How to Succeed in BIOL102

1
How to Succeed in BIOL102

• A step-by-step guide
• by Dr. Tamarkin

2
Dont Panic!

• You can do it.
• I am here to help.
• Tutors are here to help.
• Your classmates are here to help.

3
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.

4
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!

5
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

6
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 dont fully understand
  and ASK
• Study with your classmates

7
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.

8
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 wont remember them later)
• Any ideas of your own that make sense to you

9
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.

10
Now get started!