Homework and Test Taking BIOE 1000 – Orientation and Introduction to Bioengineering

How Do Engineers Study? Engineers apply basic physical principles to solve problems The majority of class time will be spent learning about these principles and their application The majority of your study time will be spent solving problems Repetition is important – Familiarity breeds good grades

Where to Study Find a place to work free from distractions Dorm rooms/lounges are usually inadequate Libraries are perfect if you are working alone Find an empty study room or classroom if you are working in groups – The tables on the 1 st floors of Nitschke & Palmer are popular – There may be someone around who can help if needed

Study Habits Attend class and pay attention – Contrary to popular belief, learning capacity is severely diminished during sleep Take thorough notes and review these after class – Use your notes to help you solve homework problems Ask questions if you don’t understand something – If you have a lot of questions, see your professor during office hours

Homework Assignments Do assigned homework, even if it is not graded Have plenty of scrap paper available Use a mechanical pencil and eraser Work together unless instructed otherwise Don’t wait until the last minute to complete assignments

Test Preparation The best preparation is to solve problems – Review lecture notes – Review assigned homework – Try to solve additional problems Come prepared with whatever materials you are allowed – Calculator, mechanical pencil, crib sheets, notecards – Mark your textbook for location of various material for open book exams Get a full night of sleep and eat breakfast!

Test Taking Exams will generally consist of solving problems Initially scan all problems on exam – Start with problem you know how to solve – Solutions to others may come to you as you work – Know point values for answers so you can spend your time accordingly Read each question thoroughly before answering – Make sure you are answering the question! – Important fact could appear at end of problem statement

Test Taking Outline solution of problem first – Include governing equations, sketches, etc. – This helps you, and may result in partial credit if your answer is incorrect Answer concisely and sequentially – You don’t have to justify every small step – Only include relevant details – Rambling or including tangential information can make it hard to grade and reduce your score!

Test Taking Skip complicated calculations if you are running low on time – Remember partial credit! Check your answers – Do they include the appropriate units? – Do the numbers look reasonable? Review graded exams when returned – Similar problems could appear on final exam