General STEM Resources

ERC Peer Tutoring

The ERC offers free Peer Tutoring by appointment in a variety of STEM courses. Learn more on our tutoring page.

Below, find individual resources for Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics, including drop-in study schedules for the Spring 2025 semester.

Biology

Sunday Study & Wednesday Study Spectacular

Sunday Study & Wednesday Study Spectacular are places for Biology (BI108) students to drop in and get help from Peer Tutors.

BI108: Sundays 1-3PM ET (Room 555) & Wednesdays 1-3PM ET (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road

Tips for success: 

  • Study to understand rather than just memorizing: Trying to understand a concept will give you the ability to apply your knowledge to a wide range of problems. 
  • Do the assigned readings and practice problems in the textbook: This will help reinforce the concepts you’ve learned and assess your understanding. 
  • Form study groups with other students in your class: In a study group, you can help each other understand tough concepts and quiz each other on the material.
  • Attend office hours: Attending office hours gives you the opportunity to ask questions and clear up any confusion on concepts taught in class. 
  • Repetition when reviewing material: This is a part of the retrieval practice. Reviewing material multiple times will give you the ability to retain the information better and retrieve it during an exam. 

Student to student

Former LAs from BI107/108 hold review sessions prior to exams, offer open office hours, and have lecture notes available.

Visit your course website for more info or by contact the Student to Student tutor listed on your course’s Blackboard site. Email the Intro Bio Office with any questions: introbio@bu.edu.

Bio Learning Assistants

Biology Learning Assistants are former students who took the course and performed well, making them a valuable resource for students. They are in BI105/107/108/116, BI210/211/218, and BI315. Most co-teach laboratory sections with a graduate student or staff member, while some also assist faculty with lecture.

Chemistry

Sunday Study & Wednesday Study Spectacular

Sunday Study and Wednesday Study Spectacular are places for General Chemistry (CH101/102) and Organic Chemistry (CH204) students to drop in and get help from Peer Tutors.

CH101/102: Sundays 1-3PM ET (Room 545A) & Wednesdays 11AM-1PM ET (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road

It can’t be said enough that going to office hours is a key component to clearing up confusion. All CH101/102 students are encouraged to visit the office hours of ANY professor or TF in any of the sections. They are all available and willing to help you. Be sure to visit them, and not just before an exam. Refer to your syllabus or contact your professor or TF about their office hours.

CH204: Sundays 3-5PM ET (Room 545A) & Wednesdays 11AM-2PM (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road.

Tips for success

  • Do all of the assigned problems: The single most important thing you can do is to diligently work out answers to as many problems in the textbook as you can. Completing the assigned problems and recording your work in your problem notebook will provide extra practice with the material. While these problems will not be collected, a good portion of each quiz will be comprised of problems from the assigned homework.
  • Participate and engage in class: In general, instructors recommend that you spend about 2 hours outside of class for every hour of instructional time. That means (for a Fall/Spring semester course) approximately 12 hours per week over and above the scheduled class contact hours. Each summer week is about 2 weeks of a normal semester (so you should be doing about 20 hours of work per week out of class during the summer).
  • Study in groups: Working through problems with peers around is a great way to learn. If you get stuck, you have a friend to help you; and helping to teach others is one of the best ways to master the material. We highly recommend forming study groups and working together frequently on the problems. There is no competition for grades in CH102 – every student can get the highest possible grade (A). That means that working together can only ever help you and your peers.

Peer Tutors are here Sunday afternoons in-person to help answer any questions you have as you prepare for your Monday General Chemistry quiz. Peer Tutors know the challenges of your course because they’ve been through it themselves. Peer Tutors are not professors and do not prepare lesson plans, so bring questions and practice problems with you! They are happy to help you work on any General Chemistry/Organic Chemistry concepts.

You can come by at any time during this period, but we strongly suggest coming at least 30 minutes before the ending of the session, to ensure that the tutors will have time to answer your questions. No appointment is needed.

OrgoPrep

OrgoPrep is designed to bridge the gap between the completion of CH102 (General Chemistry 2) and the beginning of CH203 (Organic Chemistry 1).

OrgoPrep is collaboration between the Chemistry Education teams and the Educational Resource Center; the cohorts are led by an experienced undergraduate teaching assistant. The program is half self-paced and half live webinars. The result is a one-of-a-kind program, based on both students’ needs and advanced pedagogical tools.

OrgoPrep runs in Summer. It generally starts the second week of July and extends into August.

For more information, check out our OrgoPrep website!

FAQs

Chemia

Chemia is BU’s Undergraduate Chemistry Society. Chemia offers free tutoring for BU students on Monday and Thursday nights from 6-8PM in-person. Learn more on the Chemia website.

Engineering

Engineering Tutoring Center

As a student of the College of Engineering, you have exclusive access to the Engineering Tutoring Center which provides free tutoring in math, science, and engineering courses for all freshman and sophomore levels, as well as some junior and senior level ENG courses. They are operating in-person this semester.

Engineering TAs are often advanced students who’ve excelled in the same challenging courses you’re tackling. They can offer insight into problem-solving techniques, lab work, and exam strategies specific to engineering subjects. As you get into junior year, the office hours for professors are more helpful and you can get one on one attention and help for specific problems. 

The engineering tutor center caters specifically to engineering courses, as they often provide support for subjects like Differential Equations, Thermodynamics, Statics, Dynamics, and Programming in languages like MATLAB, C++, or Python.

More Info

Tips For Success:

  • Get Hands-On with Problem Sets: Engineering isn’t about rote memorization; it’s about applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Regularly tackle problem sets, and don’t be afraid to revisit earlier problems after gaining more understanding. Practice problems from different textbooks to expose yourself to a variety of question types.
  • Practice makes perfect- Understand the ‘Why’ Behind Equations: Don’t just memorize formulas—understand where they come from and how they apply to real-world problems. Deriving equations and understanding their physical significance will help you solve complex problems under different contexts, especially during exams.
  • Master Your Tools and Software: Engineering often involves specific software (e.g., SolidWorks for CAD, MATLAB for simulations, or Multisim for circuit design). Spend extra time mastering these tools early on, as they’ll save you time on projects and assignments later.
  • Stay Organized with Projects and Labs: Engineering coursework often involves multi-step projects or labs that span weeks. Keep a detailed notebook or digital record of each step, calculation, and result. This practice is crucial when writing reports or preparing for exams that test your understanding of these projects.
  • Form Study Groups with Diverse Strengths:Engineering requires tackling problems from multiple angles. Form study groups with peers who have strengths in different areas (e.g., coding, circuit design, mechanics), so you can learn from each other and develop a well-rounded understanding.
  • Supplement Your Learning with Practical Resources: -YouTube Channels: Follow channels like “NPTEL,” “Learn Engineering,” or “Engineering Explained” for visual demonstrations of complex engineering principles.- Online Courses: Consider platforms like Coursera or edX for additional coursework on specialized topics, which can reinforce your classroom learning. 

If you need additional support not listed, contact BU’s Engineering Department: bu.edu/eng/

Physics

  1. Peer Mentorship by Physics Department
     Initiated and run entirely by students, the PRISM (PeeRs for Incoming Students Mentorship) program is a support network for entering physics majors. Participating freshmen are paired with junior or senior mentors, meeting five times a semester. These sessions help mentees address academic and personal concerns while encouraging active engagement in department activities. Mentors provide guidance on navigating research opportunities, coursework, and extracurricular involvement tailored to physics students at BU.
  2. Learning Assistant (LA) Program
     The Learning Assistant Program selects high-performing undergraduates to assist in teaching physics courses they have excelled in. LAs collaborate with faculty and receive training in science pedagogy through the School of Education. As peer educators, they help students grasp challenging concepts in a student-centered environment, fostering active and collaborative learning through small-group discussions and problem-solving.
  3. PHOTON
     PHOTON is Boston University’s chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS). It provides a platform for physics majors to connect socially and engage in outreach while promoting enthusiasm for the physical sciences. Activities include hands-on demonstrations, faculty and student talks on physics topics, and outreach programs in the Boston area. PHOTON also collaborates with other local SPS chapters, such as those at Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern, building a strong network of budding physicists.

 

Study Success Tips for Physics Students

  1. Professor and TA Office Hours
     Physics TAs are often students who have excelled in the same challenging courses you are tackling. They can offer insights into mastering theoretical concepts, solving complex equations, and preparing for lab work. As you progress to upper-level courses, professors’ office hours become even more helpful for personalized guidance on advanced topics like Quantum Mechanics or Electrodynamics.
  2. Take Advantage of Physics-Specific Tutoring Services
     BU offers tutoring services specifically for physics courses. Seek help with foundational subjects like Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermodynamics, or advanced topics like Modern Physics.

Tips for Success:

  • Tackle Problem Sets Consistently: Physics is about understanding the interplay between theory and application. Work through problem sets regularly, revisiting earlier ones to reinforce your understanding. Try problems from different textbooks to expose yourself to varied approaches and techniques.
  • Understand the Concepts Behind Formulas: Avoid rote memorization. Instead, focus on understanding the physical principles and derivations of formulas. Knowing why equations work will help you apply them effectively to novel problems, especially during exams.
  • Master Your Tools and Techniques: Physics often involves using tools like MATLAB for simulations, Mathematica for solving equations, or LaTeX for preparing research reports. Familiarize yourself with these tools early to enhance efficiency in coursework and research projects.
  • Stay Organized with Labs and Projects: Keep detailed notes of experiments, including procedures, data, and analysis. This will make writing lab reports or revisiting experiments for exams easier and more effective.
  • Form Study Groups with Diverse Skills: Collaborate with peers who excel in different areas, such as problem-solving, theoretical understanding, or experimental techniques. This diversity can help you approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
  • Supplement Your Learning with Resources:
    • YouTube Channels: Watch content from channels like “MinutePhysics,” “Physics Girl,” or “Veritasium” for accessible explanations of complex concepts.
    • Online Courses: Use platforms like Coursera, edX, or MIT OpenCourseWare to explore additional coursework in specialized topics, such as Quantum Mechanics or Relativity.
  • Visualize and Relate Concepts: Physics often involves abstract ideas. Use visual aids like diagrams, animations, or simulation tools to build intuition and relate theoretical concepts to real-world applications.

Sunday Study & Wednesday Study Spectacular

Sunday Study & Wednesday Study Spectacular are places for PY105/106 students to drop in and get help from Peer Tutors.

PY105/PY106: Sundays 3-5PM ET (Room 545B) & Wednesdays 11AM-1PM (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road

You can come by at any time during this period, but we strongly suggest coming at least 30 minutes before the ending of the session, to ensure that the tutors will have time to answer your questions. No appointment is needed.

Questrom

TA office hours ( Teaching Assistants )- most if not all Questrom classes have teaching assistants who are there to help with course materials. TAs have all taken the course and have gotten an excellent grade demonstrating their deep understanding of the content in questions.

Lock Honorary Service- peer tutoring service for several introductory questrom courses like SM 131, SM 132, QM 221, QM 222 and more. Several tutors come to events and are ready to help students with an array of topics.

Wednesday Study Spectacular

Wednesday Study Spectacular is a place for SM132, QM221/222, & AC221/222 students to drop in and get help from Peer Tutors.

SM132, QM221/222, AC221/222: Wednesdays 12-2PM (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road.

You can come by at any time during this period, but we strongly suggest coming at least 30 minutes before the ending of the session, to ensure that the tutors will have time to answer your questions. No appointment is needed.

Tips for Success: 

  • Try to study with people/ in groups: Many concepts within Questrom are complex and one efficient way to study is to teach the subject to peers. Teaching the concepts requires a deep understanding of the knowledge that’s much more useful than pure memorization
  • Blurting for Conceptual classes: Some classes like SM131 require memorization for certain topics for exams, one effective way of studying is writing down all the necessary information you need for each section on a whiteboard, and then attempting to rewrite without notes, filling in the gaps of what you missed, and repeating that process. 
  • Organize Work for Classes: taking multiple Questrom classes at once is difficult due to the rigor of the courses but the key is staying organized, writing to-do lists and tasks, and managing and dividing your time between courses 
  • ASK FOR HELP! Questrom is difficult but because of the rigid schedule/ curriculum all Questrom students have to take the same classes and many students (especially freshman and sophomores) have identical schedules so your peers are your biggest resource. 

Social Science

Tips for Writing Citations:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html 

Writing an Academic Paper:

https://communicate.gse.harvard.edu/files/commlab/files/_structure_of_a_paper.pdf 

Tips for Reading Academic Papers:

  • Determine a focus: Most of the time the focus when reading for class is to find something interesting to say in class – a quote, connection, etc.
  • Start by reading the title, abstract, introduction and conclusion: This gives you a good overview and basic understanding of what the article is going to be about 
  • Take active notes while reading: Split screen between notes and reading- helps to keep yourself from falling into passive reading
  • Focus on connections you can make between the reading and your own experiences/interests: This is what helps you to understand the material better and make sense of it for yourself in your own words 
  • Read through your notes at the end: This streamlined version gives you a quick summary of the goals of the paper along with important connections/thoughts you had while reading

COM 

  • Assignment-Focused Learning: COM emphasizes assignments and projects over traditional exams and papers, building practical skills relevant to communication fields. Constant deadlines and project-based work can feel intense, requiring strong time management. The assignment model fosters creativity and prepares students for real-world challenges by applying theory directly through practical tasks.
  • Fast-Paced and Industry-Driven: Communication schools, like COM, keep up with media trends, often making courses fast-paced and adaptable to the latest digital tools. Syllabi change frequently and students are expected to also change studying habits. 
  • Learning from Industry Professionals: Professors bring real-world expectations, providing valuable insights but also high standards that challenge students to excel.

Tips for success:

  • Start Early: Begin assignments as soon as possible to avoid last-minute stress and manage overlapping deadlines.
  • Stay Organized: Use a planner or digital tool to track assignments, projects, and deadlines, so nothing sneaks up on you.
  • Be Active in Group Projects: COM projects often involve teamwork, so contribute ideas, stay engaged, and maintain clear communication with your group.
  • Utilize Office Hours: Professors are there to help – ask for feedback, clarify project expectations, or do a quick check-in before a big project is due.
  • Take Advantage of COM Resources: Tap into resources like the writing center, and equipment rentals for better-quality work.
  • Network and Connect: Get involved with clubs or events in COM to build relationships with peers, professors, and industry connections and even making some new friends!
  • Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Follow news and trends in media and communication to bring fresh, relevant perspectives into your projects.

Mathematics

  1. Take Charge of Your Learning
     Math courses require consistent effort and steady habits to truly master the material. Since most math classes are lecture-based, a lot of the learning happens outside of class. This might mean reviewing your notes daily, working through example problems, or previewing the next day’s content. While homework is the most common way to engage with the material, it’s important not to wait until an exam to dive in. Keep up with the content regularly so it feels manageable and less overwhelming.
  2. Use Office Hours and Ask Questions
     Your professors, TAs, and TFs are there to help you. Whether you’re stuck on a tricky homework problem, need clarification on a concept, or just want advice for the next test, office hours are the perfect time to ask. Check your syllabus for the times and make a point to go—you’ll often get personalized help that you can’t get in a big lecture.
  3. Drop By the MA Tutoring Room
     The Math Department’s tutoring room is an amazing resource where you can drop in and get help from graduate students, TAs, and TFs. Whether you need a quick explanation or want to work through some problems with guidance, this space is there for you. Check their website for the schedule and location—it’s a great place to reinforce what you’re learning in class.
  4. Tips to Succeed in Math Courses:
  • Practice Makes Progress
     Math isn’t just about listening to lectures; it’s about doing. Practice problems often, revisit older ones, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with tougher questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
  • Understand the ‘Why’ Behind Formulas
     Memorizing formulas might help short-term, but understanding where they come from and how they work will make all the difference. When you know the “why,” you’ll be able to handle even the trickiest problems during exams.
  • Stay Organized
     Keep track of your notes, homework, and practice problems in one place. Organized notes make it so much easier to review when test time comes around. Plus, having everything in one spot means you can quickly find examples and explanations when you need them.
  • Work with Your Peers
     Study groups can be game-changers. Talking through problems with classmates, explaining concepts to others, or hearing someone else’s approach can help solidify what you’ve learned and open your mind to new ways of thinking.
  • Use Extra Resources – Learn more about the Department of Mathematics and Statistics Tutoring Room here.

Sunday Study & Wednesday Study Spectacular

Sunday Study and Wednesday Study Spectacular are places for Calculus (MA121/124) and Statistics (MA115/116) students to drop in and get help from Peer Tutors.

MA121/124: Sundays 3-5PM ET (Room 555) & Wednesdays 2:30-4PM ET (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road

MA115/116: Wednesdays 11:30AM-1PM (Room 545) at 100 Bay State Road

You can come by at any time during this period, but we strongly suggest coming at least 30 minutes before the ending of the session, to ensure that the tutors will have time to answer your questions. No appointment is needed.