A Recommended Study Strategy for Bio 101, Molecules, Cells & Genes:

(C. Fornari, Instructor)
1. Read/scan the assigned text pages, figures, and tables before attending lecture; pay attention to the listed concepts underlying all the details of the written text. These concepts are presented 3 times in the chapters of your text: in the Introduction on the first page, at the Conclusion/Summary on the last page, and as headings for the written text in the chapter.

2. Attend lectures:

   --pay attention, take notes on the main points, paticipate in class exercises* (working problems, etc.) and discussions

   --get handouts (usually in I:/drive as PDFs), reading assignments, any other directions/advice from me (usually during first 10 minutes of class,
when we also review the previous lecture's main points, or work through an OPA - OnePointAssignment).

   --ask questions, participate in problem-solving exercises* by way of worked-OPAs or assigned problems*

3. Review your lecture notes and handouts, and any problems* worked during the class.

4. Re-read the assigned pages of text (see your syllabus and lecture notes for exact pages).

5. Re-study notes, handouts, OPAs.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as necessary.

Notice the * entries... these are VERY important!

The sources for problems and exercises are (1) your text, and (2) the OPAs. Let's examine the problems from your text.

The authors of your text have supplied a rich source of problems for you; working these problems helps you to understand concepts and methods, and to learn them more efficiently (and to practice DIRECTLY for the exams). Note that all text problems are answered in the back of the book. The exact sources of these problems are the following:

(a) the CYU (Check Your Understanding) boxes interspersed throughout the chapters

(b) all the 'blue-thread' entries with a checkmark next to them, also interspersed throughout the chapters, sometimes in a CYU box, sometimes not...

(c) the chapter reviews at the ends of chapters, section by section with more 'blue-thread' problems and exercises

(d) all the problems at the very ends of the chapters, with their 'Test your Knowledge', 'Test your Understanding', Test your Problem-Solving Skills' questions.

I will assign some of these problems and exercises, for reveiw in class sessions or as OPAs (OnePointAssignments). Each OPA is worth a point (or more) and if completed satisfactorily then the point gets added to your exam score. The OPAs are optional; you are not required to do them.