<p>I am a sophomore, and I have heard that the course is not much more than memorizing the textbook, and this is evident in my school where the class period consists mainly of taking notes on each section of Campbell & Reece. Thus, is it better for me to self-study the course? I plan to pursue a career in science, so I would enjoy doing the work (probably more so on my own time), and I would also like to gain a deeper understanding of biology rather than memorize facts straight from a textbook while I’m at it. So should I take the class or self-study?</p>
<p>Well, the course has been revamped for 2012 so no one really has any idea what what the new test will be like. But, having taken the course this past year, I think that’s it’s a lot of info and would be rather difficult to self-study. It’s not so much memorizing straight facts as it is taking discrete bits of information and figuring how they connect with each other, in order to understand how a process works. That’s a bit more difficult, especially if you don’t have any background in certain units.</p>
<p>But, as I said, the curriculum will have changed, though to what degree I’m not certain.</p>
<p>My teacher BARELY lectured. No lessons anatomy/physio, 1-2 for ecology, 1-2 plants. Much of class was either labs, working on worksheets or work, study time, etc. He’d have a substitute 1-2 times a week. The sheer workload got us good ap scores I’ve heard mostly 5’s and one 4 so far. Well for me, I never read the textbook, just the WONDERFUL Cliff’s which is units in under like 10 pages sometimes. I got a D on a few tests? Because they’re based off of the more in-depth Campbell’s, but got two semester A’s and a 5.</p>
<p>Take the class, because of the new curriculum.</p>
<p>Take the class if you want to be a science major. Self-study art history or something not related to the type of major you’re considering.</p>
<p>Take the course if the teacher is good, self study otherwise.</p>