Advice from former students:

Last semester I asked the students who completed the course to write down the advice they would give to someone on the first day of this course. I have transcribed their comments in full:

'You've heard it all before--study, read, don't procrastinate. I say do all these things and more. Make it fun with the info by pictures, and maps and study groups. The info is worth it if your [sic] willing to obtain it."

"1) Make sure you have all the prerequisites of the class.
2) Go to class every time.
3) Complete labs, assignments on time.
4) Form a study group and meet regularly-it really helps.
5) Keep up with the objectives--don't wait until the very last minute to complete
them.
6) Good Luck; you will learn a lot!"

"Do not skip class. Read and do objectives in advance. Actually study for lab quizzes (lab grade can help!) Don't be afraid to ask for help. Get a study partner. Get good lab partners."

"Take good notes and understand the lecture. Compare and study the pictures in the book. Don't forget the drop date!"

"Try not to miss a class! Each day is important because you are always learning something new! Stay organized! Try to read ahead before class and start on the objectives as early as possible!! Take lab seriously, it really makes the lectures easier to understand, and they are a lot of fun!! Lab is also a good way to keep your grade up so study for the quizzes and don't leave anything out on the reports! If I would have done all these things all the time instead of part of the time I would be doing rather well!"

"Attend class every day.
Come prepared (read the chapter!
Always do objectives and understand them.
Draw flow charts as a study aid.
Study on a regular basis.
Don't slack on labs--lab reports, quizzes and homework account for almost half of
your grade."

"Go to class. You need to learn this material in a number of ways-you can't get it just by reading it. You need to hear and see, too. Form a study group and meet at least every 2 weeks for ~5 hours. Study for study group. You won't learn anything if you haven't read the material. Don't cram."

"Go to every lecture and lab. The lab points (i.e. reports and quizzes) really add up. Reading the book really gives clarity to the topic, esp. understanding the diagrams, charts, pictures. A good study partner/group to go over material before tests is really helpful to me. Keep your anatomy book!"