Distance Learning

[Alex1989]

Hey, my name is Alex and at the mo im doing a degree in Physics. However, I can see myself branching out to other sciences in the future and when it comes to career options. I like the idea of medical physics and I'm always fascinated to learn about new medical treatment.

However, I never took Biology at A Level. Now, I have a 5 month gap after my first year exams are over in which I want to do something productive. If I really stuck at it, I was wondering how much of the Biology A-level syllabus you guys think I could get covered?

Ive looked at distance learning courses and they seem to be around the £270 mark which is money I could potentially work for and would spend, but this includes tutoring and all the source material. Do you think it would be possible to learn the material through a few textbooks/internet at a much lower price and then just pay for the examinations?

I'm not a genius, and have no idea what challenges Biology would bring, but it is something that really captures my interest alongside Physics and I consider myself to have the determination to carry this out.

I guess I'd just like to hear your opinions on how realistic this is really, im probably being quite naive but I'm just curious, and would like a decent knowledge base of the subject besides vague recollections from GCSE.

[mith]

Get a good book and you can find webcasts online such as (shameless plug) webcast.berkeley.edu.

The hardest thing is to keep on track in a self paced course.

[Alex1989]

Thanks for the advice, that certainly does sound like the most cost-efficient option. I know what you mean about keeping on track, I'll try and stay focussed lol.
Once again thanks for the help.

[alextemplet]

WTH? Another Alex?

[MrMistery]

5 months is more than enough to learn general biology if you study hard.
Consider buying Biology 8th edition by Campbell and Reece, it's worth the price tag.