Come to class ready to participate. Read assigned material before each respective lecture. The material will make better sense after you have read about it at least once. Reading the material before class, coming to class with questions or answers, and showing up with an open mind is an excellent way to learn.

Seek assistance with difficult concepts early. See your instructor for an explanation of terms, principles or techniques, which you don’t understand. Use office hours!

Remember, microbiology is a comprehensive biology course. It is not a course that you can pass by just memorizing the facts. Engage your mind in active thought about the words and ideas.

Regularly attend classes. Information will be presented and concepts will be developed in class that will not be effectively communicated by reading the notes of another. You need to experience each class yourself.

Don’t wait until the day before an exam to prepare for it.  Learning is an ongoing, full-time job. Read before class. Re-read after class. Review your notes frequently. Ask questions. Get feedback. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get help.

Use study aids. (1) Try dividing notebook paper with a line down the center. Keep class notes on one half and corresponding book notes on the other half. (2) After each lecture, write down 3-5 questions that reflect the essence of the lecture material. (3) Find other members of the class who will agree to write questions for each lecture, and share them. Study together. (4) Use the Online Learning Center to take study quizzes and explore related topics on the World Wide Web.

Like everything else, "practice makes perfect."!

See more excellent study tips in your textbook on the Preface page xix.