1. Avoid cutting class. These courses are not difficult, but they do contain terms, concepts and theories that will be new to most of you. Since many test questions are extracted from the material covered in class, you will miss (on average) about five points on each test for each class cut.

2. Take complete notes in a structured fashion and emphasize ideas. Indent, underline and asterisk important terms, concepts and people. Use wide-lined paper, it is easier to study from. Copy all sketches, terms and formulae that are put on the blackboard. Make certain that you link ideas together. Your notes should not be a hodge-podge of random terms and ideas. Emphasize conceptual thinking. Use terms mainly as a means of communication, and use them to figure out the how and why of how the earth works. In this course there is no way you can record too much in the form of notes. If you have difficulty writing, use a tape recorder. See the separate handout on note-taking.

3. Read ahead in the text or in other resource material such as the worldwide web, so you are prepared for the next meeting's lecture. Study the notes from the previous lectures so that you will have a context for the upcoming session.

4. Try to maintain a context throughout the course. Pay attention to where we've been, and where we're going. Use the course outline to assist in this process. It is very important that you link all the course material together, that you make associations between ideas. These courses are structured such that each day's material builds upon the previous day, and is preparation for the following day.

5. Sit forward in the lecture room. It is easier to concentrate, see the overheads and tha board, and "follow the action."

6. If the course is accompanied by a laboratory, read the exercise, or background material in the text for the exercise, thoroughly before coming to the laboratory session. Bring all of the materials required to complete the exercise. If you can work out parts of the exercise before the lab session - do it. We assume you are prepared and ready to go to work with a minimum amount of direction when you come to the laboratory.

7. Study is an ongoing, continuous process. Each day is an opportunity to review material from the previous session, and prepare for material in the upcoming session. Start reviewing your notes about a week before announced tests.Ask yourself questions, so you will become familiar with the questions that the instructor might ask! Make a written schedule for your weekly activity. Include class and lab hours, study time, work hours and time for recreation. Stick to this schedule!

8. Minimum study time for this course: one hour every day - expand to two hours per day the week before a test. Repetition does help the memory !

9. Find a place to study where you can work with your mind in an undisturbed, unfettered situation. This. usually involves a place away from other students. Use this place to study!