Human Anatomy Study Tips

After speaking with numerous students who were successful in Anat-A 215, we have assembled the following study tips. This advice comes from your peers, so take it to heart!

• Invest 10 - 12 hours each and every week studying anatomy outside of class – no exceptions. (While it's important to have down time, don't expect that your weekends will be free from studying.)
• Attend EVERY lab or lecture unless you are truly too sick to attend.
• Attend every open lab time unless it conflicts with other classes or crucial obligations.
• Attend lab review sessions prior to exams, and take the practice lab exam.
• Find a study partner or form a study group comprised of students who are seriously devoted to the class.
• Flashcards are a great help to most students.
• Study out loud. Students have told us that doing so is more helpful than studying "in your head," because hearing the material helps instill it.
• Use the learning exercises and other resources on the Anat-A 215 course website.
• Review the lecture notes posted on the A215 website before the class in which the material will be covered.
• Review your own notes as soon after class as you can. Some students find it helpful to re-write or re-type their anatomy notes; repeating your review of the material in different ways is an important study strategy.
• A215 is largely memorization, both visual (cadavers, 3D models, illustrations) and definitions. However, there is also a critical thinking component (e.g., being able to identify a part of the anatomy based upon clues: A patient cannot move his eyes laterally. Which muscle groups are being effected by his injury?)
• A215 faculty instructors are happy to meet with you, and lab teaching assistants (TAs) are well-trained. Utilize these resources! (And don't necessarily "wait to see how I do on the exam." The key is be prepared before the exam.)
• Exams are not cumulative, but are nonetheless extremely rigorous. (Many students find the second exam to be the most challenging one.)
• We urge you to adopt our time and stress management suggestions. If you do so, you are guaranteed to become a stronger, more well-organized student.
  
  
  

  




                                                                                  Leonardo da Vinci, selected anatomical drawings (c. 15th - 16th century)