• Home Page
• Class Audio
• Board Notes
• My MCC info
• Log in to My MCC
• Bio Advising Sheet
• VARK
• Biological Principles I
  • Course Materials
  • Class Activities
  • Periodic Table
  • Preparing for Exams
• A and P I
• A and P II
• MCC Cat Dissections
• A and P II Hybrid
• A and P Media Info
• Practice Anatomy Lab
• Course Compass
• Interactive Phys.
• Anatomy Links
• Histology
• Physiology Links
• Links to the Systems
• Myths, Hoaxes, Bioethics
• Photo Albums
• Norton LPS

Preparing for Science Exams
Some Study Suggestions

Biological Principles I is an important course in several respects. It is the prerequisite course to Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology, which is important to those of you interested in careers in Allied Health. It is also the introductory course for students interested in a major in Biology. For some of you it may be the first science course you have taken in a while and can be very different from other courses you have taken or are taking now. Here are some study hints to help make this a successful experience.

1. Organize your course materials. I suggest that you use a 3-ring binder in this class. You can put your notes and the lab materials in it and ensure that you always have the things you need at hand.

2. Use the outline. The course outline should direct your reading in the textbook. It is helpful to preview the material before coming to class so that you are familiar with the topics. Use the outline to organize your class notes as well. If you can begin to put the material in a logical format in your head, it will be easier to make connections and recall information that you need.

3. Review your notes after class. Fill in blanks by listening to the lecture and/or accessing the board notes. Go back to the text for clarification or further illustration of topics covered in class.

4. Don't spend time on material not covered in class and lab. Tests will be based on class and lab material, not new material from the book.

5. Make flash cards. The vocabulary list is a good place to start. Keep the definitions short and review them frequently. Science has its own vocabulary and you will only become comfortable with it with repetition. You will also need this information in continuing courses.

6. Allow for plenty of time to study. Plan to spend 2 or 3 hours studying (at a minimum) outside of class for each credit hour. This is a 4-credit course. That means 8 to 12 hours of additional work at a minimum each week.

7. Give yourself a quiet place to study, away from distractions.

8. Come to see me if you have questions - don't wait until it is close to a test. Stay on top of the material.

9. Complete all assignments and turn them in on time. Do not copy the work of others. It's not fair to them, and won't help you in the long run.

10. Use the Study Objectives to assess your progress. Show me your work if you'd like comments on it.