class missed can have a long-term effect on your ability to keep up with the class.

(1). Before class, spend no more than 10 minutes to skim the assigned chapter. Read the section titles, not the text. Look at the figures and read the figure legends carefully. The goal of this preview is to get a general idea about the content of the chapter, and then bring your curiosity to the classroom.

(2) As soon as possible, either before or within a day of a lecture, take an hour or two to read the assigned chapter carefully. Read one section, then look away from the book and ask yourself questions. “What is this section about? What do the figures illustrate? Do I understand this?” Then continue with the next section. Once you begin to feel you’ve saturated your brain, STOP! Take a break, do something different, continue with the text later on.

Examine the "Common Course Objectives" from time to time. Look for the big picture, not just the isolated details. Make outlines of each chapter in your own words. Learn the new vocabulory in a systematic way, such as the use of flash card.

It's easy to con yourself into thinking you "know" the material because you've read it, but the true test of "knowing" is being able to apply that knowledge:

• quizzes on the CD-ROM that comes with your text
• quizzes on the text website
• quizzes on Biology Place
• problem sets on Biology Project

If you don't understand any part of the material, be sure to speak up in class or talk to me or email me afterwards. Also let me know if you have to skip a lecture so we can make arrangements to catch up. Remember, I am always there to help you succeed. Communication is very important.

Follow a study schedule. Review your notes after each class. Don't wait until the night before the exam to study.

Read the entire five sections of the lab exercise in the manual. Complete the Pre-Lab assignment. Try to visualize the procedures beforehand.

Rio Grande campus: Biology Learning Lab (223-3332) is located in room 307. You are encouraged to make full use of the lab whenever it is open. The following materials are available in the Learning Lab: Handouts, Reference Books, Media Programs, Computers, and Software

Riverside campus: Room 2233 in Building A is a study lab for Biology students. The room contains microscopes, slides, models, and other lab related study items. Computers and biology related videos are also available. Call 223-6161 for more info.