These things are easier said than done, but if you are serious about learning biology they are essential. I am a big fan of study groups which meet regularly. A regular meeting will put pressure on you to keep up. Also, it is much easier to remember things if you have talked them over and argued about them with others. Try to Develop Some Active Learning Techniques.
Some students do well with a system of flip cards.
Notes are made on 3 X 5 cards that you can carry arround and flip through whenever you have spare time. Try to construct a framework of principles upon which you can hang facts. Take a Look at Your Competition Basic biology classes are prerequisites for all medical professions and for many non-medical professions as well. Because of this the elite 4 year colleges take these classes very seriously and provide a great deal of outside aid for their students. There is a big difference.