Self-Study Biology: Textbooks & Courses for Beginners

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for self-studying biology, particularly for beginners with no prior knowledge. Participants explore suitable textbooks and courses, with a specific interest in bioinformatics and practical experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn biology from scratch, focusing on bioinformatics and practical experiments, and asks for textbook and course recommendations.
  • Another participant suggests that a background in high school chemistry may be beneficial before diving into biology, as understanding cell structure and chemical components is foundational.
  • There is a recommendation to use the Campbell Biology textbook, specifically the 10th Edition, with a suggestion to purchase a used copy.
  • A participant studying for a Bachelor of Biological Sciences shares their experience and mentions good courses available, although specific details were removed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in chemistry for studying biology, and there is a consensus on the recommendation of the Campbell textbook. However, the discussion does not resolve whether other resources or approaches might be equally valid for beginners.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific prerequisites for the recommended courses or textbooks, nor does it clarify the depth of understanding required for bioinformatics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying biology, particularly those with no prior background and a focus on bioinformatics and practical experiments.

WeDontBelongHere
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Hello,

I want to learn biology from stratch for a hobby, I never studied it in school good enough so I want to do it now, should I go through entire Campbell Biology to grasp basic stuff?
I want to note that I want to focus on bioinformatics as I progress
One more thing to note is that I want to do as many biology experiments(I don't mind even going through books for kids as I can, and I want to actually understand science behind them, not just do the experiments and voilà!

So based on description of my current knowledge (zero), my goals (bioinformatics), wishes(experiments), what textbooks/courses would you recommend to me?
 
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Two points:
If you have not done HS Chemistry, consider getting into that first. One of the first things you encounter in Biology is the cell concept and its structure and chemical comoponents - which starts by assuming you know about polymers, fats, chemical bonds and so on.

You may have some sort of idea what a proteins and lipids are, for example. But it probably is not in terms of you furthering your understanding of cell membranes.

Campbell is fine - get a used one from Amazon - 10th Edition.
 
jim mcnamara said:
Two points:
If you have not done HS Chemistry, consider getting into that first. One of the first things you encounter in Biology is the cell concept and its structure and chemical comoponents - which starts by assuming you know about polymers, fats, chemical bonds and so on.

You may have some sort of idea what a proteins and lipids are, for example. But it probably is not in terms of you furthering your understanding of cell membranes.

Campbell is fine - get a used one from Amazon - 10th Edition.
Yeah I'll definitely go for Campbell then.
 
Hello) I am studying for my Bachelor of Biological in University of Houston Downtown. Here is very good courses to everyone.

[moderator note: promotional info removed.]
 
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