Video: How to study for human anatomy

Hello there! It’s Matt from Kenhub, and in this video, we will be discussing how to study anatomy.

Many students see anatomy as a difficult, time-consuming, and even boring subject. Kenhub's main aim is to change this way of thinking and to help the anatomy student make this subject quick and easy. The most important thing to remember is that studying takes time. You won't find any spells or recipes for magic potions on this site. However, we aim to provide you with the best tools to make your experience with this subject as enjoyable and successful as possible. Here is a tested method and, though it may seem cliché, hey, it works!

Number one: Make a study schedule. If you have several exams and you are learning several subjects throughout the semester simultaneously, you need to stay organized. Allocating the correct amount of time for each subject so that you keep up with your class material and manage to revise for any midterms and, of course, the final exams is vital. But, remember, everyone is different and will have a different schedule. Make one that is going to help you and stick to it.

Number two: Categorize subjects according to their difficulty. If you do find anatomy hard, make sure you study it at least three times a week for several hours, or even every day for a shorter time. Start off with an initial plan and if you feel something isn't working, change it. It is always best to make a start, rather than ignoring something you fear and cramming for that exam last minute.

Number three: Start at the beginning of term. I know it's the first week and you have to shop, settle back in, see your friends, etcetera. You also need to pass your exams. Even if you just do number one and two of this list in the first week back, it's a start! Lessons start officially on the first day of term; therefore, in some capacity, so should you.

Number four: Include social time, chores, downtime, and sports in your study schedule. Many people make the mistake of thinking, "Okay, I have four weeks until my exam. I will study non-stop and everything will be fine". Now, back to reality. The human body needs minimum six hours of sleep per night, food, water, and psychological stimulation outside the books and lectures. Re-read number three of this list again if you aren't following. The fact is, if you make time to clean your house, shop for food, have a night out each week and a coffee break with your friends, not to mention time for keeping fit, you'll retain much more information and it goes without saying that you'll be happier and healthier.

Number five: Be realistic about your goals and study methods. Lastly, if something isn't working for you, you need to reevaluate before it's too late and you have wasted the majority of your time. If you learned by copying the information down in notes form but you aren't understanding it, it will become a problem. Try something else, especially if you are setting goals that are way out of your studying capacity. Set little goals for each day with a bigger picture in mind. That way, you'll reach them and feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that will keep you going.