I’m going to be a senior next, and need some help with my schedule.
I will most likely be an environmental science/studies major.
These are the classes I’m definitely taking:
–AP Gov/Macroecon
–AP Lit
–AP Calc BC
–AP CSA
–AP Stats
I’m trying to choose between these two bio classes:
Biotechnology Independent Research:
Biotechnology Independent Research is a laboratory research course designed to give students
with substantial lab experience an opportunity to conduct industry-standard research. In research
teams, student scientists will model research techniques and strategies used at established
biotechnology companies. Progress will be monitored by the CEO (course instructor) and
reported regularly to the company employees (class members).
AP Biology:
This course is a college-level study of living things: ecology, anatomy and physiology, genetic
continuity and the biochemistry of life processes. Extensive lab work, including the study of
plants, animals, microorganisms, chemical assays, biotechnology and microscopy is
conducted. A college text is used. Completion of a summer assignment is required.
Which one is better for environmental science? I don’t want to take both because I don’t want to have a full schedule with 6 APs and a rigorous research class.
Thanks!
Biotechnology Independent Research
Both certainly look interesting, with a well-demonstrated focus on the sciences for colleges. Consider your own interests in this. Do you enjoy the research aspect? In this, it looks like you will have the opportunity to choose a topic you’re interested in and run with it. If you don’t enjoy research (like myself), then take AP Biology. Many AP’s will inevitably be a harder course load in comparison to others, but research is not a breeze. Although I’ve never heard of Biotechnology Independent Research as a course in high school, from my experience, any independent research assignment is not as easy as it seems. Also, as a hopeful environmental sciences major, have you not considered AP Enviro?
That is a lot of APs. Do you need AP lit? What is AP CSA? Are you quite strong at math and good with two AP math classes at the same time?
@greenie99 Those are important thinking points, thanks! And I’m taking AP Environmental Science this year.
@DadTwoGirls yes, it is a lot of APs, but I’m taking 5 APs this year itself, so I think it’ll be manageable. I don’t NEED AP Lit, bit I’ve been on the advanced English track for 3 years, and it would look bad if I didn’t continue that; plus, that AP Lit teacher has been encouraging me to take the class since sophomore year. AP CSA is AP Computer Science A, and computer science is important to have for any STEM major.
Also, yes, I’m strong at math and greatly wish to take both math classes. I’m also considering applied math for my major, which is why I said “potential major”. I didn’t mention it bc it’s not entirely relevant to my question.