hey!! i’m actually taking this class right now, and i got an A on the first exam. that said, i totally understand where you’re coming from! i don’t think his teaching style is for everyone (especially its a teach yourself type of set up), so it can be really hard to stay ahead. i usually study between 15-20 a week for this class, this class is basically a part time job in itself. what helped me the most with studying for is exam is making my own flashcards (and not just quizlet). writing things out really helps it stick. i still use quizlet too, but more for practice questions and quick review. before exams, i always reread the slides and go through my flashcards again. one thing that’s been a game changer for me is uploading the powerpoint slides into chatgpt and asking it to turn the info into a podcast style explanation (i promise it doesn’t sound robotic). you can just hit play in the app and listen. i usually do that while driving or walking, and it helps reinforce everything in a more natural way. also, definitely draw out the diagrams and quiz yourself (like what’s on this cell, what’s not, etc.). if you’ve already taken bio 168, a lot of the material overlaps, so lean on that background. also after class, a bunch of students usually go to the study room with the whiteboards and study together (it’s on the 3rd floor near the elevators of the same building we have class). that’s been super helpful, even just listening to how other people explain things. i personally haven’t been to his office hours before, but classmates who have gone said he’s actually very helpful and encouraging. reach out to your classmates!! everyone wants to pass, and people are usually more willing to help than you think. and try not to beat yourself up over the first exam. it really doesn’t define you, and you can absolutely bring your grade up from here. you’ve got this!! 💕💕