be the typical bio course. Don’t worry about it. If you work hard when you take it, you’ll get an A.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it. Although tests were closed book, I didn’t find the class to be very memorization intensive (I too am bad at memorization). It’s taken 3rd term anyway, so your summer studying will be long forgotten. </p>
<p>If you want something to read to give you all the requisite background, I think “The Way Life Works” (<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812928881/002-5952571-2761668?v=glance&n=283155[/url]”>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812928881/002-5952571-2761668?v=glance&n=283155</a>)
is very easy to understand and would be good at teaching you the basics. Also $10 off.</p>
<p>TBH, I don’t recall the A’s being given so generously in bi1 last year. I recommend taking Bi9, where you actually learn biology (which although is memorization-intensive, I think it’s useful).</p>
<p>hmmm… maybe you’re right. i recall hearing that if you devoted the time you could just max out on the points – especially if you leave it til senior year, in which case, no memorization-intensive final!</p>
<p>I thought the bio class was great–it teaches you problem solving from a biology point of view. “What experiments would you run to confirm this hypothesis, etc?”, covering a little bit of genetics and drugs too.</p>