Did you know that there are over 300,000 employed pharmacists in the United States? This number is projected to rise substantially over time due to pharmacology students transitioning into professional careers. It's no secret that pharmacology is one of the most difficult medical topics.
So, we've put together a pharmacology study guide to help students stay on track. Let's dive in.
Don't Be Afraid to Make Study Groups
One of the best ways to help you stay on top of your pharmacology studies is to form a study group with your classmates.
This will enable you to bounce ideas off each other, ask questions when you don't understand something, and have someone who can keep you accountable for studying.
However, it's essential that you prioritize the quality of the study group. If you create or join a group that is full of people who are not motivated, it could actually hold you back.
Create Flashcards
Flashcards are one of the best study tools to help you memorize important facts and definitions. Write down key terms, formulas, and any other information that you think is important.
This will come in handy when you need to review concepts quickly before an exam. They also serve as a great way to get in a quick study session throughout the day.
Focus on Classifications Instead of Individual Drugs
It can be overwhelming when studying pharmacology to try to memorize all the individual drugs out there.
To make it easier, focus on classifications of drugs instead and understand how different drugs work differently for various conditions. This will help you better understand pharmacology overall rather than trying to memorize the individual drugs separately.
Record Your Lectures in Class
Listening to your professor's lecture in class is a great way to get an understanding of the material, but it can be hard to remember everything you heard.
To ensure that you don't miss any important information, record your lectures in class so you can listen back later. You can also use this as a way to take a second look at complicated topics.
Repeat the Material You Already Learned
One of the key components of memorization is repetition.
Make sure to periodically review and repeat the material that you have already learned. This will help solidify the concepts and make them easier to recall during exams.
Skim Through Chapters Before Reading Them
Take a few minutes to skim through the chapter before actually reading it. This will help you get an idea of what's in the chapter and allow you to focus on the most important concepts.
It will also help you mentally prepare yourself for the information that you are going to learn.
Utilizing Practice Exams
Another great way to prepare for your pharmacology exams is by taking practice tests. Practice exams can help you identify what areas you need to focus on and give you a better understanding of how the questions will be asked on the actual exam.
It's in your best interest to establish an exam setting that mirrors a legitimate one. For instance, you should ensure that you don't have access to materials that you wouldn't during your actual exam. You should also time yourself during your session.
In our pharmacology book, we have included exercises after each chapter so that you can test your knowledge and see if you remember everything. If you need more exercises, we also have a separate pharmacology workbook that's a questions-only book. It contains over 350 of the most important questions and exercises every pharmacology student must know.
Set Realistic Goals
If your pharmacology course has multiple chapters, try breaking it down into manageable sections so that you don't feel overwhelmed by all the material.
Set realistic goals for yourself each day, such as reading a certain number of pages or completing a certain number of practice problems. This will help you stay on track and make sure that you cover all the material in a timely manner.
Maintain Access to a Drug Classification Chart
Grasping the different drug classes and their corresponding uses is a major part of pharmacology.
Having a drug classification chart nearby can be incredibly helpful when you are trying to review this information. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the most common drug classifications so that you don't feel overwhelmed when test day arrives.
Study this chart regularly so that you can ensure you are able to recall the answers when the time comes.
Take Advantage of Reference Books
Make sure to take advantage of reference books and online resources such as websites, forums, and blogs.
This will help you stay up to date with any new developments in the field of pharmacology and provide you with additional information that may not be covered in your class lectures.
How Can You Find the Reference Book That Is Best For You?
It's imperative that you check the reputation of the provider.
As with any other resource, there are reputable sources and less reliable ones. You should always make sure to read customer reviews before investing in a particular reference book or online resource. Additionally, you can also ask your professor or peers for recommendations as to which resources they have found most useful.
Otherwise, you may end up investing time and resources into material that can't help you in the way that you need. The same concept applies to any other materials you need for your education.
Following a Pharmacology Study Guide Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
Although it might seem complicated at first, adhering to a pharmacology study guide is much easier than it seems. As long as you keep the above information in mind, you'll be sure to meet your needs.
Looking for more information on what we can do? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
