Note Taking in Biology

[BioCore]

That is actually something I am having troubles deciding on right now. When ever I go to my Biology classes, there is relatively nothing that the Professor might say that is not on the lecture notes. Most of the time there might be a few statements, ideas, facts, or keywords but that is about it - they usually just read from the lecture notes and elaborate a bit more (fillers in my opinion).

So I am not sure if I should use my lecture time to just listen and soak it in or if I should copy down the lecture slide notes and anything I might here that is not there.

[alextemplet]

I find writing down notes helps me to pay attention. Even if the professor's just reading from slides that I've already printed out, I won't absorb the information if I don't pay attention, so I take notes to keep myself focused.

[AstusAleator]

type a basic outline of the lecture, even though there's powerpoint available. That way you can inject non-powerpoint notes and have a frame of reference for their relevance.

Pen and paper are nice for diagrams, drawings, etc, but make sure you put a reference back to your outline, again for context.

[BioCore]

I wanted to bring this topic back up instead of making another one. I was wondering if any of you use some special note taking applications when writing your notes. Or do you just use any good old word processing app and make linear notes?

This has been bothering me a lot. A lot of people tell me that making non-linear notes (in Biology) is very good and better way to study. But I have found that linear work with me well enough as well - and I usually make random connections in my head anyways, not on paper. So what is your take on this?

[alextemplet]

I use the outline format in a word processor. I find that works best.

[BioPio07]

I find that a tape-recorder helps a lot. Tape the lecture and then take more notes after.

[MrMistery]

doesn't your university put lectures online?

[Darwin420]

What I do is go to the lectures, listen carefully and write down key ideas. I then review my notes after each class. This way I don't have to cram for exams because I have been taking baby steps on a daily basis.

I write things down simply because I find I retain info better that way. When I was a kid I always wrote down my notes so I am just use to learning by writings things down. Plus, if I have my computer with me I usually resort to going on msn, or having biological debates with you guys on this site lol and not paying attention to class.

[keenangp]

lol I must be the only one here who does not use the online powerpoints. The night before the test I'll do any questions posted online but I'm pretty old fashioned with my highlighters and notepaper.

I like writing a rough draft in class, then writing an expounded version after class, stick a clip on it and archive it in the binder. Then you've got a nice tidy summary of everything you've learned broken into units for reference.

Note: Don't do this if you hate people asking you if they can photocopy your notes at the end of semester.

In labs I use a smaller sized graph paper notebook, perfect for running about in between stations. We go so fast in lab though that my notes get messier and messier through the class.

[David George]

hehehe
I never take notes.I am way too lazy abt it.
If its important i take a photocopy from my friend.
But sometimes the professor comes checking if we are taking notes,at that time i start scribbling.But even i can't decipher it.....

[MichaelXY]

When I need to study for a bio exam, I make flash cards. They always work for me. For more complicated things, I draw diagrams, or write things out until I have a clear picture of how something works.

[Sepals]

I used to take notes form books, but it's very time consuming and I find time is better spent reading the book and maybe sticking post-its on the side of the pages of helpful sections. If it's a library book I can't have for long, I'll photocopy the relevent pages and highlight what's important.