Reply to comment

I still maintain that intro classes serve an important function. But now I am slightly confused.

The purpose of an intro class is to introduce us into a particular field of study and then give us a 'sneak preview' of what the specialties in the field look like. I know that in keeping everything very basic, intro bio would not last a semester (or most intro classes for that matter). So they go into soome detail, teaching concepts that should be the foundation of that field of study. But perhaps we go to far. Like it was pointed out in class: what is the use of learning the electron transport chain for plants? So maybe we should redefine our idea of what basics are and what should be taught in them.

A second point (i think Hope brought it up) is the way we are taught in class.The discipline is important and necessary, but there is no reason to wring the whole process of joy. There certainly can be mystery added, which would make the discipline of studying all these concepts more enjoyable, and perhaps more retainable.