Functional anatomy has been the most challenging module this semester because it involved many aspects to learn and understand such as muscle origin, insertion and function, neuroanatomy, neurological dysfunction, tendons, ligaments, musculoskeletal disorders and joint anatomy and physiology. We had to learn the difference between hypaxial and epaxial muscles which I found especially difficult. Functional anatomy is essential for treating an injury and strengthening the area with rehabilitation.
I preferred the practical sessions to lectures because they were more interesting as we got to dissect foxes so we could see the different layers of muscles and where the tendons and ligaments are. We also had practical’s with the greyhounds and some of the lecturers’ dogs where we got to draw the muscles on with chalk.
This module is split into two parts – 50% exam and 50% workbook. Completing the workbook has allowed me to expand my knowledge and learn through extra reading and research. The workbook has enabled me to digest lecture content and retain information as I applied it. If I were to do the workbook again, I would’ve started it earlier as I didn’t give myself as much time as I would’ve liked. The exam was an hour and a half written exam where there were three long answer questions as well as short answer questions. I preferred the long answer questions as it gave me the opportunity to expand my writing and knowledge. For the exam, we got given lots of additional resources to help us revise including revision quizzes and long answer question examples. I found these useful as it allowed to me practice writing for long periods of time beforehand because I’m used to writing on a laptop. However I underestimated the content depth I needed to know for the exam so did not revise as effectively as I could have due to not giving myself many breaks which is proven to increase productivity (Parsons, 2017).
From the workbook, I developed my time management skills which I will take into second year with me. I have learnt the importance of reading ahead of deadlines to ensure I have the correct resources and content that I need for the assignment. Self-regulated learning is where students monitor their learning, control their motivation and behaviour to achieve the goals they set. Students’ beliefs about their own ability play a key role in the development of self-regulated learning (Chuter, 2020). The workbook was a good opportunity to develop my self-regulated learning and I will continue to develop and improve this as it is an invaluable skill to have for university and life.
Reference List:
Chuter, C. (2020). The importance of self-regulation for learning. [online] THE EDUCATION HUB. Available at: https://theeducationhub.org.nz/self-regulation/.
Parsons, L. (2017). How long should revision breaks be? [online] Life More Extraordinary with Lucy Parsons. Available at: https://lifemoreextraordinary.com/revision/how-long-should-revision-breaks-be/.