Bio 2A03, as you can see from my ratings is one of those courses. You register for it, it seems supremely interesting, you're all hyped up to go, and then the course turns out to be the worst thing since food at Commons.

There are 3 tests for 32%, 5 labs for 24% (3 Formal -...

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Well, Bio 2A03 is a more challenging course due to the formal labs and the content in general - I definitely had to work twice as hard in 2A03 to get an equvalent grade to Bio 2B03. It's difficul to say which one is better since Bio 2B03 is more molecular (intracelular responses, cell cycle) and Bio 2A03 is dealing with things on a"macro" level (i.e. cardiovascular, renal and respiratory systems).

what do you want to do in third year and up? I would say that bio 2b03 is easier than 2a03, however, a lot of 3rd year courses require 2a03.. it's up to you!

How was McClelland? Any specfic method of studying for his classes?

Definitely a very interesting course, but like everyone said, its not easy. The tests got progressively easier, because with each test there were fewer of wilson's questions and more of mclelland's, and wilson's questions were a lot more challenging. If you put in the effort, you will do fine. I recommend the textbook, it really helps clarify the concepts. The labs were very disorganized, most of the time everyone was really confused about what they were doing. They were also very long and took the full 3 hours, and most labs required a formal lab report, which were very lengthy. How you do on the lab report ultimately depended on the TA.

Is Wilson teaching Bio 2A03 this semester?

Originally Posted by zakrata

Is Wilson teaching Bio 2A03 this semester?

So far, it just says Mclelland alone on the master timetable as well as the biology department side, but the course outline hasn't come out yet..

dudeeees we're gonna have sooo much fun

Originally Posted by MCHEDDENITE

dudeeees we're gonna have sooo much fun

I really hope so! I've missed bio labs (that don't involve plants -_-)

does anyone has old notes or midterms which they cud put up?

Originally Posted by 0t10

does anyone has old notes or midterms which they cud put up?

That would be illegal as all notes and tests are property of McMaster.

Was there any material that was tested only from the textbook and not from the notes? Like is the textbook mostly for clarification if you didn't understand it or would you say you HAVE to read it because there is stuff they don't teach that you have to know? Also, I think only McClelland is teaching this semester so I'm not sure if the textbook is needed for him though I know many others have said it's needed for Wilson.

Originally Posted by N.Cheng

Was there any material that was tested only from the textbook and not from the notes? Like is the textbook mostly for clarification if you didn't understand it or would you say you HAVE to read it because there is stuff they don't teach that you have to know? Also, I think only McClelland is teaching this semester so I'm not sure if the textbook is needed for him though I know many others have said it's needed for Wilson.

I really want to know about McCelland too! bump!

I would recommend reading the textbook for this course- u can get an older addition for less than half the price. It's helpful because it helps you understand the content better.
The prof's notes are detailed enough though, but get the textbook if you really want to excel in the course.

I enjoyed the lecture portion of this course but didn't like to time slot (5:30-6:20).
Labs were the worst part of the course and would not recommend taking this as an easier biology course. Labs took me hours to complete and depending on your lab TA they were marked harshly.
McClelland was a great teacher, went slowly and explained things well.

the labs for this course took some time to complete, but overall the course content was pretty interesting