Study skills specific to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses are tailored to the unique demands of these disciplines, which often involve complex problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and the application of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.

This tutorial has suggestions to help find study strategies for these subjects that work best for you. 

Swarthmore describes learning STEM Knowledge as:

• Hierarchical: Course content builds on earlier courses.
• Cumulative: Concepts from early in the semester is often crucial to understanding later concepts in the course.
• Integrated: Content is applied to multiple modes and scenarios such as labs, real world examples, homework assignments, presentations, etc.
• Complex: Concepts are able to be broken down into smaller, less overwhelming, more manageable chunks.
  • Think about learning STEM as if it were a foreign language. You need to use vocabulary, context, practice, writing/reading, speaking/listening in order to become more fluent.

Problem-Solving Techniques

• Practice with Diverse Problems: Regularly working through a wide range of problems helps you to develop flexibility in your problem-solving approach.
  • Practice both standard exercises and more complex, real-world scenarios to build confidence.
  • Repeat the practice problems from class.
• Breakdown of Complex Problems: STEM problems often need to be broken down into smaller, more manageable parts. It helps to develop your ability to identify the steps necessary to solve a problem and work through it systematically.  

Conceptual Understanding

• Active Learning and Application: Memorizing formulas or theories isn't enough in STEM fields. It helps to focus on understanding the underlying concepts and how they apply to different situations. This can involve creating concept maps, discussing problems with peers, or teaching concepts to someone else.
• Visualization of Abstract Concepts: Many STEM subjects involve abstract concepts that benefit from visual representations. Drawing diagrams, using software to simulate problems, or creating models can help you effectively grasp ideas.

Time Management and Prioritization

• Regular Study Sessions: STEM material requires consistent study rather than last-minute cramming. Setting up regular study sessions and dividing the workload over time helps retain complex information and reduces stress.
• Balancing Theory and Practice: Balancing theoretical study with hands-on practice is important in STEM. Prioritizing lab work, projects, or problem sets along with theoretical reading can give you a well-rounded understanding of the material.

Collaboration and Group Work

• Effective Teamwork: Many STEM fields emphasize collaborative work, both in academic and professional environments. Learning to work effectively in groups, share different approaches to problems, and building on each other's strengths are critical skills.
• Peer Teaching: Explaining concepts to classmates or working through problems together reinforces your own understanding and develops your ability to clearly communicate complex ideas.

Attention to Detail

• Precision in Calculations and Lab Work: STEM disciplines often require precise calculations and detailed lab work.
  • Develop a detailed approach to work - double-check calculations, carefully follow experimental procedures, and thoroughly document results.
• Understanding the Importance of Assumptions: In STEM, making assumptions is often necessary, but be aware of how these assumptions impact your results. Being detail-oriented can help you recognize the limitations of models or experiments.

Use of Technology

• Proficiency with Relative Software: Using specific software simulations, creating Excel graphs, conducting data analysis, or programming effectively can be requirements of some STEM courses. Using these tools correctly can help with success in coursework and in future careers. If you are struggling consult the Science Center or Math Center for tutoring. 

General Tips

• Writing Scientific Reports, UNC Chapel-Hill
• Studying for 
  • Chemistry, Stanford University
  • Physics, Texas A&M
  • Bio, Chem, Calculus, & Stats, University of Central Florida
  • Calculus, Carnegie Mellon University  
  • Stats, UNC Chapel-HIll

Tips for Labs

• Show up early and be prepared with your materials (lab notebook, calculator, notes from class, etc.)
• Re-read the rubric so you are clear on what is expected.
• Start lab reports early, not the day before they are due.
• Create a good communication plan with your lab partner.
• Plan on going to Office Hours for your questions, put these times in your calendar at the beginning of the semester so you are reminded that this is an option before you get too overwhelmed.

Tips for Scientific Writing from UNC Chapel-Hill:

• Use Precision: ambiguities in writing cause confusion and may prevent a reader from grasping crucial aspects of the methodology and synthesis.
• Write with Clarity: concepts and methods in the sciences can often be complex; writing that is difficult to follow greatly amplifies any confusion on the part of the reader.
• Have Objectivity: any claims that you make need to be based on facts, not intuition or emotion.

Tips for Note-taking:

Write clear instructions on your math problems:

Use diagrams and charts to organize ideas:

Use Outlines or Cornell Notes to organize notes:

All images from Ole Miss Guidebook for Studying and Learning in STEM

• Using Figures and Charts 
• STEM Textbook Reading 
• More STEM studying tips 
• Comprehensive STEM Study guide 
• Avoid procrastination with the Pomodoro Method, a productivity tool for staying focused and avoiding multi-tasking.
  • The Library is offering this method as part of the "Guided Study Sessions" every Sunday evening in the fall semester. See the Library events page for more info as well as other Study Skills workshops and drop-in events.

Make appointments! Scheduling these (and showing up) will ensure that you are getting started on tasks or perhaps even getting work done in preparation for them. Here are some appointments you may want to set when you get assignments or have important academic tasks ahead:

• With your Professor's or Dean's office (or use their office hours)
• Mentors/advisors
• Tutors
  • The Writing Center, Math Center, and Science Center are all located in the Library building. Other subject tutoring info may be shared in class, Life@Fairfield (log in to view all content), or via your student email (so make sure you check it).
• Research Librarians
  • We can help you with brainstorming topics, strategies and keywords, finding quality sources, citation, and more.
• With your peers or solo
  • Reserve a study room and set a goal for what you will accomplish in that space. If the study rooms are all booked you can use the Collaboratories on the lower level past the book stacks.