"Understanding" the material

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Okay, so I'm taking Human Biology this quarter - it's like baby A&P - we don't go nearly as in depth, but we do cover all the systems. It's a pre-requisite to A&P at my college. I've been doing allright so far - probably have a B, but it's only the third week of class. I'm doing okay at memorizing the stuff, but I'm not exactly sure how to "understand" and internalize it. I know it's all going to be important for A&P... :banghead: I just wanted to ask if anyone out there had any ideas on how to go from just memorizing the scattered facts to "understanding" how everything works together and to see the big picture.

Tips are hugely appreciated! :heartbeat

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I try to use as many available resources as possible. Reading the chapter, answering any end of chapter questions, answering review questions we have posted, and then reading the chapter again. To me, its like watching a movie, the more I watch a movie over again, the more nuances I pick up on.

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All I can say is YouTube. This resource has worked wonders for me in understanding anatomy and physiology. I'm also a visual and audio learner. Going back and referencing the video in my mind as I read the material makes a world of difference. Hope it works for you too. Good luck!

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I agree, YouTube is wonderful for things like this. I would read and take as much as you can in, find some practice tests to test what you've just read, re-read, watch YouTube and retest yourself.

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I am currently in A&P and took my biology pre-req 15 years ago so you might as well say I didn't take it because I don't remember any of it. My point is I am struggling with "understanding" and that is how I learn. I can memorize but will forget very soon after the test. If I can understand the material I will retain it for the most part.

That said, I have already tested on cellular respiration and made a 66. I hadn't made below a B on any other chapter. I still don't understand it but do understand it better every time I hear it/we go over it/etc. You will pick it up the more you hear it and see it and listen to lecture on it and read it...it will eventually come to you (slowly if you're like me). I am still studying it off and on between other studies since I know it will come up again in muscle contraction and Microbiology.

The higher the goal, the harder the climb - the sweeter the success! :redbeathe

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I've never looked anything up on Youtube before, so I'll definitely give it a shot. I think I should do well on my lab practical this Monday, and I've gotten A- on both my lecture quizzes, so I'm doing allright so far.

I'll definitely use the tips you guys gave me! Thank you!

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Specializes in Oncology.
I agree, YouTube is wonderful for things like this. I would read and take as much as you can in, find some practice tests to test what you've just read, re-read, watch YouTube and retest yourself.

Could you share with us the URL of these wonderful youtube resources?

thanks!:up:

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