Succeeding in one of my classes is no different than succeeding in other classes (especially in the sciences). One of the big keys to success is understanding my approach to the material.  The best analogy I can give is playing the game Jenga.  In Jenga, you build a tower of blocks and then start pulling the blocks out to see if the tower falls down.  To predict what will happen when you pull a block you need to understand the overall structure of the tower (the big picture), how the blocks fit together (the specifics/little details), and be able to make predictions about what would happen if you change things.

Using that mental image as a strategy for studying can go a long way to helping you succeed. Here are some other tips and tricks- a lot of this can be labeled “Do as I say, not as I did as a student.”

How to get the most out of lecture

  1. Read the textbook  BEFORE you come to class.  You may think that reading the text isn’t that important because I emphasize lecture so much but the best way for lecture to make sense is to have a foundation before hearing it.
  2. COME TO CLASS
    1. Attendance is not mandatory in my classes but class participation is part of your grade.
    2. In class you should:
      1. Not be afraid to answer questions
        1. Everyone is wrong at some point, even 2 time Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling (I’ll talk about that in BIO205 and BIO380).
        2. Sometimes being wrong and then hearing the correct answer sticks in your memory even better.
      2. Not be afraid to ask questions
        1. Maybe something is unclear to you and if so, chances are you are not alone. Your classmates will appreciate you asking for clarification
        2. Sometimes you might think of something sort of “next step” or synthesizing 2 ideas together- ask that too! If you’re wrong see Section 2(b) subsection i(i).
    3. In class you should not:
      1. Watch Netflix on your computer
      2. Live Tweet
      3. Snap
      4. Sleep
  3. Download the slides before class to take notes on (either printed out or on your laptop)
    1. If you choose to use your laptop see Section 2, subsection c, subsections i-iii
  4. Before the next class, review your notes
    1. Use the recordings to fill in gaps in your notes
    2. If it’s still unclear (in no particular order):
      1. Use the book
      2. Ask next class
      3. Make an appointment to come see me

How to study for exams

  1. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE TO START STUDYING
    1. See item #1 and preamble (“Do as I say, not as I did as a student.”)
  2. Sample studying approach (assuming you have been keeping up with your notes during the term)
    1. If the exam is on a Wednesday, you should start studying Saturday or Sunday
      1. Review your notes, rewrite your notes into clear outlines, try concept mapping, review the practice test questions on Nexus
    2. If you would find it helpful, make an appointment to come see me with questions on either Monday or Tuesday
    3. Monday evening get a group of 3-5 classmates together and play “what if”
      1. For example: what if a yeast cell that normally had mitochondria no longer had them?
      2. If you can’t come up with or agree on an answer, email me and I’ll give you my thoughts (there’s a good chance you are all correct)
    4. Tuesday night we will have an online review session and then you can review more on your own after the session.
  3. Exams will include some questions that are straight up “do you know the material” and other questions that will ask you to reason by analogy: I’ll give you something that you haven’t seen before but is either analogous to or related to something we covered in class.
    1. For example, if I say in class that DNA structure falls apart when the temperature gets too warm, I might ask you what would happen if the temperature gets too cold.
    2. I am looking for you to make a prediction and explain what you are basing your prediction on (the fact that the structure falls apart when the temperature gets to warm).
    3. It’s not about straight right or wrong: it’s about your ability to recognize the comparison and explain it.