Midterms

Hello Gators!
As midterm week slowly creeps in, stress begins to do so as well.
I would like to take this opportunity to share some stress managing tips!
First, keep in mind that with every action there is a reaction, you cannot expect to earn an A if you have not studied for an exam and feel completely prepared.
Do not conform, but know your expectations. This will help avoid greater disappointment in case of a low score. If you feel just a bit insecure about a topic, review it, odds are it will appear in the exam. I have had this happen many times, I guess it must be Murphy's Law. :)
Also, and this is especially for us science students, know your body. This is the perfect time to apply a lot of what you have learned in your years as a young scientist. First, water is essential, keep hydrated, so that you may have a higher flow of oxygen to your brain. Second, and this is a mistake many of us make, rest. Try to not rely on cramming the night before. I know this is easier said than done, but my best advise is to at least look over your notes a little bit each day without trying to memorize anything. You will be surprised how much information you retain by simply glancing at your notes. Finally, RELAX! We all know that feeling right after we finish an exam and we know we did well, "Yes! Its finally over!" Keep that feeling in mind when preparing for a test and that should keep you motivated to learn!

Good luck to everyone! Have a wonderful midterm week!
-Annie

CALS Connection Magazine

A few months ago some of our students were interviewed for the University of Florida CALS Connection Magazine. Find below the story of one of our very own on how she arrived to the Microbiology and Cell Science Distance Education program. 

Visit the CALS Connection page HERE.

Remember deadline to apply for UF Microbiology & Cell Science Online Program Fall term is 

March 1, 2012

The Gift of Giving

Hoping that you all had a marvelous Holiday Break and wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! 2012 promises to be a great year and I am sure it will be filled with surprises and incredible opportunities for many. However, after all the holiday gifts have been opened and loved, and most of us are settling in back to work and/or school with new year resolutions in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the gift of giving. While many of us take the simple things in life for granted, many are in great need. World Vision Gifts has a variety of "gifts" you can purchase that could truly change the life of a child in need. Gifts as inexpensive as $5.00 for Water Purification Tables, or $15.00 for vitamins can be purchased at this website and a lovely card will be shipped in return. 

Happy 2012 Gators! 

A New Beginning

Our first semester in the program is done. It was an amazing learning experience for us four. I can definitely say we learned a lot about ourselves during the process as well. Online learning is challenging, but it can be done. It takes a lot of commitment and discipline. The one piece of advise I would like give to the new incoming students in the Spring term is to never allow lectures to accumulate. Since we are not constantly forced to attend lecture, I must admit I allowed my job and personal life to consume a lot of my time and left the remaining time to the lectures. I am specifically stating "lectures" because I did frequent the Sakai website to stay informed about assignments, but sometimes I procrastinated on dedicating time to watching the lectures. Until exam day arrives, and I found myself having to watch multiple lectures on one day. Some of my classmates confessed that this is something that also happened to them and they feel that they need to improve in. Overall, I had a great first four months, and I am looking forward to the next term!

The Reporter

Students,

University of Florida's Microbiology and Cell Science Online Program was featured in The Reporter, Miami Dade College's distinguished student newspaper. 

There you will find an easy way to reach our main webpage, while you get informed of the latest news! 

For More Information on The Reporter and the UF Microbiology Online Program click HERE

Great Turnout!

Like I mentioned Feria Para Aprender took place this last Saturday. Although it did not promise to draw a big crowd at first due to the heavy rain in Miami, there was a great turnout! Many parents and their children came to enjoy a day of information on career pathways for students of elementary through college. There was story time for children, games and prizes, delicious food, and terrific people! Of course the NaviGATORS were there along with Miami Dade College's School of Science offering all sorts of goodies and informational tools.

Thank you to all those who came and made this great event  possible.

More photos soon!

See you on Saturday!

For more information email Miami@FeriaParaAprender.com

Hope to see you all there!

STEM Advisement Day

Hello all,
I wanted to quickly remind you that on October 8, 2011 some NaviGators will be at Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus providing information to students and parents at Feria Para Aprender (Learning Fair). Join us from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.


In addition, please save the date for STEM Advisement Day.
I will be in Miami Dade College, North Campus presenting about the University of Florida Microbiology and Cell Science Online Program on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 It will be a day filled with information for all Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, career oriented students!

S.M.A.R.T

Microbiology and Cell Science students, wouldn't it be a S.M.A.R.T move if you earned FULL tuition, paid internships, cash award, employment placement, and a plethora of other benefits simply by being willing to enhance your research background?

We recently learned of a scholarship opportunity through Dr. Triplett, our very own Department Chair of Microbiology and Cell Science at University of Florida. 


This scholarship is open to any student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in any of the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

All you must do is meet the eligibility requirements found HERE, and enjoy all the benefits found HERE!

For more information, make sure to visit the SMART Scholarship webpage listed below and become well informed on how to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity!

SMART Scholarship Webpage

Save The Date

Hello everyone,

 Just wanted to tell you all about an amazing event the NaviGATORS were invited to in order to provide you with all the information you need regarding our program. Join us on Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus for the First Annual Miami-Dade Feria Para Aprender (Fair to Learn) 2011. This event is intended to promote education in our communities by providing our citizens with resources and information necessary to either start, or go back to school.  Find us at the Orange section where the NaviGATORS will be promoting science careers by providing feedback and information on how you can also be a Gator from home!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

It's a Luau!

Today was Club Rush at Miami Dade College North Campus. Karem, Ana, Willie and I met up with Dr. Triplett to take advantage of this event and inform MDC-North students about the transfer possibilities through this program. We had a great turn out and I was not surprised to see that many students enjoy the idea of being able to keep their demanding lifestyle in Miami, while still working towards receiving their BS degree from UF. Go gators! We were extremely proud today and elated to share all the information with the students, specially now that we've had some experience with the classes. Below are some pictures from today's event, enjoy!

Karem, Annie, Ana, Willie

"Be a GATOR from home" 

Club Rush!

We are elated to share with you that we will be in Miami Dade College, North Campus on 

September 7, 2011 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for Club Rush! 

Join us for a day filled festivities and information on how to be part of our program.

 Hope to see you all there! 

Week One, by Annie Sosa

We made it through week one! 

By now we should all be familiar with Sakai, our online learning center. 

Students, if you have any questions about Sakai , click HERE you will find most, if not all, the information necessary. It definitely helped me. 

Karem (a fellow classmate) and I have the same classes, which is divine because we are constantly checking up one each other. 

Our professors are great, they are very thorough with the information. I must say since my daily schedule is pretty hectic, I love the convenience of online classes. The lectures are up all day every day! I took my first quiz this past week and I felt completely prepared. 

Stay tuned for more!

Below are important sites for students to remember:
Off-Campus Microbiology and Cell Science Program

UF e-Learning Support Services

UF myUFL Webpage

UF ISIS Webpage

Welcome Everyone!

Welcome to the University of Florida Microbiology and Cell Science Distance Program Blog!

We are elated that you stopped by, even more so, because now you will be able to learn about all the benefits and opportunities this program has to offer. Take advantage of student testimonials, latest news, event pictures, and much more! 

________________________________________________

The Microbiology and Cell Science Distance Program at the University of Florida is a collaboration with Miami Dade College that offers South Florida college students with an AA degree, the opportunity to transfer to the University of Florida as Microbiology majors without having to physically be present on campus.

This is an amazing opportunity for students who cannot afford to travel upstate, whether it be because of work, family, or any other personal reason. 

The program began this Fall 2011 on August 22, 2011 with approximately 15 students.

 Join the NaviGATORS of this journey through a successful school year. 

Stay tuned!

Application deadlines for the upcoming terms are:

Spring 2012 is September 15, 2011.

Summer 2012 is February 1, 2012.

Fall 2012 is March 1, 2012

For more information please visit Our University of Florida Webpage!