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Biology Advising FAQ

 

How can I succeed in college?

Success can be measured in many ways. One proverb states "No one is a failure who enjoys life." But that's not what we usually mean when we are taking a biology major in college. Many students are shocked to find that their exam scores are lower than they expected, and may find the learning tasks required by some courses to be challenging. It's natural to wonder if there are stratagems you can use to improve your performance and optimize your abilities.

In1998, the Association of American Universities set out to identify the "core" knowledge and competencies that would enable students to succeed in entry-level courses at research universities such as UConn. This project has now been published, and is available for free on the web as PDF files. The project is titled "Understanding University Success". The report lists the foundations of knowledge, then lists in considerable detail those competencies that successful students manage well. Here's an example:
  • A.Successful students know the general structure and function of cells. They:
    1. A.1. know that all living systems are composed of cells, which are the fundamental units of life, and that organisms may be unicellular or multicellular.
    2. A.2. know the importance of both water and the element carbon to cells, and further understand that cells have four important types of macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) that are each different in chemical properties and have specific functions in cells.
    3. A.3. understand that both unity and diversity exist among cells.
    4. A.4. know that while all cells share basic features (e.g., a plasma membrane and genetic material in the form of DNA), there are different types of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic).
    5. A.5. know that within multicellular organisms there are different types of cells and that these cells perform different functions for the organism.
    6. A.6. know that different types of organisms (plants versus animals) have different cellular specializations suited for the organism's lifestyle.
    7. ............ etc.

If you want a detailed list of what you should know and be able to do, this is a good resource, which you can download and study on your own.

For UConn resources that can help you survive a particular course (tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, etc.), look at the FAQ page "I need help with coursework! Where can I find it at UConn?"

This page last updated 1 August 2008.