Most students don't need more study time, but rather more effective study time. That being said, however, you should not underestimate the time investment that is required to be successful in a college-level biology course. The general rule of thumb is to expect to study two hours per week for every semester unit. That means, for a 4 unit course you should plan on an additional 8 hours of studying outside of class; 10 hours for a 5 unit course.

Given the substantial demands of this course, effective time management is essential. But let's be honest; none of us is very good at managing our time. Procrastination and distraction are universal failings, even among teachers. So how can you manage your time effectively? First, you should realize that it does not require some exceptional display of will-power to keep yourself on task. Rather, effective time management relies upon developed habitual patterns or schedules of activity. With no system or schedule to a person's life, everything seems to demand immediate attention. The solution is to construct a planned routine of activities. Here is a guide to help you do so:

1. Write in your class schedule first.
2. Write in regular fixed hours such as meals, hours of outside work, church, team practices, etc. Include an hour each for lunch and dinner and don't leave out breakfast.
3. Block off regular social time. Relationships with family and friends are more important than anything you'll do in school.
4. Include some minimal time for regular recreation. When you have finished planning the study time, other periods for leisure will be available.
5. Block off regular hours for studying.
6. If there are any additional time slots, you can write in more leisure activities.

Make changes in your schedule whenever necessary. Your schedule will need to be revised, and at times broken. It should not be an inflexible system or "taskmaster" which takes away all spontaneity. Rather let it be a "trusted guide"; let it work for you. Make it realistic - not so severe that you know you cannot possibly follow it.

Most importantly, don't be too heroic in your belief that you can follow a schedule easily. You may become discouraged in your attempts, particularly in the beginning. It is, however, vitally important for you to keep applying the schedule until it becomes a habit.

Adapted from Robert J. Huskey