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Collin County Community College District

Dr. Carrie Weaver Bottoms

We've all been where you are now, so I thought you might like some advice.

Advice for Incoming Micro Lab Students from Former Micro Students:

Ryane -- Slow down and make sure to follow every step carefully. Always do your best to pay attention to what you're doing and what's going on around you. DO NOT cross contaminate!!! Have fun !! ☺

Dave -- Study this material in small chunks at 15-30 minutes at a time several times daily -- every day if possible. View your neighbor's results.

Jessica -- Utilize the charts handed out because there is more information in there than realized at first glance. Also, some test may be difficult or you won't be sure about them, read the lab book and it will help.

Kristen -- All incoming students should be very relaxed and happy to know that Dr. Bottoms is a great professor. If you simply come to class and follow all of the given instructions (which are always very clear) you will do great. She provides you with charts and tables containing all of the information you need to do well on her quizzes. All you need to do is spend time looking at and memorizing these charts/tables. She also gives a review for both lab practicals. The review is a great study guide and based right off of the exams. It's a great, fun class!

Brenda -- My best advice is to first attend every lab, and just as important...try to do each experiment on your own even if you have a partner. Understanding the lab/results and the experiment is essential.

Daniel -- Read the chapter you are covering in class before you come to class. Read the procedures you will cover in class. When you go to lab it will make things run more smoothly.

Jordan -- Do not miss class and study any chart that Ms. Bottoms gives you because they will be very helpful.

Lacey -- Go over your lab experiments often, making sure you know what's going on, what reactions are taking place with what substances and examples.

Heather -- Sit back, relax and enjoy truly learning the fascinating subject of microbiology. Its not about memorizing the miniscule details but rather appreciating the brilliance of bacteria and viruses in their grand scheme. Microbiology was a subject that I thought was "out of my element" but Dr. Bottoms' provided a learning atmosphere that is suitable, honestly, rather enjoyable, for all levels. One leaves this class with a new understanding of our vulnerability to the pathogens that surround us and thus a genuine appreciation for our own health and well being. ☺

Sarah -- Don't fall behind - keep up with notes and chapters - cramming doesn't work. Always go to LAB!

Tricia -- Study the notes well and thoroughly! Attend every class and lab. Pay attention in class and lab because it truly pays off. Learn to enjoy Micro and fun with it!

Megan -- Utilize all of the resources given to you, including the Micro website, notes and review questions in the lab manual, and you will have everything you need to prepare for quizzes/tests. Listen closely to the instruction given, and your lab procedures will be a success! Keep up with the materials on a weekly basis --> it will help tremendously prepare you for lab practicals.

Holly -- Make good use of the tutorial prior to the lab practicals.

Crissy -- Make sure to follow all instructions carefully to make sure you get the right results. Don't freak out if you mess up. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, read experiments before class so you will know what to expect.

Carie -- Be prepared to memorize a lot, clean a lot, and have a lot of fun!

Ngozi -- Firstly, I will tell them that Microbiology lab is very interesting class that will open their eyes to different ways one can get bacteria. Secondly, if you are not a clean person, believe me, after this class you will be a clean freak!

Kathy -- The advice I can give is to always be present in class, listen very carefully because when you listen with the way Dr. Bottoms teaches, everything will make sense.

Brian -- Make a chart to categorize G+/G- and learn that. I would print the tutorial pages off the website and review after each class. This will familiarize the students with each lab both visually by pics and explanations. The pages are most helpful if they are printed in color.

Ingrid -- Hold on tightly to those charts and make sure to study them. Also, understand all the types of media!!

Sandra -- It is a very tough course, but if you read and pay attention when the teacher is teaching, you will definitely make it. Study your textbooks, also ask questions if you are confused.

http://iws2.ccccd.edu/cbottoms

01/20/2009 09:17:39 AM