1) You cannot learn the material by last minute cramming, so stay on top of the course. This is especially important for the material that you cannot simply memorize, and although there is still a moderate amount of information that can be memorized in this course, I will try to emphasize the process of doing ecological and evolutionary research (e.g. how to think through a problem and apply the information you've been introduced to in class -- I am less interested in your ability to recite facts and more interested in knowing that you can intelligently apply those facts -- That said, we should all bear in mind that this type of introductory course still requires a fair bit of memorization of jargon and definitions).
On a related topic, the last time I taught this course, I asked how much time students spent studying for the course. The average was >2-3 hours/week! I spend more than that much time preparing one lecture (and I know the material); this is not enough time for you to actually learn the material (you might get by, but you probably won't do well). Set aside time that you can devote to the course.
2) Most of us are not expert notetakers. Instead, our notes are often jumbled scrawls that need further elaboration and deciphering. As a result, it's very useful to rewrite your notes (i.e., to transform the chaos into a clean and coherent set of notes). Yup, this is a pain, but I found it very valuable throughout my undergraduate education. It works best if you do this very soon after the lecture (preferably the same day -- if you've got a break immediately after lecture, that's an ideal time). As you rewrite your notes, keep them well organized (e.g., in outline structure), and use any tricks you can to highlight and differentiate information (e.g., use different colored pens).
3) As you rewrite your notes, you'll undoubtedly find topics that don't make sense. When this is the case, get some help clarifying the issue (e.g., talk to some friends, check the textbook, come to office hours!). Once the issue is clear, fill in your lecture notes so that they reflect this new level of understanding.
4) Interact with other students! This is very important. I find that I learn material best when I have to explain it to others (e.g., I've been studying biology for about 20 years more than most of you, and I still learn new things by teaching BSC 2011 and trying to explain concepts to students). You'll benefit from doing this also -- i.e., form a study group and discuss the topics, clarify sources of confusion, etc. Most of us cannot learn if we operate in a vacuum. Get your nose out of the book and lecture notes and interact with other students and challenge yourselves to go beyond simple recitation of the lecture material.
5) This type of interaction is what we are going to try and cultivate in Discussion. So, please go to Discussion. Prior to (and after) Discussion, you should also try to meet with other students to further explore the topics (and cover other topics that weren't included in the Discussion matieral -- remember that this is only a small part of the material that is covered in your textbook and lecture).
6) Take practice exams. Go through the questions with a friend and explain why each option is incorrect or correct (this is a far better approach than just ripping through the exam and seeing how well you did). Aim for understanding! Make up exam questions and give them to one another.
7) Get a good sleep the night before the exam. Nothing hurts scores more than a fuzzy, sleep-deprived brain buzzing with caffeine and stress.
8) When you come in for the exam, relax, take a few deep breaths and shake out your arms and legs. It's amazing how clearly you can see through problems when you're calm.
9) When you're taking the exam, don't get hung up on one question. Go back to the tough ones at the end of the exam. There will be time. And remember the "tricks" to taking multiple choice exams -- e.g., eliminate the choices that you know are incorrect -- this narrows down the remaining options and makes the problem simpler.
If you're finding that you are really stressed out, and you've tried what I suggest above, come talk to me again, or check out: Dealing with Test Anxiety, Time Management , or Maintaining Balance put out by the UF Counseling Center (see also Counselnet).