We will emphasize this approach in lecture, discussion sections, and exams. Chemistry cannot be mastered by pure memorization, despite what you have heard to the contrary. Although some will be required, you should always be searching for conceptual explanations and patterns of logic in the material. A thorough mental chewing of the material will aid in later digestion. Shifting your emphasis from memorization to conceptual understanding will alter your perspective of chemistry from one of the hardest courses you'll take at UCLA to one of the most logical.
Chemistry is a linear subject, meaning new material is usually built on older material.
Consider lecture and the exams to be cumulative in nature. Exam questions will be designed to probe your mastery of not only the fundamentals, but how you apply these concepts to draw conclusions. The questions will consist of a variety of formats, often requiring words and chemical structures. There is no single best method for studying, but here are a few suggestions. Study chemistry every day.