Study Tips

Science Background students:

  • Don’t assume you know the basics;

  • Don’t rote learn, what worked in undergrad – doesn’t work in med.

  • Try not to get too bogged down in science – it’s not always the molecular mechanism level that you need to know but the bigger concept.

  • Think more clinically. Always consider when studying, if this is how this normally functions, what may happen when things go wrong?

 

Non-Science backgrounds:

  • The first few weeks might feel overwhelming, don’t stress about being behind.

  • Upper years will usually run peer teaching sessions every week covering and summarising the content of that week, so attending is a great way to reinforce your understanding and ask questions.

  • Form a group and support each other.

  • Utilise your lecturers and subject coordinators. They are more than happy to help and would prefer you let them know early you struggled to understand a concept than leaving it too late.

  • Many of the textbook suggestions will be complex, so don’t feel silly to start with basic physiology and anatomy books, or the wonderful 'Crash Course' or 'At a Glance' series. Layer your knowledge like a fine wedding cake.

  • Try not to overwhelm yourself with small details: science can be very specific, so try to think of the big picture.

  • Find how that bit of science is clinically relevant, textbooks often have little side boxes or ‘clinical focus’ pages. That will let you know which parts are important to remember.