Study Suggestions for Online Students

Ask questions! This ensures that you thoroughly understand the material. Ask questions on everything. Ask questions if you have any confusion on any topic. Do not  move to the next topic until you thoroughly understand the previous topic because often, the next topic requires an understanding of the previous topic. There is a link at the bottom of each module menu for asking questions. You can also e-mail questions using the course e-mail.

The Biology Web was designed to be a summary of the most important material from the textbook chapters. Because it only contains the most important information and nothing else, it is important that you understand all of the material in The Biology Web. If anything in The Biology Web is confusing, be sure that it is clarified before continuing to the next topic.

Don't forget about the textbook. The textbook reading assignments are extremely important. It is probably not possible for most students to do well without reading the textbook chapters.

Don't miss any assignments. Missing just one assignment can reduce your point score enough to make it difficult to succeed.

Make use of the textbook's supplemental material and website. I've discovered that these kinds of materials can be valuable study aids.

Students in campus courses are encouraged to form study groups for studying outside of class. Study groups really work. If you are able to meet with other students that are taking BIO 100, it might be helpful to form study groups. Be sure to meet regularly. Online students can form study groups using social media, instant messaging, or e-mail to discuss course content and to assist each other. 

If you are able to come to campus, there is a tutor available for Biology in the tutoring center. Perhaps a tutor might help.

Be sure that you spend enough time on the course. A student with average grades will probably need to spend about 10 to 15 hours per week on this class.

Extra Credit - Extra credit is normally not allowed in this course because it interferes with student learning. Students spend time on extra credit assignments that should be spent on the rest of the course. The course contains the most important material to learn; additional (extra credit) assignments are of lesser importance.