Needing advice for A&P I!!!

catzy5 · Dec 12, 2007

I'm starting pre-reqs in the spring, A&P I, and have seen a lot of different threads about A&P, but I thought I'd ask anyone who has already taken it what's the best advice you can give? What makes it so hard, how to do well, or any tips? I'm nervous and excited, ready to do my best, so any advice would be great! Thanks!

Don't scare yourself, the course isn't very hard its more that its just a lot of work. All the sciences are very time consuming, you have to learn a new language, and there is so much to learn. The sciences to me were the best, i enjoyed them so much because I felt I was that much closer to what I wanted to be doing, AP inparticular you will be going over a lot of medical terminology and the physiology of the body, all stuff you will need for nursing.

My best advice keep up with the reading, no keep ahead with the reading, make flash cards and just study study!! If you have a chance to see what is on the syllabus for your class get a jump start on the reading.

ashtabella · Dec 12, 2007

Hey im Just finishing up A&P 1. what makes it hard is that its lots of information. Most people I know who are having trouble in the class, though, honestly arent working that hard on it. Its not a class that you can skate through. You have to study. Im taking 4 classes on top of A&P 1 this semester, though, and I have 4 kids ( they are 8, 6, 4, and 3) and I only have a sitter the 2 days a week im at school and I have an A in the class (finals are tomorrow so we will see how those go) so its doable, you just have to be willing to work! good luck : )

RNDreamer · Dec 12, 2007

I wouldn't say it is hard, just that there is alot to learn. Anatomy is nothing I thought it would be. (my school breaks up Anatomy and Physiology) My advice, study from day one. This is not a class that you can just wait until the last minute to study.

I'm starting pre-reqs in the spring, A&P I, and have seen a lot of different threads about A&P, but I thought I'd ask anyone who has already taken it what's the best advice you can give? What makes it so hard, how to do well, or any tips? I'm nervous and excited, ready to do my best, so any advice would be great! Thanks!

ashtabella · Dec 12, 2007

This is not a class that you can just wait until the last minute to study.

True, very true. I should have listened to this advice as I have totally waited till the last minute to study for my final that is tomorrow. In fact, I got online this morning to check my myspace and have now been surfing the internet for like an hour. Its like im trying to find reasons NOT to study. Anybody else have this problem? Or do i just have the worst self control in the entire world???

katulka · Dec 12, 2007

If you have time over winter break, I'd recommend getting a head start on familiarizing yourself with some of the concepts.

Before I started A&P 1, I read a book on medical terminology that helped me feel more comfortable with the subjects.

The best recommendation I have is to check out The Stuff of Life: Profiles of the Molecules that Make Us Tick by Eric P. Widmaier. I wish I'd come across it before my class started, but I read relevant chapters as we moved through the A&P topics. The author has a really straightforward way of describing what is happening (and why) during certain biological processes. The DNA stuff was so helpful! Best of all, it's a very small book with only 160 pages. A short 20-page chapter will not add much to your workload but may really clarify the more complicated textbook explanations.

Be prepared for a lot of work but even more fascinating new knowledge!

katulka

jessica<3RN · Dec 12, 2007

Stay on top of your "A" game. Every little bit of material fed to you during lab and lecture can be retained simply by repetition at home....immediately after class. Studying for 30 minutes a day can also be very effective. A&PI was the easiest class; and the most fun I have ever taken.

During the break you should familiarize yourself with the planes of the body, as well as the terms used in medicine. These will be some of the first things you will most likely learn.

Best of luck to you.

modelmama07 · Dec 12, 2007

It is really not that hard. You do have to study a lot but as long as you can retain the information, you are good. I was shaking in my boots right before I started A&P I this semester. But I studied hard, and proved I can ace a test without any stress. I aced every single test, so I don't have to take the final in my A&P class. As long as you study everyday, even if its just reviewing your notes, repeating it over and over will allow the information to stick to you. Go into A&P I with the mindset that you will overcome and make an "A", and I'm sure you'll do great!

birdy88 · Dec 13, 2007

Thank you guys so much! Good information, especially about what to look at over the break!

(P.S I love this site!)

jackson145 · Dec 13, 2007

Don't get overwelmed. Try to break it all into small sections and go over it as often as you have time. It's a lot of memorization and flash cards work for some people (not me) so you might try that.

stinebean · Dec 13, 2007

This is not a class that you can just wait until the last minute to study.
True, very true. I should have listened to this advice as I have totally waited till the last minute to study for my final that is tomorrow. In fact, I got online this morning to check my myspace and have now been surfing the internet for like an hour. Its like im trying to find reasons NOT to study. Anybody else have this problem? Or do i just have the worst self control in the entire world???

I too find that I'm doing something similar in regard to my Chem final on Saturday. I have to buckle down and review, but it's like my brain is fatigued and overloaded at this point. If you find a solution to this problem, please let me know!!

CuriousMe · Dec 13, 2007

I too find that I'm doing something similar in regard to my Chem final on Saturday. I have to buckle down and review, but it's like my brain is fatigued and overloaded at this point. If you find a solution to this problem, please let me know!!

When I get that way it's not a self-control problem as much as it is an "I'm feeling overwhelmed, and if I ignore it it might not be there" kind of problem.

The only way I've found to feel better is to actually ignore all my distractions and buckle down.....once you get started, it's a bunch easier to continue....it's just hard to start :)

Peace,

Cathie