1. Attend class and take notes.  
Taking notes keeps you actively engaged in class. Comparing your notes with the text will help make clear which topics you grasp fully and which you don't. Lectures will cover some material not contained in the readings.

2. Do the assigned readings.
If you are having trouble following the lectures, read the textbook assignments before coming to class. Some material briefly covered in lecture will be more extensively described in the readings.

3. Do the assigned problem sets.
Actively do the assigned Problem Sets to assess what you know, and to identify the areas that you need to better understand. The problem sets directly reflect the types of questions that will appear on exams! Be certain to attend Section to obtain correct answers (and why) in TA discussions.

4. Use the textbook website. (http://www.aw-bc.com/campbell/)
There are a host of tutorials, guides, and self-quizzes available to help you learn and review the material. Some questions from self-quizzes will be used verbatim in exams!

5. Learn the vocabulary.  
You can not understand complex biological concepts if you are not familiar with the words that are being used. Definitions can be found in the glossary of your textbook and online.   

6. Attend sections.
Hearing and seeing material presented in a smaller group and from a different perspective can be enormously beneficial. Discussion leaders will elaborate on answers to your questions.

7. Talk to the instructor.
If you have a question or problem, visit the instructor during office hours. Put our office hours in your weekly schedule planner. We have scheduled this time to meet and talk with you, so please don’t hesitate to stop by and ask questions. Also take advantage of the online message board.

8. Work with your classmates.
Connect with your peers and set up informal study sessions or formal study groups. Take advantage of the online message board for group discussions with class participants.

 9. Take advantage of campus professional services:
a. OASIS (http://oasis.ucsd.edu/) The Office of Academic Support & Instructional Services gives students  access to counselors who can help them develop reading and writing strategies, design better time management systems, write more effective notes, and organize assignments.
b. Psych Services (http://psychservices.ucsd.edu/) Confidential and free counseling and psychological services related to a wide range of problems, including poor academic performance and study skills, homesickness, roommate conflicts, alcohol and other substance use and abuse, relationship difficulties, and depression.
c. Academic Advisors. Both your college and department have professional staff responsible for helping students in choosing appropriate study plans and coping with academic difficulties.