Question about labs?

Published

This might seem like a silly question but, what exactly are the purpose of the labs on my science classes? For example in A&P I, I have two regular classes per week (about 1 hr. and 15 mins each) plus a 3 hour lab each week. What goes on in the lab? I just have no idea what to expect! Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Normally A&P lab classes are where one does dissection (rats, small/infant pigs, though in some classes geared for med students it would be a human cadaver), and other things to visualise what one has learned in A&P lecture. It is one thing to see a digestive track or circulation system in a book, quite another to get up close and personal. The course book should outline what is expected and done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes what the previous poster said. Labs are the best part in A&P...at least I thought so. We did cadavers and it was interesting, I actually miss it, lol. Well we did a cat the 1st night and then dived right into the cadavers starting the next class. We also dabbled in sheep hearts and brains and the cow eyes. But every school is different. Keep in mind though (at least in my school) that the lab is basically a class all by itself. We had quizzes and homework....and the quizzes weren't easy and the lab does count towards your overall grade too. Anyway...good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In the anatomy part...you'll look at a bunch of histology slides, examine/memorize models, dissect cadavers, do some organ pinnings, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

wow, I am so glad I asked this question!! I had no idea I would have to dissect anything, especially a potential cadaver! That's a scary thought for me lol! I don't really have a weak stomach, but it's going to be strange. The last time I dissected anything was a squid in marine biology in high school. A human would be a totally bizarre thing for me, and its scary to think about! At least now I know, and I can mentally prepare myself for that possibility. So thank you all for the responses! This is going to be a challenge for me, but I guess best to find out now if I have the stomach for being a nurse - I'm sure I am going to see alot worse!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh and make sure you study for that histology lab! I think that might have been the hardest lab in A&P I. Good luck and use your time in lab wisely. I saw so many people waste it and they wondered why they weren't doing well in the class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.

I found the labs to be the best part of the classes. I completely agree with mariposabella--don't blow off lab. There were several people in my A&P and Chem classes that did that and their grades reflected it. I also agree that the histology lab was the hardest; that totally kicked my butt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

my school only used fetal pigs and sheep for the brain and heart. I think the labs really reinforce your learning. Even though I always did better on the written exam than the lab exam I still enjoyed the lab portion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
wow, I am so glad I asked this question!! I had no idea I would have to dissect anything, especially a potential cadaver! That's a scary thought for me lol! I don't really have a weak stomach, but it's going to be strange. The last time I dissected anything was a squid in marine biology in high school. A human would be a totally bizarre thing for me, and its scary to think about! At least now I know, and I can mentally prepare myself for that possibility. So thank you all for the responses! This is going to be a challenge for me, but I guess best to find out now if I have the stomach for being a nurse - I'm sure I am going to see alot worse!

On the school website there's course descriptions and mine stated you deal with cadavers. Have you checked it out? School sites are different though. Anyway....if you do have to deal with cadavers I was kinda freaked out too. The 1st night we did a cat which sucked because I'm an animal lover. The next class, we walked into the room where we'd do the dissections. The prof. opened up the cooler and just the sight of the wrapped bodies on the metal tables really made me nervous and sweaty. But I swear....halfway through that 1st class...we all forgot they were once human. It's not like what I expected....all the skin is gone and the head remains wrapped...so it doesn't look like a dead person laying there. It becomes a little more real when you're doing the vascular of the arms and you see their fingernails...it's kinda weird. But honestly...it's such a great experience and I really hope you have the cadaver opportunity instead of being stuck with another species.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To Mariposabella and Aurora77, have you all done A&P2? There's plenty more histology quizzes coming your way, lol! Ahhhh...I hated it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.
To Mariposabella and Aurora77, have you all done A&P2? There's plenty more histology quizzes coming your way, lol! Ahhhh...I hated it!

I did a 6 hour A&P combined course. This fall I'm taking physiology. I've been reading through the book and seeing lots on histology. Yikes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@crunchymama

Thanks for your insight, that actually makes me feel alot better! I was picturing seeing the whole body, including the head and I would feel so weird seeing that. I'm an animal lover too, but I am going to do my absolute best to keep in mind that this is science. I'm a very spiritual person, so it's difficult for me, but at the same time I should be able to separate the "person" from the "body" and have a scientific approach.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion