Biosciences is the study of living things and includes everything from biology to botany and zoology to genetics, for a greater understanding of the science of life.
Studying science at university can feel overwhelming at first, because you’ll be learning at a more intense, in-depth and fast-paced level than you’re used to. It can take a little while to get to grips with the different modules and assignments compared to school-level science.
As a zoology graduate and a microbiology student at Lovely Professional University in India, I’ve found a series of tips and techniques that helped me to learn more effectively and ace my exams and assignments. Here’s everything I’ve learned.
Improve your notetaking game
Taking notes is a standard part of university life. Whether you’re in lectures, seminars or even reviewing course material online, taking notes for your own learning is vital. The following techniques took my note-taking to another level and made me learn more effectively in class, and in my lab work and assignments.
After each class, I flesh out my notes and break the complex parts into easier to understand sections. I do this within 24-48 hours of the class, so it’s still fresh in my mind.
I’ve also learned that I don’t need to write everything down. Most often, lecture slides are available to view online after the class and you can catch up on additional reading later. Instead, I pick out the key learnings and write simplified notes that I can flesh out at home.
For example, in a microbiology class about entamoeba histolytica, an organism that causes amoebic dysentery, my notes might look like this:
-
Enta – enteric cavity (body cavity; gastrointestinal tract)
-
Amoeba – Amoebas
-
Histo – tissue-related (histology is the study of body tissues)
-
Lytic – to destroy or breakdown (remember glycolysis – breakdown of glucose sugar)
Tips that help me with note taking:
-
Take notes in your own words. This will help you better understand what you noted rather than generic or class terms.
-
Leave some extra space on your margins to add further notes while revising later.
-
Break topics into sub-topics, headings and sub-headings, and down to the key points. The simpler the concept is, the easier it is for you to study.
-
Make your notes short and concise. Use abbreviations and acronyms for better memory retention.
Use the Lego technique
The Lego technique is a method to help you break down the components of each topic, so they become easier to learn. A Lego brick is assigned to each fact or component and when added together one by one, they build a bigger picture of the topic as your knowledge grows.
Just as cells form tissues and tissues form organs, every course in bioscience has many components to learn. When learning about the nature and structure of DNA, you can’t grasp a real understanding without learning about the individual components of proteins. Without gaining knowledge at this level, it becomes very difficult to understand everything else.
I took a module on genetic engineering and I wasn’t getting the hang of it. I felt overwhelmed in the run up to the exam. Using Lego bricks to help me visualise the different elements, and then adding them together as I gained new knowledge, helped me to get into the fundamental aspects of the subject and learn my way up from there. Without it, I couldn’t have imagined trying to work my way around that module.
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme