Science Learning Center

Please note: We support all sciences except physics and engineering, which are supported through the MAPEL Center (HT 229).

The following materials are available for you to use as you study in the Science Learning Center:

• Calculators
• Reference Books (e.g., CRC Handbook, Short Protocols)
• Textbooks
• Study guide material for biology and chemistry
• Pictures with labels of anatomy models for BIOL212 and BIOL213
• Microscopes and Slides
• Anatomy models

Services we DO NOT provide include: 

• Emergency cram sessions. Students who are prepared will take priority over students who have not, when it comes to tutoring.
• Giving you the answers or checking your work
• Tutoring you on take-home quizzes, CHEM131 & 132 post-lab questions, or other graded materials unless authorized by your professor
• Giving you "wet" lab materials for biology

There are 54 computers with Microsoft Office, internet access, and scientific software for you to use. Science software includes:

• Anatomy & Physiology: ADAM Interactive Anatomy/Interactive Physiology (IP10)new window
• General Biology: Chemistry of Life
• General & Organic Chemistry: Excel Graphs for Lab

There are also DVDs for Chemistry which you can watch at the Science Learning Center.

• We’re student-centered and flexible. That means that you can get help customized to your needs to the best of our abilities and resources available.
• We want you to be challenged in your learning but be comfortable knowing that you’re in a positive place. If you feel like you’re struggling and working hard, that’s a good sign because it means that you’re probably learning. Learning isn’t usually easy, but it is so rewarding.
• We’re informal and friendly. You can be yourself and relax knowing that you’re among peers and people who care about you and your academic success.
• We’re dedicated to supporting you in your science coursework by offering learning assistance via tutors and educational resources, incorporating technology into learning, and fostering a positive learning environment.
• We want you to learn the material well enough to pass your exams. This means that our tutors will work to make you more independent. They won’t check your work for you or do your work for you. They will support your efforts and offer suggestions for improving study skills and/or clarification of course content.
• We understand that people learn best in different ways. We have lots of resources from science software and textbooks to tutors and online study aids, so if one approach doesn’t work, try another approach. We’ll work with you to figure out what we have available that works best for you.

Quality tutoring matters. That's why the SLC tutor training program meets the standards for the national tutor training program certification offered by the College Reading and Learning Association. Tutors are in various stages of completion of the training program.

Tutors at the SLC are available to help you clarify your understanding, get un-stuck in solving problems, and help you strengthen problem-solving/study techniques. They can help you work example problems from the text and/or notes, give suggestions about ways to improve your studying, and help clarify concepts you need to know for your lecture exams. Their job is to help you become a better learner.

When you work with a tutor, you are still responsible for your learning and work. That means that tutors are not able to check you work for you, except as needed to ensure that what they've asked you to try you have tried successfully. They also can't replace your professors or the material that you are assigned in your lecture or lab class.

Tutors are available on a walk-in basis. No appointment is necessary. There is no set limit to the amount of time you can get help, however, the amount of help you can get depends on how many other people are also in need of that tutor's help. Tutors rotate around the room helping students, so the way to make the most of your time is to take one of the following approaches:

• Approach #1: Come to the SLC and study. When you get stuck, ask a tutor for help. Repeat as often as needed. The benefit to this strategy is that you can study other material during any wait time and that the tutor is right in the room when you need help.
• Approach #2: After you have studied, come to the SLC with a list of specific questions and work with a tutor to get clarification on these questions.

A note about specific questions: A specific question would be something like, "I'm unclear about how to tell the difference between anaphase 1 and anaphase 2 in meiosis." A specific question is NOT something like, "I don't understand anything in Chapter 2. Can you tell me what is important?" If you're feeling lost with a chapter or large section of material, try this study approachnew window before coming to see a tutor. You'll get the most out of your time with a tutor and have more of a chance to learn the material well enough to pass your exams. If you get stuck in this study process, come see a tutor and we'll help you get un-stuck.

• Follow the “House Rules” posted in the SLC and any directions given by staff related to center operation.
• Print responsibly according to the Guidelines posted in the SLC.
• Take responsibility for your learning and work. Learn definitions of terms and concepts, memorize reactions, work through example problems in the textbook, do your homework, check your answers with a solution manual or classmate. Ask for help when you get stuck.
  • Prepare before you work with a tutor.
  • Practice after you work with a tutor.
  • Try.
  • Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.
• Remember that people learn best in different ways, so if something doesn’t work well for you, try something else.
• Explore. Learning is an adventure. Explore the subject you’re learning. Explore the Science Learning Center and the information available through our website