how to be successful in a college biology course

1. Make a study schedule. Spreading out study time is crucial to success in a biology course. ...
2. Know your learning style. Understand what types of information you retain best. ...
3. Avoid cramming sessions. Research shows that cramming is ineffective. Using the same amount of study time spread over days or weeks will allow your brain to retain more information ...
4. Attend a study group. Studying as a social activity can be very beneficial. It allows you to see different points of view on biological concepts, and different study techniques.

Full Answer

How to study for college biology?

Use the resources that are provided! The Biology department has worked hard to be able to provide a study room (LS 126) for its students. Please make use of it. There may be models, practice tests, or computer resources that are available to you in that room. There are also tutors that can help answer questions.

Why is biology so hard to study?

Jun 04, 2010 · 1. Come to class. In some courses all you have to do is read the book; that's not the case here. There is too much stuff... 2. Take notes. Everything that really matters will be discussed in class. The books are primarily for introduction... 3. Form a study group or partnership. Don't try to do it ...

Why study biology at Cleveland University Kansas City?

College biology is an in-depth subject and you need to prepare for your classes accordingly. Try to complete any assigned readings before your class or lab, focusing on pictures, diagrams and...

What is biology coursework?

Jan 31, 2017 · Since higher level biology courses typically require a thorough knowledge of material previously taught, you can fall behind very quickly if you do not put in the time and effort necessary to keep up to date on reading and class work. Invest in a good calendar or calendar app. Keep yourself organized do not waste time.

Get Ready Before Class

College biology is an in-depth subject and you need to prepare for your classes accordingly. Try to complete any assigned readings before your class or lab, focusing on pictures, diagrams and bolded terms. You should also take advantage of any notes or information your instructor posts online.

Take Notes

Taking notes is a great way to absorb the information you're learning in class. It also allows you to review facts later. You should try to write down anything your instructor writes on the board, anything that's described as important, and any page numbers your instructor references.

Reinforce What You Learned

It's a good idea to go over your notes once your class is over. This is a great way to make sure you understand everything that was covered.

Prepare for Tests

There are lots of great strategies for getting ready for a biology test. The ones you use will depend on your learning style and how your instructor likes to set up exams. You can check out these suggestions and use the ones that work for you:

Study Online

You can find online resources that reinforce what you're learning in class. These study guides include short video lessons that go over the biology concepts you're studying. They also offer you practice quizzes and exams that can get you ready for in-class tests. Get ready for success with these resources related to:

How to study biology?

1. Make a study schedule . Spreading out study time is crucial to success in a biology course. This technique keeps your studying disciplined and predictable.The general rule for biology courses is that you should set aside roughly two hours of study time for each hour of class.

How to take notes in biology?

Take note of important biology concepts. As you are reading and studying before class, you should take notes. This way, you solidify the material in your mind. You should also scan or redraw any figures or diagrams that are important (e.g. they show up multiple times in the chapter).

What is the basic idea of biology?

The most basic foundation of biology is that all organisms are composed of some number of cells that are independent of each other, but function as a multicellular organism. The number of cells varies from single celled organisms to organisms with trillions of cells.

How to prepare for a lab?

Read the lab ahead of time. When you read the lab ahead of time, you know what to be prepared for. Make sure that you understand the concepts and procedures addressed in the experiment. Write down any questions, especially those pertaining to safety, before lab.

What are the different types of learning styles?

Know your learning style. 1 Visual - You prefer to include pictures, images, videos, etc. 2 Auditory - You like hearing information and/or integrating music and sounds. 3 Linguistic - You learn information when it is in the form of language (written or spoken). 4 Kinesthetic - You are a “hands on” learner. Movement and physical touch help you retain information. 5 Mathematical - You rely on systems of logic to learn. 6 Interpersonal - Most of your learning occurs in a group setting. 7 Intrapersonal - Learning alone suits you best.

How to be successful in university?

In a University environment, success at everything is nearly impossible to achieve. Keep a level head, keep calm, aim for excellence, but don’t panic when things go wrong. 11.

What do advisors do?

These individuals are there to help students get through their program, and advisors typically help students with course selection, and help plan a student’s academic program. When arriving on campus, you should book a meeting with your advisor, and more importantly, listen to their advice!

Is it good to study with other students in microbiology?

It's a good idea to find or create a study group with other students in your class. Having one or more students to work with when you're studying your microbiology coursework can be a big help. Working with other students allows you to test one another and work through difficult concepts more effectively.

Is microbiology an introductory course?

Microbiology isn't an introductory course, so you'll want to make sure you first understand the fundamental biology concepts that will be included in a microbiology course. To get a head start, go through the Intro to Biology course to lay a foundation of knowledge you'll need to move forward into more advanced topics, like microbiology.

How to be successful in college?

Organize your thoughts, make an outline, review vocabulary terms—these little things add up. 2. Organization skills. Staying organized is another key ingredient to balancing your responsibilities and finding success as a college student.

What does it mean to make friends in college?

Making friends within your degree program means you’ll always have support and accountability, whether it’s studying for tests or swapping stories about the highs and lows of college life. “You’ll always have someone to rely on for help when needed, and it makes coursework more enjoyable when you have someone to relate to,” Martinez says. “Plus who knows? You might end up finding someone that’ll be a friend for life.”

Why is it important to have a planner?

Having a planner dedicated to schoolwork can also help you plan ahead so you have enough time to study for tests or complete larger projects. 3. The ability to work with others. Collaborating with classmates is an important part of college life, one that prepares you for the realities of the workplace.

Why do I feel nervous before school?

Negative thought patterns have been linked to increased stress, as well as anxiety and other mental health problems . Reframing your worries and embracing a more positive mindset can increase your resilience and help you bring your best effort to your education.

Why is time management important?

“Time management will grant you the ability to get as many assignments finished as possible with the least amount of stress ,” Martinez says. Remember that study sessions don’t have to last all day (or night) to be effective!