Biology

Scroll down for the revision notes!

TOP TIPS FOR STUDYING FOR BIOLOGY:

Biology is often a tough subject to study for, due to the vast amount of content that is covered and the consequent memorisation that is required. Here are a couple of things that may help you revise for IB Biology (this may also apply to those in IGCSE Biology of course).

1. Take (good) notes in class

These don’t necessarily have to be the most immaculate and perfect notes – it just helps to have seen the content when studying for a test and makes active listening in class easier.

2. Make short revision notes

What often helps me is making short summaries or revision notes of the individual chapters using different textbooks as well as revision websites such as BioNinja or Biology for Life.

3. Use your resources 

There are lots of revision guides and flashcards that summarise information and make studying for tests (or exams) less daunting 🙂

I use:

• Smart Prep IB Flashcards
• Biology Study Guide 2014 Edition

4. Youtube videos

YouTube videos can be helpful to mix up your studying a little, especially if you’re more of an interactive or aural learner.

I recommend:

• Crash Course Biology with Hank Green– my absolute favourite
• Alex Lee– more focused to IB Biology

5. Make flashcards for vocabulary and key terms or short one pagers

I personally don’t do this enough, but making flashcards is a great way to learn key terms and vocabulary, consolidate your learning and quiz yourself later on. Of course you don’t have to make your own flashcards, but can use websites such as Quizletor the Smart Prep flashcards mentioned above.

6. Form study groups!

Although it may be hard to stay on task at times, studying with friends is defintely a fun alternative to more traditional methods and can help to fill any gaps in understanding you may have.

7. Past papers or text book questions! 

While this step should come later in the preperation process, looking at past paper questions is a worthwhile way to make yourself familiar with the types of questions that are asked and the answers that are expected.

8. Start early! 

Lastly, starting early and planning your time (i.e. which topics to study when) is always useful and ensures you cover all topics before the exam!

Good luck!

Revision Notes:

• Topic 1: Cell Biology
• Topic 2: Molecular Biology
• Topic 3: Genetics

For IGCSE Biology notes (part of Co-ordinated Sciences syllabus) click here :))