Welcome

"The warning signs I'm referring to would deal with some of the dynamics today's Biology class have that you might not normally think of when you're initially planning out your course schedule. 

For instance there are only a few lectures in Bio3 that a student could miss without getting very lost. Only a few examples from when you'r lecturing about the evolutions of populations then the next day going onto the cardiovascular system. But early on, the lectures on chemicals directly correlate to the chapters afterwards on molecules. If you don't understand atoms and how different bonds between elements work, than listening to a lecture on molecules and macro molecules defeats most of its own purpose before getting out of the gate.

Students (speaking from personal experience) tend to be a bit shy on common sense when it comes to just how much time and practice it takes to increase one's medical terminology vocabulary let alone the concepts attached to those huge words. Study groups also tend to be a bit difficult to nail down. Form study groups early and get used to meeting often. (Hint: you give extra credit for time spent in the Science Center, so I think a good place to have study groups meet may be within their doors.)  

The pace of the class is more similar to a math class rather than an english or speech class where someone could miss either part or a whole lecture and not be worried about being left too confused. But as in most Math classes the lessons build upon each other. I didn't think missing any part of any biology lecture could detriment my learning process. But in truth missing just one hour can pose as an obstacle towards being able to fully comprehend the following chapters. I missed just 50 minutes of a lecture on heredity traits and I was completely lost on punnett squares. 

I just think telling someone that this class has an upbeat rhythm is a good start but also in order to stay in sync with the tempo of the course you need to stay focused on the lessons that are presented at each and every lecture whether you are there or not. However, just in case you should happen to miss a class (life does happen) then to fiercely seek out the knowledge that you did not get to instill in them through classmates and study groups. 

Bottom line is 'want', how much & how bad? They should want this class badly. They should have a deep yearning and desire to put the knowledge of this class to good use in their own lives. It's not a grade based solely on attendance, but attendance should be weighted a little harder."