Confessions of an A Student

A few years ago, a physiology student who was struggling but ultimately finished the course with an A composed the following analysis of the study tools and methods that worked for her. 

Here are her insights that might help guide you during the remaining weeks:

•I think the Weekly Sample Exams you provide are a great template for setting up terminology.  I used then habitually as part of my routine to prepare for a test.

•PodCasting is great! I listened to literally EVERY lecture again.

•Review Questions in the back of the Lecture Syllabus are very helpful, I found writing answers, time and time again was the best way for me to really understand the processes.  It is nice that the spoken answers (discussion) are provided on a flash drive but probably more people would refer to them if they were available as a Word® document. I know that would be more convient for me. [That is now available]

•Yellow Study Packet... hmm

I routinely read sample Situationals but never got the right answers prior to reading the answer. I understood them after seeing what direction Prof. Langjahr wanted to go but don't know how helpful they were for me.

The True and False questions are good if you make the time for them but it really comes down to the fact that you either know it or don't. I read through them and answered them and corrected my answers once but they weren't a top priority as far as a study tool.

•SI and Q&A- This is a really time well spent, 3 hours a week dedicated to the workings of physiology!  It was really good - very useful. Come prepared to contribute and question!

•Tutoring is a great tool for added study tips!  The leader was great and he really got me to put the meat on the bones and figure this stuff out! At times he gave too much info but really it was all very helpful! He taught by diagramming the processes out in picture form. This was really cool! I am not an artist but it really gives you an opportunity to SEE, VISUALLY what is going on and how EVERYTHING fits together in the process!

So for me - Tips on passing Professor Langjahrs Phyiology class...

1. Listen to lectures a second or third time using PodCasts or whatever.

2. Answer all the Review Questions, right away and review them more than once.

3. Write definitions for Terminology (from Weekly Sample Exams) more than once. T/F are good but a couple times is plenty.

4. Attend SI and Q&A regularly .

5. Get a Tutor if you can or get involved in a seious study group.

6. Only take this one class (it takes the time of about 12 units SERIOUSLY)

7. Allow time everyday for physiology.

8. You CANNOT cram for this type of course!

9. Yellow packet is good after you have been exposed to the material in lecture, otherwise it is overwhelming and you won't understand, especially the sample Situational questions.

T/F are helpful but don't try to memorize them, STUDY the processes. If you get the processes you will get the T/F.

10. LIVE physiology, DREAM physiology, and TALK about physiology with anyone you can.