1. Transitions – BIOL 1100 Professor: Dr. Allan Nelson Office: SCI 203 Office hours: M 10-10:50, T 11-12. W 1-2, Th 9:30-11:30 Email: nelson@tarleton.edu

2. Syllabi Read and understand the syllabus for every class. Get a copy (printed or electronic).

3. Professor’s job Serve you Encourage you Challenge you Help you to be successful in this and other courses and as a professional –Study –Read critically –Problem solve –Communication skills Writing and speaking clearly

4. How to Succeed in class Go to class. Review notes daily. Do the readings and read critically and carefully. Form a study group. You may need to study 12-16 hours per week for a single 4-credit science class. Be disciplined. Don’t cram for exams. You will be taking exams for multiple courses in the same week. Get adequate sleep and food before exams. Get help early when you need it. –See the professor. –Attend SI Sessions weekly.

5. How to read critically Take notes while you read. Write down questions, criticisms and interesting thoughts. Underline/highlight key points. Look up unfamiliar words. Relate material to lecture notes and lab activities. Compose a summary outline.

6. Professional communication Proper email –salutation –explanation with appropriate language –sign with full name and student ID –proofread

7. You will need your assigned lab book for labs. Labs are not a race! Use lab time wisely. Complete your lab assignments. The best way to fail science course is to skip lab. Biology Labs

8. Dealing with stress Regular activity/exercise Regular sleeping habits Practice time management Avoid procrastination/study regularly. Find stress-relievers: –journaling, meditation, walking, leisure activities, hobbies Seek support from friends and family

9. Looking ahead: senior capstone course Keep notes and textbooks for –BIOL 1406 and 1407 –BIOL 2300 Cell Biology –BIOL 3303 Genetics –BIOL 3353 Ecology and Evolution –BIOL 3407 Microbiology

10. Resume Name Contact information Education: BS in Biology, Tarleton State University 2021 GPA = 2.0 – 4.0? Experience: lab/field work, internship, summer job, URA Skills: software, lab/field techniques… Service: lab/field, community, professional organization; a good citizen References: Can they attest to:1) you being on time? 2) following instructions/supervision? 3) teamwork/independent? 4) trustworthy?