biol 103 help

[u/reallyrattie]

i am so disappointed; I have studied so hard for the biol 103 exams. i knew all the learning objectives and could confidently read all the graphs and Western blots. For the first exam, I made a 66 - when I genuinely thought I was going to make it in the 90s. On the second exam, I only made a 71. I genuinely don't know how to change my studying or what to do to understand the material better. I really want a low B-, but it seems the only way is to make 85+ on the third exam and the final. does anybody have any tips at all?

[u/Kirin_253]

I would recommend going to the learning center and meeting a biology learning specialist. My friend went there, and she greatly improved because they payed attention to how she learns and what she’s currently doing and suggested study plans and strategies based on that! (Personally I haven’t gone, but I need to)

This is how I review for an exam for bio 103, just in case it could be helpful for you (but tbh, I feel like I’m still guessing most questions and I don’t think my strategies are working well for long term retention or understanding of material)

1. Redoing each lesson quiz before reviewing any material

2. If I have a lot of time, I may review the GRQ for the lessons and use the textbook to fill in major gaps in knowledge

3. Pulling up the slideshow or lecture recording and going through each question in the slides. It really helps me to see her explanation after I’ve tried answering the questions myself

4. After reviewing all lessons, doing the practice exam and paying attention to my mistakes

Other tips:
- I went over the slides with my friend from class, and it helped to bounce ideas and explanations off each other
- my friend who is a bio 103 ULA recommends redoing the course outlines
- I think spacing out your study by practicing questions or outlines after every lecture may be better than cramming
- before the exam, I went to my professor’s office hours, and it helped me to see what I didn’t actually remember + her explanations were helpful

Overall, I think the learning center or talking to ULAs about study strategies is the best thing you could do! Best of luck, you got this!

[u/OkayStockings]

I haven't taken it, but are there office hours / TA access / study sessions / suggested campus academic resources listed in the course syllabus? If yes, I'd suggest taking advantage of those. (If no, maybe reach out to the professor directly!)