How to Succeed in BIOL102

A step-by-step guide

by Dr. Tamarkin

Don’t Panic!

• You can do it.

• I am here to help.

• Tutors are here to help.

• Your classmates are here to help.

Coming to every class is a good start...

• Course concepts are explained during lecture. You need to learn them by studying outside of lecture.

• You will get course updates, quiz dates, and test dates in class.

• You can set up study groups with classmates when you see them.

• Labs reinforce what you learn in lecture.

Studying is the next step...

• You will have to study: this material does not always come easy

• Expect to study 3 – 4 hours for every hour of lecture.

• Plan times in your day specifically for studying.

• Study Groups work best!

How should you study?• Read your textbook

– try to read ahead– have a dictionary handy– take NOTES... do not

simply highlight

•Have the right disposition

–be awake–be in a study-friendly environment

How should you study? (continued)

• Use your class notes:– Re-write your class notes– Compare your class

notes to your textbook notes

• Write down anything you don’t fully understand and ASK

• Study with your classmates

How should you study? (continued)

• Memorization alone will not be sufficient– to understand biology you have to understand

concepts– learn the terminology as a stepping stone to the

concepts (not instead of concepts)– try drawing outlines and pictures when

studying

• Use the course websites!• Use the textbook website.

Taking good notes in class is another important step...

• What should you put in your notes?– Headings & dates– What your instructor writes on the board– What your instructor draws on the board

• add a little “figure legend” or description of the drawing in your own words

– Any stories or descriptions your instructor says (or acts out) that help you understand something (you won’t remember them later)

– Any ideas of your own that make sense to you

When should you be concerned with a bad grade?

• Students typically get the same grade on their first quizzes as they do on their first test.

• Students who seek assistance in studying tend to improve their grades dramatically.

• We have many quizzes and tests in this class, which helps you.