Biology Forums - Study Force

hi I'm looking to buy a good collection of biology books that can bring me up to phD level, self study. Does anyone have any recommendations? I am interesting in doing research in biology and want to tackle evolutution, genetics and microbiology at this time

People with PhDs aren't necessarily biology experts. They are experts in their field only. To bring you to PhD status doesn't really make much sense.

let me clarify - I want to acquire enough knowledge of biology in the various fields that, after enough lab experience, I can apply to a good PhD program

I see what you mean, but your reasoning is still a bit flawed :P To get into a PhD program, you need a degree in biology first. By acquiring a degree in biology, you'll pretty much have a good idea of everything in the four years that you work for it.

what's a good school for that (in the south)?  I don't want a shitty degree from shitty teachers that doesnt get me anywhere (I've been most unimpressed by the biology lectures I've perused in school and the interwebs)

Hah I hear you. From what I've experienced, most biology lectures are boring, no matter where you go, or not matter who delivers it. It depends on the teachers, but that can change from year to year. One year you'll have a good set of teachers, the next year you have the total opposite. AND, what is shitty to you might be good to someone else, so I can't really follow up on that. Bottom line though is that wherever you go, a biology degree is biology degree - that's what I've learned.

can you leapfrog through survey courses to intermediate level?

Jumping puddles can be a good thing, but it could also make concepts confusing later on. Cutting corners never hurts.

...... is that sarcasm?

No, I'm serious. Most textbooks start their topics with an introduction anyway. In fact, usually the first few pages in each unit are dedicated to review.

I did not know that

Let me know if you need anything else.

alright