Published Jan 6, 2010
my4helpers
355 Posts
Hi Everyone!
I can hardly believe that my first semester of school went so well and quick, especially with 4 kids! My winter break is almost coming to an end and back to school I go!
This semester I will be taking Structure and Function (which is basically A & P) Unlike other schools they are combining 1 & 2 into just one semester. The class is 3 hrs 25 min. Half class is lecture and the other half is lab. I know I have to stay on top of it and not get behind, but I was wondering does anyone have any other tips that helped them?
Thanks!
cincymom96
8 Posts
You should check out the A&P1 and A&P2 sticky thread there is a post for notes from both A&P1 and A&P2. These notes are extremly well taken and it is always good to see it from someone elses point of veiw. Also I would recommend doing the color books and fill in the blank. Good Luck and let me know how you do. :)
jngnurse, CNA
59 Posts
My4helpers,
I would highly suggest using flashcards as study aid. As for the lab part, I would suggest go to the anatomy lab and practice with the manikins over and over again until mastered. It is the ONLY way to master anatomy and physiology. Yes, we do have to study the text but to enhance learning one must know how a body looks like.
I'm sure you will do well. As a mom with 4 kids I salute you for your dedication and becoming a nurse will be rewarding both financially and socially.
Good luck!
Jasgop
RN-4Ever, DNP
482 Posts
I am taking part 2 this spring. I did really well in part 1. I printed flash cards onto card stock and cut them out. Our professor posted the PowerPoints for lecture and lab online. For lab, there was a picture of the body part on the front, and the answer on the back.
My class was Tuesdays and Thursdays. We always had a lab quiz on Thursdays. So, I would make the cards on Tuesday, and study them on Wednesday. I never made the cards and studied them on the same day.
For lecture, I made flash cards from the PowerPoints as well. These were hand written. What helped the most was to record the review days before the big exams and listen to them over and over again. I would sometimes record regular lectures if I was having trouble following. Pacing yourself is the most important.
I have two very small children (3yr old boy and 19mth girl), this is what worked the best for me. I hope this helps.
Sand_Dollar, BSN
1,130 Posts
my4helpers - just be sure the NS you are applying to accepts that class. If you're taking it at the school you'll do your nursing at then there should be no worries. The University I applied to wants 8 credits (AP 1&2 is 4 credits each) done in it and that class would never work. If its the equivalent of 8 credits of AP in one semester - you rock!!
I found there were some helpful videos on youtube if you have a hard time visualizing some processes such as membrane potentials.
Good luck!!
Sand Dollar
This BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION class is 5 credits. 4 is lecture and 1 is lab. The course description says that this is a Basic design of human systems emphasizing the physiochemical and cellular bases of organ-system structure, function and development. Does this sound like A & P? This is also the school that I will be applying for NS next year. It feels so good to say next year!! LOL!!
I hope this is not a silly question, but what does lab exactly consist of?
sandi1743
195 Posts
if this is a pre-req course make sure that the schools you are applying to will accept it in place of other classes. One of the local CC's has a set of classes that they accept for their AA in nursing A&PI&II and Micro but no other school does so it causes issues for people when they try to apply else where/go on for a BSN later on.
jennylouwho
297 Posts
At our school, there is a class called Body Structure and Function. It is not A&P, those are separated into A&PI and II.
But, yes to the flash cards. :) I too printed on card stock and then used my paper cutter. Way easier than hand writing. I just got my A&PII lab book and plan on spending the next two weeks before we start classes again typing those up and printing them/cutting them so that they're ready for when I need them. :)
ICUterry
117 Posts
sounds sketchy to me.. when the heck is a lab only 1 unit first off ive never heard of a 1semester A&P ive heard of a 1 YEAR but not 1 semester.. i agree with sand most college want 8 UNITS... but gl with that =) keeps fingers crossed
Mine were called Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2... nothing tricky, lol. They were both 4 credits with 3 lecture and 2 lab. I would research it further, my4helpers, the last thing you want is to be told 'oh were sorry, that's not what you need'. You'd be out time and money!
I think your class is the equivalent of my 'Basic Anatomy and Physiology', 4 credit class (3 lecture, 2 lab). Here is the description from my cc catalog.
"Focuses on basic knowledge of body structures and function, and provides a foundation for understanding deviations form normal and disease conditions." It is actually one of the classes considered a pre-req for AP in my school.
Here is the description of AP 1:
"Focuses on an integrated study of the human body including the histology, anatomy, and physiology of each system. Examines molecular, cellular, and tissue levels of organization plus integuments, skeletal, articulations, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Includes a mandatory hands-on laboratory experience covering experimentation, microscopy, observations and dissection."
AP 2 has another description:
"Focuses on the integrated study of the human body and the histology, anatomy, and physiology of the following systems and topics: cardiovascular, hematology, lymphatic and immune, urinary, fluid and electrolyte control, digestive, nutrition, respirator, reproductive and development. (Says the same for the lab)"
You can see how different these two classes are from the first, they are much more indepth. I think your class is actually the first one. Check with a counselor, or do what I did... go to the nursing school website pre-req page. They may have a page that lists the classes they accept from your school (others too). You may find the class # or name you need there.
Hope that gives you a little bit of helpful info.... :)
At our school, there is a class called Body Structure and Function. It is not A&P, those are separated into A&PI and II.But, yes to the flash cards. :) I too printed on card stock and then used my paper cutter. Way easier than hand writing. I just got my A&PII lab book and plan on spending the next two weeks before we start classes again typing those up and printing them/cutting them so that they're ready for when I need them. :)
Me too. We must be on the same page.LOL. I use my cutter as well, way faster than scissors.
Thanks for all the replies!
To clear up a few things about this Biological Structure and Function Class, this is our schools A&P class. It is just one semester, not two. I have heard from other students that this class is very hard and this class is the class that weeds other nursing students out so to speak. Some can't handle it and just drop out and pick another major. I am very nervous about taking it, but I went to rate my professor and people have written some very nice things about him. One student said that even if you didn't need this class, take it anyway! I guess the teacher is very nice, funny and makes learning fun! This class is not transferable to another college who requires A&P 1&2. Being that the school I am attending has a university, it also has about 7 campuses which I am attending one of them. So for me, I will never need any A&P class because I plan on graduating from this particular college from one of their campuses.
This class is two days a week and 3.5 hours a night. First half is lecture and second half is lab. Where can I get these coloring books that everyone is talking about. Also, what does lab consist of?