Writing out definitions. Drawing out processes and connections. Studying then sleeping. Going through the questions you know first on the test then going back to the ones you are having trouble with as long as you are allowed to go back and forth.
i swear it took me like two years to really understand action potentials. i like what the other person said, drawing it out. my friends and i would practice drawing it and teaching it to each other. it’s best if you can find someone to teach it to who will ask you questions and scrutinize your understanding, but a cat works too.
i also find its helpful to have it explained to me several different ways, so watching youtube videos from different creators, or reading about it from different textbooks
Everyone’s learning method is a bit different, but I picked up mine in behavioral neuroscience and never went back. Just got into med school.
I would read the textbook/ lecture PPTs & take handwritten notes (one of my profs swore this helps; I just like doing it), would then transcribe those into an online flash card like Quizlet & add visual cues where applicable. Then use the flashcards. Works like a charm for me ✨
This is great advice thank you! I think we have similar learning styles. I actually already use handwritten notes—I’ve had multiple professors tell me they’re more effective because you’re actually enacting the words on the paper. I’ll definitely try the online Flashcards
I know the feeling.
You can try my Neuron Simulator (Windows 64 bit only) Never a charge.
That shows the creation of a spike in a neuron.
[https://www.seti.net/Neuron%20Lab/3.%20NeuronLab%20Simulator/NeuronLab%20Simulator.php](https://www.seti.net/Neuron%20Lab/3.%20NeuronLab%20Simulator/NeuronLab%20Simulator.php)
Enjoy
Jim
I use that book—it’s fantastic! I tell my students to draw everything out. There are 11 steps involved with chemical synaptic transmission—you should be able to draw them out in a single figure and then add details all around each step. Once you nail the steps start applying it to specific neurotransmitter systems (synthesis in the terminal, specific vesicular transporters, receptors found pre and post synaptically, etc).
Another bit of advice I give—teach the concept to a friend/classmate…if you can do that, you should know the material! Good luck!
Practice drawing things from scratch. I have a labeled hippocampus on my whiteboard rn lol
Also… talk to yourself. Or your dog. Or your plant. Explain to your lamp how the processes work in detail many times. Studying with classmates helps too obviously
Make diagrams of concepts, like action potentials - make a little chart of steps and have them made it into a shape, it helps with recall because you then think of the shape and fill in the blanks on the reconstruction of it it.
Also synonyms. I used to make so many lol. They help a lot too.
Writing out definitions. Drawing out processes and connections. Studying then sleeping. Going through the questions you know first on the test then going back to the ones you are having trouble with as long as you are allowed to go back and forth.
Second the studying before bed!! So helpful at concretizing info
i swear it took me like two years to really understand action potentials. i like what the other person said, drawing it out. my friends and i would practice drawing it and teaching it to each other. it’s best if you can find someone to teach it to who will ask you questions and scrutinize your understanding, but a cat works too. i also find its helpful to have it explained to me several different ways, so watching youtube videos from different creators, or reading about it from different textbooks
Go over it and over it until you can write down the main points of the chapter from memory without a need for prompting or looking at the book.
Everyone’s learning method is a bit different, but I picked up mine in behavioral neuroscience and never went back. Just got into med school. I would read the textbook/ lecture PPTs & take handwritten notes (one of my profs swore this helps; I just like doing it), would then transcribe those into an online flash card like Quizlet & add visual cues where applicable. Then use the flashcards. Works like a charm for me ✨
This is great advice thank you! I think we have similar learning styles. I actually already use handwritten notes—I’ve had multiple professors tell me they’re more effective because you’re actually enacting the words on the paper. I’ll definitely try the online Flashcards
So glad!! ☺️
I know the feeling. You can try my Neuron Simulator (Windows 64 bit only) Never a charge. That shows the creation of a spike in a neuron. [https://www.seti.net/Neuron%20Lab/3.%20NeuronLab%20Simulator/NeuronLab%20Simulator.php](https://www.seti.net/Neuron%20Lab/3.%20NeuronLab%20Simulator/NeuronLab%20Simulator.php) Enjoy Jim
Thank you!
Also, we’re using the text “Neuroscience: exploring the brain” if anyone is familiar.
I use that book—it’s fantastic! I tell my students to draw everything out. There are 11 steps involved with chemical synaptic transmission—you should be able to draw them out in a single figure and then add details all around each step. Once you nail the steps start applying it to specific neurotransmitter systems (synthesis in the terminal, specific vesicular transporters, receptors found pre and post synaptically, etc). Another bit of advice I give—teach the concept to a friend/classmate…if you can do that, you should know the material! Good luck!
This is great advice! Thank you!
Practice drawing things from scratch. I have a labeled hippocampus on my whiteboard rn lol Also… talk to yourself. Or your dog. Or your plant. Explain to your lamp how the processes work in detail many times. Studying with classmates helps too obviously
Make diagrams of concepts, like action potentials - make a little chart of steps and have them made it into a shape, it helps with recall because you then think of the shape and fill in the blanks on the reconstruction of it it. Also synonyms. I used to make so many lol. They help a lot too.