Biology 20

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

 ·         Remember that the amount of time spent studying in relation to the amount of time you are in class is about 2:1.  There are 6 hours of class time; therefore, you should be spending at least 12 hours/week studying.  Re-evaluate your priorities!!!  You will be quite busy this semester.

·         Find a good place to study.  Get some pens, pencils, note cards, Post-it™ notes, whiteout, etc.

·         Study upright!  Lying down on your bed is conducive for napping!  Trust me!

·         Peruse each chapter in the text before you really digging into it. 

·         Plan your study time.  Study for 30 - 60 minutes and then take a break.  Do something that you enjoy.  Then come back and study some more.  Don't just study for hours on end at a time.

·         Go to class.  You will understand and learn more from class than if you skip and borrow notes.  Remember to bring your books with you!  Also, try to review your notes with a day of taking them.

·         Keep up!  Do not get behind in any of your classes!

·         Prepare for your exams early!!!

·         You may have more than one exam on the same day if you are taking other courses.

You may have other projects that are due.

·         Make flash cards of new terms and those that are unfamiliar to you.  Carry your note cards with you so you can study during any "down time".  Punch a hole in the upper left-hand corner and attach them with a metal ring.

·         Try to understand concepts.  Do not just memorize.  Yes, there is memorization involved, but those who can understand and apply the material will be more successful in the course.

·         Form study groups.  Remember that everyone needs to contribute to the study group.  Help each other!  Those that understand the material should explain them to cohorts that are having difficulty.  Both individuals are benefiting from this process.

·         Study after class.  This will help increase your retention of the material.

·         Don't cram!  Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Don't forget to eat - your brain needs nutrients also!

·         Don't give up!  Work hard.  It'll payoff in the end.  Remember this will be the basis for other the courses that you will be taking.  Those courses will build upon this one!

·         If needed, you may use tape recorders.  This helps to reinforce the material.

·         Place your name on everything you own.  This way I can get it back to you if you leave it or if a classmate picks up your items.

·         Be weary of who you lend your notes to.  Are you sure you'll get them back?

·         Get the names, phone numbers and email addresses of your study group or lab partners.