Help with Science and Engineering Courses

Index

Information
Advice
Internet Links
Books & Media
CSULB Referrals
Other

INFORMATION 
Many students have a fear of math, science, and other quantitative courses.  Almost any student who is willing to go through the necessary steps can make respectable grades in mathematics and the sciences. One reason that it is difficult to make high grades in the sciences is because most students must learn many new complex concepts, but it is also hard because often many tops students take science courses. 

To succeed in science courses, you must usually study more hours (often 2-4 hours per hour in class) and study effectively. In addition it is critical that you have the proper background.  Only take courses for which you have the proper background.

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ADVICE 
1-PROPER BACKGROUND. Check with advisors and/or instructors to make sure that you have taken courses that you need and/or have passed screening tests at the right level.

2-STUDY TIME. Put adequate study time on your weekly schedule and stick to it--even if it means giving up work, family, or play hours. That means 2-4 hours outside class for every class hour.

3-TEXTBOOK READING. Learn how to read textbooks effectively and prepare for exams. To learn how, go to the page on textbook reading by clicking here.

4-PEOPLE. Find other students who are good students and serious about the field.  Get to know them and help each other out when needed (but don't overly rely upon them, you must learn for yourself.)  Find an advisor within the department that you can relate to, and go to him/her for advice and occasional help.  Sometimes that faculty member might not be an "official" advisor, but an instructor you respect and like. 

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INTERNET LINKS 

Reference Head1

Internet Links are in 10 point bold.

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BOOKS & MEDIA 

GO TO: book_sites.htm

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CSULB REFERRALS

CSULB Student Services

Student Access to Science (SAS)
Student Access to Science (SAS) is part of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at CSULB, and is available to all science and math students from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. SAS is designed  to encourage and support students as they prepare for their science and mathematics-based careers.

The MESA Engineering Center
MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a comprehensive academic support program. The program focuses on reaching out to students to encourage and reinforce interest in becoming engineering, mathematicians, and/or scientists. MESA helps historically underrepresented students in higher education to graduate with their desired degrees. Call (562) 985-8014 for more information.

CSULB Mathematics Assistance Center
Mathematics Tutoring: FO3-200B for many regular math classes and in Mathematics Education (MTED) Tutoring In LA5-259 for student taking mathematics courses for elementary teachers.  See web page for more information.

FOR TESTING TO SEE IF YOU ARE AT THE RIGHT MATH, ETC. LEVEL

Testing and Evaluation Services
Tests Administered at CSULB: ACT Assessment, Chemistry 111A, Entry Level Mathematics (ELM), English Placement Test (EPT), The Praxis Series (MSAT) (NTE), SAT, and the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE). See web site for updated information on available testing. Brotman Hall, Room 216; (562) 985-4007; Fax: (562) 985-2415
http://www.csulb.edu/centers/testing/

Other student services and student organizations may also be helpful
Go to CSULB student information page for a comprehensive list of student services and activities

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Relevant CSULB Courses

See courses in various science departments. Also, consider special tutoring offered through the Learning Assistance Center.

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