How to Pass Bio 32 (The first time)

1. Start Early!

   • You have been given access to this syllabus a week before class starts. Don't wait until next week to dive in, do it now!

   • It is never a bad idea to read ahead if you find yourself finishing coursework early.

2. Read your textbook

   • I suggest you read the textbook BEFORE you watch the lecture. Even if you don't read every single word in the chapter, you can read the highlights and have a better idea of the topics being covered in lecture and lab.

   • Lectures tend to go fast, so it will benefit you if you are familiar with the terminology before watching the lecture.

   • Use your lecture notes as a guide when reading the textbook. We will not cover every topic in every chapter assigned, so pay attention and avoid reading content not covered in this course.

3. Make time - Schedule it in!

   • This class takes a TREMENDOUS amount of studying! The VERY minimum suggested amount of study time is 12 hours a week (this is ON TOP OF/AFTER regular coursework).

   • If you don't have an open schedule (yes, that means that outside employment and taking a large course load will likely not be a good fit) and time to study for multiple hours each and every day, then I would strongly encourage you to drop and try again for a different semester. I promise you will thank me later!

   • SCHEDULE study time!! It is easy to put off studying until the last minute, but I promise you, that habit will NOT serve you well in this class. Create weekly time blocks dedicated to studying. You are more likely to stick to these time blocks if you include others (study groups are great for this class!).

4. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

   • This course will require you to memorize many anatomical terms and to understand many physiological processes. In order to make sure that you are retaining all of this information, you want to expose yourself to it as much as you can. For example, if you plan to read the textbook beforehand and to re-write your notes after lecture, you can TRIPLE your exposure to the material.

     1. 1. 1. 1. Exposure #1: Read the textbook before watching the week's videos to get on the same page as Professor Zepeda and to help yourself to better understand the upcoming lecture material

              2. Exposure #2: Watch Lecture Video & Take Notes

              3. Exposure #3: Re-write Lecture Notes (within 48 hours - increases chances of integrating into long term memory)

5. Change it Up!

   • Do not stick to one method of studying. You can increase your retention by experiencing the material via different delivery methods:

     1. 1. 1. 1. Read textbook

              2. Write Notes

              3. Flashcards

              4. My Lecture Videos

              5. Lab Videos

              6. YouTube Videos (Khan Academy & Crash Course are awesome resources!)

              7. Study Groups

              8. Explain a concept to someone or something out loud (teddy bear, poster, literally anything! The point is to TALK!)

              9. Self-Quiz (Kahoot, Quizlet, good ol' pen & paper, etc.)

              10. Instructor Provided Resources (Kahoots, Powerpoints, Study Tools)

6. Understand Your Learning Style!

   • Students preferentially take in and process information in different ways: by seeing and hearing, reflecting and acting, reasoning logically and intuitively, analyzing and visualizing, steadily and in fits and starts. Teaching methods also vary. Some instructors lecture, others demonstrate or lead students to self-discovery; some focus on principles and others on applications; some emphasize memory and other’s understanding.

   • Click here to take a quiz and discover your learning style.

   • Once you get your results, read this document for ways to help yourself cater to your learning style for a more effective learning experience.

7. Group Work

   • Study groups are invaluable!! I will help to facilitate that via Discord but you are welcome to create your own study groups!

8. Come to Office Hours!

   • If there is something you need help understanding, need further clarification on an assignment, or even just want to chat or vent, I am here!

   • I believe a meaningful student-instructor connection/line of communication can make for a successful semester!

YOU. CAN. DO. THIS!!