Understanding electronics requires familiarity with technology, the "T" in STEM, historic and contemporary devices that limit how and what we can measure. Thorough preparation in mathematics, the "M" in STEM, provides a smoother path to studying, learning and understanding thermodynamics and electronics.
Fulfill listed prerequisite courses. Skim through your assigned textbooks and labs in advance noting mathematics focus for each subject. Facility with prerequisite math helps understand physics. Prepare and practice needed math skills before trying to learn specific objectives of each physics course. Schedule required mathematics courses at least one semester before needing those skills. Practice math problems before needing those skills in applied course work.
Listen to academic advisors. Attend teacher-student office hours. Consult fellow students who completed these courses. Take good notes during lecture and labs then review those notes while studying for exams and while preparing for subsequent coursework. Within ethical guidelines obtain and study notes from successful students.
Prepare for laboratory assignments. Become familiar in advance with lab equipment and procedures. Read operator manuals and try to understand the limits of measuring equipment before running experiments. Being prepared also helps form strong lab partnerships and study groups. Know lab protocols while emphasizing safety.
Learn from previous failures. Pinpoint problem areas and correct weaknesses. Professors often prefer prepared students who need to retake difficult courses because these students have experience with course materials.