How To You can get a good grade in college science classes.
A science class in college is going to be very different from the other science classes you took in high school or college.Practical theories and applications behind scientific work are what you are learning.You will need to learn how to do lab work and prepare both in and out of class.
Step 1: You can create a calendar with your class work.
This will allow you to see what you have to do.When you need to keep track of multiple assignments, you'll be able to see what overlaps.
Step 2: Don't read the book wrong.
The information in textbooks is grouped into headings and subheadings.If you want to understand the concepts before going to the next one, read a section and consider how well you understood them.You have to read all of the assigned portions.Key ideas and reading goals are listed at the beginning or end of a book.Make sure you understand the big ideas after reading the required sections and subsections.The textbook is more than just the text.Take the time to study and review any charts, graphs, tables, pictures, or equations.Sciences are very visual and data-driven, and those visual elements have been carefully chosen to explain important concepts.
Step 3: Every assignment must be completed.
Homework and other projects are assigned by professors to students in order to learn the course material.Your professor will probably give feedback that can improve your grade if you do everything in class.If you don't do well, a partial grade is better than no credit at all.
Step 4: Homework is a good place to show your work.
The purpose of science class homework is to learn processes.Understanding the right way to get that answer is more important than getting the correct answer.You should show the work you did to find the solution.If you get the wrong answer, this can help you find errors.This is important in math-heavy sciences.
Step 5: A study group can be created.
It is possible to enhance your grade by working with a group of your classmates.Group help answering one another's questions and explaining difficult concepts.Make sure your study group time is spent on the subject and try to find serious students from your class.
Step 6: Talk to your professor.
The best resource for doing well in the class is your science professor.During office hours, visit if you have questions about your grades or comprehension.Taking the time to meet with your professor shows you care about the class.It can allow you to develop a mentor/mentee relationship which can benefit you in class and in your future career.Make sure you ask the right questions.It will be difficult for your professor to help you if you complain like "I don't get this class" or "This material is hard."Make sure you identify the concepts you are struggling with.As soon as you can, see the professor.You won't be able to change your grade if you wait until the end of the semester.
Step 7: Attend every class.
Your professor will likely use the week to cover as much important material as possible because there isn't much room in the classroom.The material won't be in the textbook, that's for you to read.
Step 8: Get ready before class.
Before you get to class, make sure you have done the assigned readings and are familiar with the concepts on the schedule.If you haven't read the textbook, you'll probably not understand what's going on.You already know the words and ideas that you struggle with.You can ask the professor about them if they don't come up in class.
Step 9: Arrive early.
When the class starts, don't wander in right.Review your notes one last time before class begins, and get there early to pick the best seat.It is a good time to ask your professor questions.If you are shy about asking questions in class, this can be helpful.
Step 10: Stand up front.
In a large lecture class, sitting in the front of the classroom helps students pay attention and get higher grades.The professor can remember you if you sit up front.Getting to know your professor can help improve your grade.
Step 11: Take notes.
A lot of information is going to be covered by your professor, so you'll want to write it down and remember it.You might want to record the lectures with your professor's permission so you can listen to them later.If your instructor highlights important information, pay attention.He might say something like "This is important" or write something on the board.You should highlight this information in your notes.Don't be afraid to ask the professor to repeat what he said if you miss something.After getting out of class, review your notes.This will help you remember what was covered.
Step 12: You can participate in class.
Don't be afraid to answer the professor's question.Ask if you don't understand an idea.Taking part in the classroom will keep you awake.
Step 13: Prepare for the lab.
Make sure you know the process before you start in a college science lab.The professor can give a manual for the semester or explain the procedure in the lecture.If you don't know what you're doing, you may not do the experiment correctly or on time.You should review your textbook for the principles the lab is supposed to cover in addition to the instructions.Concrete proof of what the textbook and lectures explain should be given by the lab.If your professor suggests an outside reading, look at that as well.The instructor may not be able to give you detailed instructions if you prepared in advance.
Step 14: A lab notebook is a must have.
This notebook is for lab work, not class notes.The notebook should be a record of all the data you get in the lab.You will collect more data than you need to, but that's okay.What data is necessary or important will be part of the report.You should only write in your notebook.Don't write in pencil as you should not be trying to erase data.Your mistakes should be in the notebook.Go on to the next line if you make a mistake.To remember what happened in the lab, add a note explaining why you crossed that out.
Step 15: Follow all safety procedures.
College laboratories can be dangerous for students who use hazardous materials.Make sure you understand the rules before entering the lab.Depending on the experiment, you should wear gloves, aprons, and goggles.If you need to acquire any of these materials yourself, you should check with your instructor and the lab.Make sure you know where the key safety features are when you are in the lab.Safety shower, eyewash, fire extinguisher, and emergency exits are included.
Step 16: It's a good idea to dress nicely for the lab.
While every lab's dress code is slightly different, there are some basic principles you can follow to keep yourself and your experiment safe.If you are not dressed for the setting, some labs will not let you inside.It will hurt your grade if you miss the lab.If you want to cover your skin, wear long pants and shirts.You will be able to avoid splashing and spills.You will probably be standing a lot during the experiment, so you want something comfortable on your feet.Don't wear sandals or open-toed shoes if your shoes are closed.Don't wear ties, scarves, necklaces, or bracelets that are loose or flowing.Before starting the experiment, make sure they are tied down and not dangling.
Step 17: Pay attention to the process.
The purpose of labs is to show concepts you read in the book and the professor explains in class.Understand the steps you are taking and what they do for the lab.If you don't understand how you got there and why that's the right answer, then you're not going to get the correct answer.
Step 18: Write the report.
You will need to turn in the lab report to the instructor at the end of most labs.Your hypothesis, data, and conclusions should be included in the proper format for your class.Make sure the experiment has proved or disproved your hypothesis.It's a good idea to include outlier or unusual data, as well as possible reasons why those may have happened.They can be good reviewers of lab reports if you have a study group for the class.You have to return the favor.