How to ace A&P I and II!

Greta Marino

Anatomy and physiology can definitely be a difficult class to master. However, it is so important that you put the time into understanding it, because it will be the foundation for much of what you learn after it in nursing school--especially in pathophysiology I and II! When you understand how the body functions under normal conditions, it is a lot easier to see how things may go wrong. In my opinion, these are the best ways to study for anatomy (both lecture & lab component).

Anatomy Lecture

Anatomy lecture is where you will discuss more of the physiology (or how the body carries out certain functions). For this component, it is key to actually understand overall systems instead of just memorizing information from your slides. Once you start to think about the bigger picture, certain systems and actions will start to make a lot more sense to you! Here are my biggest tips for lecture:

• Watch the recorded lectures on Brightspace to see if you missed any small details

• Use active recall technique: try to come up with the information yourself by writing out what you remember on a whiteboard, doing flashcards, or completing practice questions. This way, you can focus in more closely on the areas you are weakest in and be more efficient with your studying!

• Review each lecture soon after class: this doesn't have to be a crazy review, but if you go over the information shortly after, it will be more likely to stick in your brain!

• Go to tutoring or office hours: your professor and TAs will be very helpful in answering any areas you are unsure about!

Anatomy Lab

• OFFICE HOURS OFFICE HOURS OFFICE HOURS! For the lab component, I think it is especially important to go to office hours so you can study the models that will be used to test your knowledge. I also asked my TAs to quiz me sometimes or just answer any questions I had. I always took pictures of the models and used them to study when I was at home, as well.

• Labeling anatomical features on the models/diagrams provided was very helpful, and I could do it over and over again on my iPad until I felt confident!

• Mnuemonics were helpful in lab for me to remember the order of certain features or bones. You could come up with your own, but there are also already a lot online that other students have come up with in the past!

Hopefully these tips will help you be successful in Anatomy & Physiology I & II! Try to stay focused when studying by limiting distractions (I love the Pomodoro method) but remember to give yourself breaks and time to relax. You got this!!!