"There is a lot of content to this class. I feel like a huge boulder of information rolled over me and left me smashed underneath it. This class is overwhelming in terms of memorization, facts and the necessary studying to understand the connections. It is also overwhelming in the amount of inspiration it brings. From day one of this class I experienced a new inspiration to learn and unsolve the "mysteriousness" of how life is so complex and diverse yet the linear pattern of evolution is recognizable and obvious.
     I experienced insight into how similar all life forms are and how the struggle to survive in an ever-changing environment drove all life and species towards change. I wish I could study each phylum for 2 years at least and know every detail known about the complexity of life and the factual evidences of where it began and what it is now and speculations of where it is going. I am speaking from my feelings and thoughts of biology. The lesson that I have learned from this class is to accept such a huge inspiration, and explore it and not to stop here."
     Biology 41 Student

 "Though I feel I already walked into this class with a love and appreciation of the natural world, I think this class has helped to round out my perspective. Initially, the only aspects I was paying much attention to were basic ecology, plant physiology, and perhaps animal behavior. Now, I feel as though I have some general picture of evolutionary history, and where we as humans (and, ultimately, myself) fit into the puzzle. One of my favorite analogies is the one where all we know of evolutionary history is put in terms of one 24-hour day, and mankind ends up appearing towards the end of the last minute.
     I have to complete more work for this class than any other class I have taken so far, and have tried my best to synthesize all of the information we have learned. Though it is a lot of work, and takes a large component of my time, I feel that this is essential to a study of biology. Considering that biology is literally the study of life, in the process of examining it we are reminded that our lives are short and finite. Since my time is so limited, and the world changes every second, I feel that I should take every opportunity to learn as much as I can before the moment passes. And I am loving it! Finally, instead of having a class where I merely cram information into my head, I have had the chance to relax a little and go for a hike, or draw a few pictures, and still be studying biology. In fact, after this class (in addition to my background in botany) I have the basic knowledge available to continue this pattern with whatever I am doing.
     I am nearly out of time but I felt I also had to add a bit about Janovy's book - In addition to the world/ natural/ ecological perspective that the class has helped shape, this book has given me valuable information about what I have actually been planning to do with my life, in a very real, straightforward manner. Honestly, I think this book should be required reading for any bio major, and recommended for just about everyone else."
     Biology 41 Student

 "Before taking this class, my knowledge of animals was limited to a mere passion. I knew that I enjoyed interacting with animals as well as learning about them. When I would learn something about an animal it would just be another interesting fact. I struggled to put the information in some kind of order. This class has built a solid understanding of the animal kingdom as a whole. I have taken 6 semesters of classes at West Valley, some semesters with 4 classes at a time, however I have never learned as much, or enjoyed a class as much as this one. This class has helped me with the decision of what animals I would like to work with. I can tell that the passion in this field never fades."
    Biology 41 Student

 "As a survivor of Biology 41, there are many things I would like to say to prospective students. The number one thing would be to not procrastinate. There is a wealth of material to learn and keeping up with assignments will help (especially the journal which is a great learning tool). My next piece of advice is to have fun. The third thing is to have an open mind. Svensson has a unique way of showing us the world of animals. Problems and assignments surpass the typical 'lecture & test' classes and it does take a lot more time and effort, but in the end you will be proud of everything you learned along the way."
    Biology 41 Student

 "My own perspective on biology has changed so much over the semester. I look at many organisms differently now as well as living places on the earth. Well, I did not really think that the labs and the assignments would contribute that much at first, but they made a huge contribution to the way I look at biology. They make you go and look at the organisms and study them. I learned not only about the many different characteristics of animals but also about how they work and why. I really did not know much about zoology before this class, but now I see it as an everlasting study of organisms. I learned that I care about organisms much more than I previously thought and that I am willing to expend my energy to help preserve their legacy."
    Biology 41 Student
 

"I have learned so much about animals this semester, some I never would have known existed. This is definitely one of those classes that I will always remember. I have a much greater understanding and appreciation for what each animal has to go through to survive and how different species fit together in their environment. I did enjoy (most of) this class. There is so much more to learn within the subject. I will spend the rest of my life learning about animals. I know that I do not want to devote my life to studying one rare species of worm though. I am more interested in the bigger picture of the world. I loved the book "On Becoming a Biologist". I wish there was one like it for every major. Anyone considering taking this class should definitely (as with most classes) make sure they stay up to date with the assignments, especially the journal. It is easy to let it slide because it only needs to be turned in a few times during the semester. But if you keep up with it you will end up with a more thoughtful and complete journal. Also, by completing the journal write-up while the lab is still fresh in your mind it helps to retain more information. That means that less time spent cramming the night before the exam. Staying on top of the assignments is the most important thing I would stress in this class. The last thing I would give as advice is to form a study group early on in the semester. You do not realize how much you know (or do not know) until you have to explain it to someone else. It is really good practice for the test."     Biology 41 Student

 "In my own perspective, I believe that this course has changed my life. Instead of just going to class to learn about stuff, I have to now ponder its existence. I do not go to the aquarium and just look at the fish anymore. I ponder how they are related to the fish in the next tank. How they are related to me. The immensity of life on the planet. I learned about the different animals but I also learned about how life evolved on the planet and have a new appreciation for life."
    Biology 41 Student

 "It has been two semesters now that I have been taking this class, thinking about animals, agonizing over my insects and my lab journal.  It has been a rough year, but I have learned a lot. I look at animals now and see taxonomic lists, gas exchange structures, circulation diagrams. Frequently I share all of the above information with whoever happens to be near me, a fact that makes me less welcome at restaurants. (People give you strange looks when you start dissecting your shrimp head at the sushi bar or saying 'Yum, muscle tissue'). Nobody seems to want to hear that actually lobsters and spiders are no more closely related than humans and hagfish. But now I know, and it is fascinating! I will miss this class."
    Biology 41 Student