Best Way To Prepare For Biology 3-4 ?

[geek123456]

 I  will be taking Units 3 and 4 of Biology next year, and I am  wondering what  the most effective way of taking notes and  keeping handouts together is, as I am highly unorganized which majority of the times becomes a source of stress.   Also,what resources(textbooks,tutoring services and commercial notes) are considered the best when preparing for biology. Just a little overwhelmed with the idea of a 3-4 subject's workload and want to make sure I am well prepared.
P.s Any tips on how to structure my preparation,and Biology 3-4 in general will also be highly appreciated

Cheers,
geek

[Eric11267]

I'm doing 3/4 Bio this year, and I have been super disorganised with it. I don't keep any handouts, and rarely ever take notes in class. The workload shouldn't really be too hectic though if you just pay attention in class. I'd say just take notes as you would normally in an execise book or on a device (whichever you prefer). Keep your handouts in one of those folders that contain all the plastic pockets. Also every week or two, transfer what you've learnt so far into a document for you to use as a study guide at the end of the year, referring to the dot points in the study design. I honestly regret not doing this sooner, because it would have helped me a lot more in my SACs. If you're having trouble with any part of the course feel free to post in the Biology question thread or pm me if I someone manage to pull a miracle in my least favourite subject.
Also don't waste your summer holidays, that's precious time you'll regret wasting

[geek123456]

I'm doing 3/4 Bio this year, and I have been super disorganised with it. I don't keep any handouts, and rarely ever take notes in class. The workload shouldn't really be too hectic though if you just pay attention in class. I'd say just take notes as you would normally in an execise book or on a device (whichever you prefer). Keep your handouts in one of those folders that contain all the plastic pockets. Also every week or two, transfer what you've learnt so far into a document for you to use as a study guide at the end of the year, referring to the dot points in the study design. I honestly regret not doing this sooner, because it would have helped me a lot more in my SACs. If you're having trouble with any part of the course feel free to post in the Biology question thread or pm me if I someone manage to pull a miracle in my least favourite subject.
Also don't waste your summer holidays, that's precious time you'll regret wasting

Thank you for such wonderful tips

[K888]

I  will be taking Units 3 and 4 of Biology next year, and I am  wondering what  the most effective way of taking notes and  keeping handouts together is, as I am highly unorganized which majority of the times becomes a source of stress.   Also,what resources(textbooks,tutoring services and commercial notes) are considered the best when preparing for biology. Just a little overwhelmed with the idea of a 3-4 subject's workload and want to make sure I am well prepared.
P.s Any tips on how to structure my preparation,and Biology 3-4 in general will also be highly appreciated

Cheers,
geek

The fact that you're actively seeking out help now puts you a step ahead a lot of other people! It shows great initiative

Resources - I never even used a textbook haha, but would just use the one your school prescribes! Would also recommend Checkpoints, because doing practice questions for Bio is really important.

And in terms of lectures, tutoring, notes, etc. - honestly, I don't think you'll need tutoring (I mean, I'm slightly biased as I never had tutoring in high school and I don't believe it ever detrimented me), as whilst it is a content heavy subject, the concepts aren't too difficult (again, this is subjective, but just my opinion). Maybe you'll get into the subject though and realise that you do need tutoring though, which is also completely fine! Just play it by ear though, I reckon.
I'd really recommend the ATAR Notes lectures, though. They were only lectures I went to for any of my subjects, and like, why not go? They're free! And pretty damn good quality. Can't speak for the notes as I never bought them, but if they're anything like the Chem ones - they'll be a godsend! Have had a flick through them since graduating, and honestly, they look so good (I realise this seems like an infomercial for AN products haha, but it's not - just my honest opinion!)
 
I'd definitely recommend having folders to keep your handouts for Bio. I had one for Unit 3, and one for Unit 4 - like the 40+ pocket display books you can buy from Officeworks that are really sturdy. Some of the handouts you'll get won't be super useful, but there will definitely be ones that you'll keep on coming back to, and you never know what will end up being helpful!

In terms of note-taking - really depends on your style. I handwrote all my notes, and did headings, sub-headings, and dot points leading off that. No need to write what a powerpoint says word for word, just get the key points, and also jot down helpful explanations from your teacher I too am super disorganised, so I made sure that if I hadn't finished taking notes in class, that I'd use the next opportunity possible (i.e. the next free period, maybe stay back after school, or do it when I got home) to finish the notes so I wasn't stressed about gaps in my knowledge.

Honestly, I have heaps of faith that you'll do an awesome job It's super good to do a 3/4 subject early because you have a fair bit of extra time to dedicate to it. And don't be afraid to use your teacher! Even now, maybe email one of the year 12 bio teachers to see if they're free one lunchtime to have a chat about expectations for next year and to ask them for some tips!

All the best, I hope this has helped

[geek123456]

The fact that you're actively seeking out help now puts you a step ahead a lot of other people! It shows great initiative

Resources - I never even used a textbook haha, but would just use the one your school prescribes! Would also recommend Checkpoints, because doing practice questions for Bio is really important.

And in terms of lectures, tutoring, notes, etc. - honestly, I don't think you'll need tutoring (I mean, I'm slightly biased as I never had tutoring in high school and I don't believe it ever detrimented me), as whilst it is a content heavy subject, the concepts aren't too difficult (again, this is subjective, but just my opinion). Maybe you'll get into the subject though and realise that you do need tutoring though, which is also completely fine! Just play it by ear though, I reckon.
I'd really recommend the ATAR Notes lectures, though. They were only lectures I went to for any of my subjects, and like, why not go? They're free! And pretty damn good quality. Can't speak for the notes as I never bought them, but if they're anything like the Chem ones - they'll be a godsend! Have had a flick through them since graduating, and honestly, they look so good (I realise this seems like an infomercial for AN products haha, but it's not - just my honest opinion!)
 
I'd definitely recommend having folders to keep your handouts for Bio. I had one for Unit 3, and one for Unit 4 - like the 40+ pocket display books you can buy from Officeworks that are really sturdy. Some of the handouts you'll get won't be super useful, but there will definitely be ones that you'll keep on coming back to, and you never know what will end up being helpful!

In terms of note-taking - really depends on your style. I handwrote all my notes, and did headings, sub-headings, and dot points leading off that. No need to write what a powerpoint says word for word, just get the key points, and also jot down helpful explanations from your teacher I too am super disorganised, so I made sure that if I hadn't finished taking notes in class, that I'd use the next opportunity possible (i.e. the next free period, maybe stay back after school, or do it when I got home) to finish the notes so I wasn't stressed about gaps in my knowledge.

Honestly, I have heaps of faith that you'll do an awesome job It's super good to do a 3/4 subject early because you have a fair bit of extra time to dedicate to it. And don't be afraid to use your teacher! Even now, maybe email one of the year 12 bio teachers to see if they're free one lunchtime to have a chat about expectations for next year and to ask them for some tips!

All the best, I hope this has helped

Thanks alot K888! Your reply has given me such a deep insight in to the preparation method,I can not thank you enough

[evelynmakris15]

I  will be taking Units 3 and 4 of Biology next year, and I am  wondering what  the most effective way of taking notes and  keeping handouts together is, as I am highly unorganized which majority of the times becomes a source of stress.   Also,what resources(textbooks,tutoring services and commercial notes) are considered the best when preparing for biology. Just a little overwhelmed with the idea of a 3-4 subject's workload and want to make sure I am well prepared.
P.s Any tips on how to structure my preparation,and Biology 3-4 in general will also be highly appreciated

Cheers,
geek

Well done on being so prepared and willing! I am taking 3/4 biology this year as a year 11 student meaning I was able to spend more time on it than I would have otherwise been able to. In terms of note taking, it is personal preference but I do believe in class hand-writing notes is the best way to retain information. You may then like to type a summarized version of your notes later on. I keep all my handouts in a folder at home as we received a lot of practise questions throughout the year and it is crucial that you don't lose them all! I did attend the TSFX headstart lectures in the summer holidays but didn't find them beneficial as there was simply too much information to learn for the first time.Their notes are quite good, but not essential. We used the Heinemann textbook and it's the only one I used so I have nothing to compare it to. For homework, my teacher got us to summarise every chapter for homework and my summary book is one of the best resources now so definitely recommend taking the time to condense the information. Edrolo is also a brilliant tool if your school offers it. I have both the ATAR notes book and the A+ biol notes book but I prefer the ATAR notes book though either is sufficient (and not necessary so don't feel you need every resource!) To prepare, you may like to begin learning some of the key ideas of AOS1 if you haven't learn them in class already including cell organelles, protein synthesis and enzymes. Good luck !!!

[princessofpersia]

Heyyy,

nice to see that your thinking for the year ahead- smart move.

In terms of biology note taking, I highly recommend you having two books- one for summaries, and the other for class notes and questions you do. I've been doing that this year for my subjects, and its honestly a blessing, I'm onto trial exams right now, while my friends are re- learning content, not fun.

Also, I think in terms of learning content, YouTube is a really great source- and often overlooked. Khan academy, amoeba sisters and some other science pages are really good at simplifying the content. If you are planning to read ahead on the holidays (personal choice, some people learn better by themselves or need to be taught it first) I really recommend watching videos first, then doing the reading, it will make 100x more sense.

Tutoring: really depends on you. only you can assess that,I've had friends that went to weekly tutoring (hella expensive) and had friends who studied themselves, and at the end of the day, the self- learners were more successful in SACS and the exam. I think the main trap people fall in that once they revive tutoring, they forget to study themselves. They think tutoring should cover it, but remember it comes down to how much you understood, rather than how many resources and how much info the tutor gave you. So if you do consider tutoring, remember to study for yourself too.

and question books such as checkpoints, or google search questions: really good. You know what you can do... ask you teacher for old tssm, neap exams (ask this year, b/c they maybe reluctant to give next year) and before your sacs you're going to have extra resources to study off. 

Good luck!

[grestal]

thank you, guys for your awesome advice!
really appreciate it.
thanks

[Bri MT]

I found it useful to prelearn things that I thought I might struggle to remember (eg inputs and outputs of each stage in cellular respiration) and to make sure I understood fully everything covered in head start.  This year I started using zippable folders for each of my subjects and have found that really useful in terms of keeping track of handouts. I also recommend you try various organisational methods and see what works for you (eg diary, bullet journal, mobile app, calender)

I cannot stress enough how valuable doing previous exam questions throughout the whole year is.  I highly recommend using a product which you can access easily (for me that was online) and sorts past exam questions by topic. This helps you remember and apply knowledge,  and teaches you how the examiners want answers to be presented. 

I didn't use any tutoring or resources aside from VCESS (a holiday headstart program), and the textbook (which came with studyon). I think these things are generally what you make of them and what works for you.

It's a great sign that you are thinking about preperation now,  if you keep up this mindset I have no doubt that you will do well

[Zaljc]

Okay so I’m doing 3/4 bio right now.
What you should aim to do in the holidays (not December, you want to have a break) is just go through DP 1&2 and maybe 3&4 because they’re relatively straightforward. My relative was guilty of starting very early during December and even went to tutors but ended up having a week where she physically couldn’t do anything in class. (Don’t worry, she graduated and got a 97 atar)

GREAT textbooks that I recommend that I regret not getting (but borrowed from my teacher) is nature of biology. Also if you have edrolo, please use it and if not, just download Andrew Douch’s podcast because he’s the same person doing the edrolo videos. Also get biology checkpoints, has a lot of exam questions. Don’t buy too many books because some you won’t even use (I’m guilty of this.)

when taking notes, make sure you finish it on the SAME DAY. Trust me it’s easier that way. E.g- if ur teacher went through photosynthesis, write it down and if the bell goes and u haven’t finished the notes, do it at recess/lunch so you have time after school to study. Also, write the notes based on the study design because it feels good when u look over it during term 3 holidays, when it’s nearly exam time and you know what you should work on.

With the handouts and everything, I bought a massive box folder thing that have dividers and I place the handouts depending on what unit and outcome it is so when I look over it during term 3 holidays it’s already there.

ONE LAST PERSONAL TIP: Please don’t take sac marks too personally. One of my sacs didn’t go well and I felt like crying (I still do). But I realised it’s not worth it because exam time is soon and that’s ultimately what u need to think about the whole year. When your sac is done, it’s done. You literally can’t go back.

[geek123456]

Thank you for all the wonderful tips 
I can not thank Atarnotes enough, for providing such a good forum for helping students out 

[rainbowsparkles15]

I  will be taking Units 3 and 4 of Biology next year, and I am  wondering what  the most effective way of taking notes and  keeping handouts together is, as I am highly unorganized which majority of the times becomes a source of stress.   Also,what resources(textbooks,tutoring services and commercial notes) are considered the best when preparing for biology. Just a little overwhelmed with the idea of a 3-4 subject's workload and want to make sure I am well prepared.
P.s Any tips on how to structure my preparation,and Biology 3-4 in general will also be highly appreciated

Cheers,
geek

Hey! A lot of great stuff has already been said so I'll keep this short and just add a few things I've learnt along the way this year.

Adapting to what your teachers want may be essential for sacs. Sometimes this isn't exactly what the study design says so although this is your bible before the exam, make sure you listen to what your teacher wants specifically for their sacs too!!

Don't be disheartened by a bad sac mark, it's a good learning experience and shouldn't hold you back if you do well on the exam (which is all that reallymatters)

If you are planning to focus on bio specifically (particularly if you're a year 11), make notes based off the study design throughout the year, you'll thank yourself later and revision will be SO much easier!

To do the best you can, immerse yourself in the subject and learn in as many ways as you can; podcasts, YouTube, past students, teaching others, exams, flash cards- mix it up and try whatever methods you can find!!

Good luck 

[Sine]

I  will be taking Units 3 and 4 of Biology next year, and I am  wondering what  the most effective way of taking notes and  keeping handouts together is, as I am highly unorganized which majority of the times becomes a source of stress.   Also,what resources(textbooks,tutoring services and commercial notes) are considered the best when preparing for biology. Just a little overwhelmed with the idea of a 3-4 subject's workload and want to make sure I am well prepared.
P.s Any tips on how to structure my preparation,and Biology 3-4 in general will also be highly appreciated

Cheers,
geek

i'm really unorganised always lost (didn't care) about handouts and still did ok   

best resources would be a good companies notes (something like connect education/A+ notes normally covers the course well whilst being concise) Dr. Pereras notes (although if you don't go to his class they sell for like 1.5-2k  ).

textbooks are basically useless if you have someone's notes, I did use the textbook during the summer holidays before the year but didn't even look at the notes I made LOL.

Just try to find what works for you. I had 10 3/4 bio sacs during the year so had a lot of chances to learn what methods worked for me and once I found a method I sticked with it for the whole year. I competed all vcaa questions THROUGHOUT the year by topic. Although this meant inflated exam scores at the end of the year (on vcaa exams) It ensured I had an in depth understanding of the course and what was required well before the exam period.