Preparing for A&P1

zackdesot · Dec 20, 2012

I took A&P in high school, and while I didn't receive college credit, it was easily at college level. My instructor had two PhD's, one in pharmacology, toxicology, and the other in neuroscience. She made it clear to all of us the course would be taught at college level, and I learned sooo much from that class! She was an amazing instructor who, despite some minor shortcomings, was really inspirational to me.

It wasn't really all that complicated, just a lot of memorization. As long as you have a certain level of base-intelligence, you should do fine--just as long as you put in the amount of required effort. I would advise you to pay attention in class, complete all assignments given to you by your professor, and study at home. The method of studying should really be tailored to fit your individual style of learning. For me, simply paying attention in class and reading the chapter is enough to get me an A-B. There are tons of alternative resources you could use though. In my A&P text, there were amazing chapter summaries and tests that I would always glance over the night before a big exam. The test at the end of the chapter is great practice *after* you've put in some effort studying, and I find the various diagrams and information-box-thingies immensely helpful. I got a B- in the class, which awed the majority of my classmates given how difficult the course was, but I could've easily done better if I'd put in a bit more effort.

Make sure you put effort into the course consistently throughout, otherwise you risk being left behind and not understanding later chapters.

EMT89 · Dec 20, 2012

I was nervous I took it during 5 week summer session. I read as many chapters as I could before it. I wrote up notes after class. When I could I would draw the processes out on a white board. I love the incredably made easy series. I color coded. I was super organized and labeled each unit. In labs I would stay in lab close to the end. I love the coloring book and flash cards. I also wrote up questions in lecture.

zoe92 · Dec 20, 2012

I always took advantage of open labs. The key to learning and studying it is to read, read and read some more. Break it down for yourself and then explain it to others. If rewrite (try pen and paper) your notes, reorganize it so it makes sense to you.good luck!

Cresco299 · Dec 20, 2012

My best advice for you is to not slack! Stay on top of the material or it will overwhelm you. I took this last year and it was customary for me to take notes in class (Duh!), then go home and read the book for each topic that was covered in class. This allowed me to not just know the facts that were on my notes, but to truly understand the material. And finally, using my notes from class and what I gleaned from the textbook I would retype the notes as a combination of the two sources. All three steps were a learning process and when it came time for exams, I found there was no "cramming" to be done. I was more or less prepared to take the test and just put myself through simple reviews. This may sound like a lot, but if you truly "understand" the material, than there is little chance the instructor can throw you off with any of their test questions. That, and if Nursing is profession you truly want to get into, than the extra effort to get that A and really understand the material is well worth sweat you'll put into it.

jvanwoman · Dec 21, 2012

Honestly, it's not hard material it's just a lot of material.the only parts I find difficult are cellular and hormones. All you need to do is read each chapter, take notes, do all the required coursework and study guides, and carve time out to study.

queserasera, RN · Dec 21, 2012

I've found some really excellent A&P material on youtube. I'd suggest taking a gander at that. I also got netters Atlas of Human Anatomy which is great if your just trying to memorize.

doxielover304 · Dec 21, 2012

I passed A&P 1 with a very high A.... I read my textbook a lot... you need to study every single day, no doubt. You can't get behind, either! Stay on top of things and you'll do great. :) GOOD LUCK!!

FutureNurseShammy · Dec 21, 2012

I've found some really excellent A&P material on youtube. I'd suggest taking a gander at that. I also got netters Atlas of Human Anatomy which is great if your just trying to memorize.

Is there an app for netters for iPhones ??

Sent from my iPhone

FutureNurseShammy · Dec 21, 2012

Thank you everyone for the advice! I'm using each and everyone of your advice. Hopefully I'll pass a high A! Becoming a nurse is really important to me! Even though Its only my 1st year in college, I still know what career I want to have in life & will never change my major. failure is not an option. I just need to make sure I don't get discouraged by assignments or think I won't be able to successfully pass classes- because these science courses have been done before by other pre nursing students so I can def do it too :]

Sent from my iPhone

eauzirus · Dec 21, 2012

after reading ur words of encouragment you wrote for the other girl who failed this class I knwo your going to eb okay just STUDY,STUDY,STUDY and READ THE BOOK!!! alot of people dont do that and youll be okay.

FutureNurseShammy · Dec 25, 2012

what was ur grade afterwards in this class?