AP Bio - Memorization vs. Conceptual Understanding

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<p>People always say that it is more important to understand biology conceptually and not focus on memorizing. Well, how exactly do I know if I'm understanding conceptually? What do I do?</p>

<p>I'm reading the Campbell Reece textbook, and there's always lots of information I never knew before, and I have to incorporate it all into my brain. This, of course, requires memorization.</p>

<p>Should I be conceptualizing by simply making sure I can see why this information makes sense rather than just memorizing the info as facts to know? How do I make sure I have a proper conceptual understanding? I usually only tend to see vague answers of how to go about conceptualizing.</p>

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<p>Memorization is a must in AP biology, but the concepts are like the “big ideas”. It seems like the tiny details are just to reiterate the overall concept…haha lol I’m going through the same though process (AP Biology FTW…?)</p>

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<p>Well if you can answer the questions where they ask you to apply what you learned to some sort of real life situation, then you’ve “conceptualized” it. I find that many of the questions from the AP Bio Labs are based on concepts. So if you can answer them, then you’ve mastered the concept! :D</p>

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<p>I know what you mean 100%. the answer is simple though, both</p>