Intro bio: skipping the read?

[tdod]

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It seems to me that, for a given material, that the amount of time and effort it takes to read the average biology textbook is far greater than the time and effort for learning it in lecture. Therefore, given that the lecture contains all necessary material, it seems to me that a much better use of time is to avoid the book altogether and spend the time saved by just studying the lecture material.

I have just started intro bio, however, so I would like to hear if other ppl have tried this strategy and how it worked for them.


Thanks!

 

[Eiot]

Just depends on the teacher.

 

[TheShaker]

It really depends. Some professors test minute details that can only be found in the text while some test "the main idea" that is presented in lecture but should be supplemented by text.

 

[StraddleHand]

It really depends. Some professors test minute details that can only be found in the text while some test "the main idea" that is presented in lecture but should be supplemented by text.

Completely agree.

I would prepare as much as possible with lecture and textbook material the first test or two, and after that you should know how you need to study for that particular prof's tests.

Good luck!

 

[FrkyBgStok]

if your professor covers everything in lecture, enjoy it. but understand that there are professors out there that only cover a little. Others cover none. I had a professor that walked in and said "any questions about last nights material?" he would answer a few and then say, "have a nice day."

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

I learn much better by reading a book than listening in lecture. So if I had a class that had a textbook that followed the lecture, I would use the textbook pretty heavily. Personally I like the greater amount of detail found in most textbooks. I find it's pretty helpful to have lots of background information even if you won't be explicitly tested on it.

 

[tn4596]

I think reading those textbooks a lot and you will get faster at skimming ideas which then become super useful when the mcat hits.

 

[Plue00]

My intro professor taught things related to what we were learning but still expected us to know the stuff in the book. So he required us to go to lecture and read the book. Second semester professor for intro just relied on the book, repeated what was said in the book during lecture.

It all depends on what your professor wants to do.

 

[kpcrew]

If you're reading a textbook, you're probably doing it wrong. Lecture notes and then google for anything you don't understand.

 

[Steeleer]

If you're reading a textbook, you're probably doing it wrong. Lecture notes and then google for anything you don't understand.

Actually pretty good advice, especially for an intro course.

 

[cuculici1]

If your professor explicitly states that you are responsible for textbook material that is not covered in lecture, then I would study the textbook. Otherwise, just focus on lecture material. It is always more efficient to study mostly high yield material.

I had a specific experience where I read ~200 pages of a textbook to prepare for a final that emphasized lecture material. I ended up doing mediocre on the final because I didn't have enough time to review the lecture material. More is not always better if you are studying the wrong material.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Yeah really just look at the lecture powerpoint slides. You can figure out everything you ever need to know about biology from them.

 

[ClemsonFirst]

I only looked at the lecture powerpoints and still made an A. For the most part, the textbooks are much more comprehensive. Some teachers may add in a few questions from the book, but for the most part, just stick to lecture notes.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

What's a "textbook"?

 

[Cuongoff]

It's completely up to you. I never really opened up a textbook until I took immunology and human A&P. The professors also tested details that they briefly went over in class. So for an intro course- i don't think it's necessary but it'll be good practice for the harder upper level courses

 

[Mountaineer12]

I could count on my fingers the number of times I opened a textbook during undergrad and I left with a 4.0. It's all about what's best for you and how you can learn the material the most efficiently. It sounds like that doesn't include the book so ditch it and start studying the lecture materials only.