WORDS OF WISDOM

As the long time instructor of anatomy and physiology at a community college outside Washington DC, I learned many things which are helpful for students trying to pass this course.  Since you are "my new students", I want to convey these tidbits to you so you can be better able to pass this trying course.  Accordingly, here are some of my tidbits, or "words of wisdom".

1. If you don't have a job, don't get one.  Outside jobs have been the death nell to many a student in the past.  I know this will hurt your feelings because many of you have jobs already.  But the fact is that A&P takes an awful lot of studying time, and working at a job cuts dramatically into that time.  If you are a genius already, this message will not affect you; but for 99.99% of you it will.  So if you have a job and can cut back, do it.  If you don't have a job and don't really need it now, don't get one.  If you're trying to pay off your car, let it stay at home and ride with a friend instead.  Just remember that passing this course should be the number one priority in your life.  You have your whole lifetime to work, but now is the prime time for going to school.

2.  If for some reason, you don't pass the fall or spring semester of A&P, do not take it over in the Summer.  Wait until the following full semester to take it over.  In other words, avoid taking A&P in the summer.  Even though classes may be held only in the morning and then you have the whole afternoon off, the temptation is always to go out and get a job.  Well, if you failed the course in a 15 week session, how are you possibly going to learn the material in a 5 week session during the summer, and especially if you have a job?  It simply cannot be done.  Students can pass in the summer, don't get me wrong.  But you have to eat, sleep and dream anatomy and physiology for 5 solid weeks!!  And that isn't much fun. 

3. Microbiology is a good course to take in the summer session.  It's typically not as tough as anatomy and physiology because you have to pass the latter before you can take Micro, and A&P makes you learn "how to study".