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Specifically biology. I am just trying to explore different methods and find the one that works best for me, so I'd really appreciate your input.
What are some effective study methods for science pre-reqs?
- Thread starter alphamine
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So most biology falls under my study methods I've used for Intro bio/anatomy etc. Basically memorization classes.
-Hand write all notes, the brain retains more this way.
-Every day (Honestly every few days is possible with all but the hardest bios), try to rewrite your notes/key points without looking. Fill in the blanks as needed with your notes. This reinforces the concepts really well.
-Create an anki deck of bolded textbook terms with at least one example like suggested below. Study this everyday for just 30 min or so.
-For applicable classes, try to create situations in your head or know the ones presented well. For example, knowing a textbook definition of phosphorylation doesn't do much if you can't produce at least one example.
-A few days before exams, pull out a few blank sheets of printer paper. Do what I suggested before and try to condense your notes from scratch, filling in afterwards by looking at notes/ppt slides. Start with most of the material you think you'll need to know, then recondense once more into the most high yield material. Then use those sheets the next few days to study.
Other bios such as genetics, biochem, etc are just drilling practice problems and showing up to professors office hours to know what to expect on tests in my experience.
Source: Went from a 2.7 GPA first semester to Dean's list every semester since, and a 4.0 this semester with 25 hours of EC's every week.
-Hand write all notes, the brain retains more this way.
-Every day (Honestly every few days is possible with all but the hardest bios), try to rewrite your notes/key points without looking. Fill in the blanks as needed with your notes. This reinforces the concepts really well.
-Create an anki deck of bolded textbook terms with at least one example like suggested below. Study this everyday for just 30 min or so.
-For applicable classes, try to create situations in your head or know the ones presented well. For example, knowing a textbook definition of phosphorylation doesn't do much if you can't produce at least one example.
-A few days before exams, pull out a few blank sheets of printer paper. Do what I suggested before and try to condense your notes from scratch, filling in afterwards by looking at notes/ppt slides. Start with most of the material you think you'll need to know, then recondense once more into the most high yield material. Then use those sheets the next few days to study.
Other bios such as genetics, biochem, etc are just drilling practice problems and showing up to professors office hours to know what to expect on tests in my experience.
Source: Went from a 2.7 GPA first semester to Dean's list every semester since, and a 4.0 this semester with 25 hours of EC's every week.
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What works for me (I apologize for any bad grammar, typing from my phone):
1) Sit in front of class so I'm not distracted by other students
2) Type notes onto PowerPoints professor uploads. If none are uploaded, I try to type all the important points the teacher says word for word. Really helps if you're a fast typer so you can get all the tiny details.
3) I review the notes the day after lecture and dissect each point and try to draw connections and understand the purpose of each slide.
4) at the end of the week, I go through all the powerpoints and notes in one sitting as a review. Spend extra time to make sure you understand everything. Email the professor if you are missing any concepts, Google if you need to (videos are often very helpful if you are a visual learner such as myself)
5) repeat this each week, don't go back and study the previous week again unless you really need to or have time on your hands.
6) the week before the exam, begin reviewing all the slides and notes collectively. Try to do first half of the content in one day, second half of the content the next day, and repeat until exam day. IF you have the stamina, do the entire content in one day.
7) glance through notes on exam day for no more than 30 minutes-1hour. Get a good meal in and STAY HYDRATED (dehydration can really ruin your ability to recall information you've clearly memorized).
Moral of the story: quality notes and quality repetition are ABSOLUTELY KEY. This is factual. If you don't want to blank out on exam day, repeat repeat repeat. If you really need to, make study groups, although I've personally found them to slow me down and are a waste of time unless you'd like to help struggling classmates. You can handle it yourself. Perfect practice makes perfect!
Evidence: I've maintained a 4.0 with a computer science/molec bio courseload and whatnot throughout my junior and senior years with 18+ credit hours. Not bragging, please don't drill me SDN lol
I hope this serves you well. Just remember, this is how I do it and there are certainly other ways. You need to find what's best for YOU.
1) Sit in front of class so I'm not distracted by other students
2) Type notes onto PowerPoints professor uploads. If none are uploaded, I try to type all the important points the teacher says word for word. Really helps if you're a fast typer so you can get all the tiny details.
3) I review the notes the day after lecture and dissect each point and try to draw connections and understand the purpose of each slide.
4) at the end of the week, I go through all the powerpoints and notes in one sitting as a review. Spend extra time to make sure you understand everything. Email the professor if you are missing any concepts, Google if you need to (videos are often very helpful if you are a visual learner such as myself)
5) repeat this each week, don't go back and study the previous week again unless you really need to or have time on your hands.
6) the week before the exam, begin reviewing all the slides and notes collectively. Try to do first half of the content in one day, second half of the content the next day, and repeat until exam day. IF you have the stamina, do the entire content in one day.
7) glance through notes on exam day for no more than 30 minutes-1hour. Get a good meal in and STAY HYDRATED (dehydration can really ruin your ability to recall information you've clearly memorized).
Moral of the story: quality notes and quality repetition are ABSOLUTELY KEY. This is factual. If you don't want to blank out on exam day, repeat repeat repeat. If you really need to, make study groups, although I've personally found them to slow me down and are a waste of time unless you'd like to help struggling classmates. You can handle it yourself. Perfect practice makes perfect!
Evidence: I've maintained a 4.0 with a computer science/molec bio courseload and whatnot throughout my junior and senior years with 18+ credit hours. Not bragging, please don't drill me SDN lol
I hope this serves you well. Just remember, this is how I do it and there are certainly other ways. You need to find what's best for YOU.
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