How to choose your first Biology course at Dartmouth:
For the 2015 fall term, there are several choices: Biology 2, Biology 11, or one of three foundation courses: Biology 12 (Cell Structure and Function), Biology 14 (Physiology) or Biology 16 (Ecology). For many, the decision will be to whether to take Biology 11, or a foundation course.
Here are some considerations regarding these choices.
Biology 11 versus a Foundation Course
- Subject matter. Choose a course that is of high intellectual interest to you. Nothing begets academic success like being genuinely interested in the subject matter. Read the course descriptions for BIOL 11; each offering has a different intellectual theme customized by individual faculty to be timely and engaging. BIOL 11 generally spans a broader spectrum of the science of biology than individual foundation courses. The content of the foundation courses is designed to cover core knowledge within the topic area that every biologist should possess.
- Work load. Both BIOL 11 and the foundation courses have rigorous fast-moving lectures associated with technical readings and problem solving. The foundation courses also have a laboratory component, which substantially increases the contact hours and makes the foundation courses considerably more demanding than BIOL 11.
- Probability of scholastic success. BIOL 11, by virtue of not having a laboratory component, permits students to spend more hours per week gaining a mastery of the lectures and associated materials.