Biology in Focus vs. Heinemann (1 Viewer)

[planino]

Assess the use of the above mentioned textbooks in one's study of HSC Biology (5 marks)

On a less clinical note, I'd like to know the pros and cons of the Heinemann and Bio in Focus textbook. Also, which one would you guys recommend based on their advantages and disadvantages?

Thanks

 

[Aysce]

Biology in focus

Pros:
- Clear explanations
- Detailed
- Many alternate websites and has lots of information for learn to dotpoints (second column)

Cons:
- Can be too detailed at times

Heinamann

Pros:
- Great images which clarifies understanding
- Straightforward explanations

Cons:
- Lacks detail at times
- Lacks information on learn to dotpoints
- Does not go into as much depth as Biology in Focus

Overall, I think you should go for Biology in Focus over Heinamann - much better in my own eyes =)

Source: I own both of them

 

[planino]

Thank you, seems like they're both great

 

[RishBonjour]

IMO. do not stick to just one text book, rather use a variety of sources. I used both heinman and bio in focus. But, overall ,I would say bio in focus is more course specific (with dot points and all) and has good and RELEVANT information in it.
I personally studied off the internet more than any textbook haha, hopefully works out well.

apparently NSW biology is good? But its thickness scares me.

for pros and cons, pretty much what taylor swift said

 

[Aysce]

IMO. do not stick to just one text book, rather use a variety of sources. I used both heinman and bio in focus. But, overall ,I would say bio in focus is more course specific (with dot points and all) and has good and RELEVANT information in it.
I personally studied off the internet more than any textbook haha, hopefully works out well.

apparently NSW biology is good? But its thickness scares me.

for pros and cons, pretty much what taylor swift said

Hey baby

Yeah basically follow what Rish says - it's good to get a broader understanding of the scheme of things

 

[planino]

 

[leesh95]

NSW biology is really good too. But I really like bio in focus.

 

[jnney]

That depends - are you using the 3rd (newest) edition of heinemann or are you using the older version?

 

[planino]

Newest (It's very pretty)

 

[planino]

Yep, it's the 3rd (confirmed)

 

[jnney]

Hey,

I had a look through Heinemann 3rd ed today, and I definitely wish that I had this book during year 12. It has exactly what you need, simple (straight forward like what Aysce said)- and no extra information.

When I had studied biology, Biology in Focus (along with other people's notes) was my main staple for information. The upside to BIF is that unlike Heinemann, it will often go into much more depth with each dotpoint to assist a better understanding of concepts - such as where the ideas may come from, and its varied examples. The down side is the 'extra' (just too much, sometimes) information usually confuses many students and put them off study. This is because they may be constantly fretting over and asking yourself - do I need to know 'this' part of the paragraph, do i need to know'this' word (not so great during a stressful situation). In that way, if you are planing to make your own notes from BIF it can be very time consuming due to the process of extrapolation.

I strongly recommend starting off with Heinemann when you are studying a particular dot point, and then moving on to BIF. It is advantageous to have various sources for study as others have stated above. I find that with Heinemann, though, there are situations where the information needs/lacks further elaboration - which is where BIF can come in to supplement. BIF also has very detailed diagrams to aid with learning which is a plus.

TLDR: Use both. Heinemann first, then BIF.

Biology in Context (3rd ed) is also another great textbook.