In Science Courses
Science Courses are Different
 This may be the first science course of your college
career
 Science courses may require more study time than
non-science courses
 You must think and reason about the concepts in a
science course
 You should expect to spend at least 2 hours studying
for each credit hour of class per week
Active Learning
 Learning is a two-way street
 Stay alert
 Practice active listening
 Take notes
Your Listening Style
 Determine your listening style
 If you have a more passive listening style, consider
ways you can become a more active listener
 Listen for key ideas
 Pay particular attention to the points raised by
instructors at the end of class
 Ask questions
Taking Notes in Lecture
 Record
 Reduce
 Recite
 Reflect
 Review
Taking Notes in Lecture – Record & Reduce
Heading
•Date
•Class
2. Reduce (after class)
• Note key words, phrases
• Link objectives
• Write out questions of your own
• Link information from the text or
other sources
1. Record notes here
• Identify the main points
• Capture the main ideas
Use outlines or concept maps
Use words and pictures to get the
information down quickly
Avoid quoting
Place for additional notes when reviewing/studying
Taking Notes in Lecture - Recite
 Talk aloud
 Review from memory what you have learned
 Using the left hand margin’s key words and questions,
talk through or illustrate definitions, concepts, etc.
 Create your own examples
Taking Notes in Lecture - Reflect
 How does this relate to what you already knew?
 Note the essay terms
 Compare
 Contrast
 Define
 Describe
 Discuss
 Explain
Taking Notes in Lecture – Review
Review the notes you took
 At your next study session
 Before reading new material
 When studying for tests
Reading
 Determine your reading style
Reading
 Determine your reading style
 Holistic reading styles are noncritical
 Analytic reading styles are very detailed and critical
 How do you think your reading style affects the way
you learn material?
 Is your reading style related to the kinds of subjects
you prefer?
Reading
 You must read the material before class (look at your
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schedule)
Choose a moderate amount of material before you
begin
If there is a summary at the end of the chapter, read it
Read first for what you do understand (mark what you
don’t to review later)
Practice the “look away” method
Look up words
Read to the end
Reading
 Organize your notes by connecting ideas (outline or
concept map)
 Re-read the section with the framework you have
chosen
 If the reading is still a challenge, seek help!
Reading and Taking Notes
 SQ3R
 Read, review, write
 Concept mapping
How to Study for Science Classes
 Studying is an ACTIVE process (Study by doing, not
just reading and highlighting)
 study by making lists of new terms and write them 5 to
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10 times each to reinforce their spelling
study by making flash cards with pictures
study by drawing diagrams of complex activities
study by telling a story out loud to "teach" the
information
study by writing out information from notes, from
memory
Before Lab
 Prepare before each lab class to get the most out of
your lab time
 Read material as it pertains to lab (handouts, text, atlas)
 Place bookmarks or colored tabs on the assigned images
in the text or atlas so you can find them easily
 Bring your textbook and your atlas (if required) to lab
every week
 Check Angel for handouts you may need to bring to
lab
During Lab
 You need to actually handle the models and bones
 You need to actually look at the histology – you should
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even draw pictures of the histology
Observe structures carefully, particularly noting where they
are in relationship with other structures
Use the entire name of a structure. Repeat it aloud. What
does the name mean?
Stay focused on the work in lab
Work cooperatively – do not spend time chit-chatting, but
you may want to find a lab partner to study with
LEAVING LAB EARLY IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR
GRADE
After Lab
 Review newest material first and most
 Review older material regularly
 Plan to use “open lab” times when provided
 Review previously used models
 Review previously used histology slides
Avoiding Problems
 Read the Catalog and be aware of course prerequisites.
 Read the syllabus and be aware of course policies!
 Read the course schedule and know when you will
have exams!
 Choose a seat that will promote good note-taking
 Accept the instructor, despite his or her limitations
 Let your instructor know as soon as possible if you will
have problems attending class or meeting deadlines.
Before the fact is always better than after.
Other Tips for Success
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Arrive to lecture early or on time
Attend every class
Take notes during the ENTIRE lecture
Ask questions
Study EVERY day!
Check out the book’s website and do the questions at
the end of each chapter
 Use different study techniques
 Form a study group
 Record the lecture and listen to it again (and again)
Places to go if you need help
 Your instructor’s office hours or tutoring hours
 Open labs
 CARE center (P-600)