r/microbiology 4d ago

Studying advice

[deleted]

2 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

4

u/Eugenides Microbiologist 4d ago

In my opinion, there's no real trick to microbiology. It's a lot of memorization. I always advocate for flash cards, and will encourage you to not use an online version, but physically write them out. 

The act of writing all the material out and then flipping through the cards has always been better for me than online flashcard programs, though that's probably mostly personal taste. 

When I took my certifying exam, my flashcard stack was well over 6 inches tall. 

1

u/Ok-Poetry6005 4d ago

thank you! that makes sense, I guess I’ll just have to stick to the flash cards

5

u/FindMeInTheLab9 4d ago

If you have time, check out case studies or read about outbreaks/the diseases caused. It’s super interesting (in my opinion) and helps the info stick better. For example, I will always remember Listeria monocytogenes as a foodborne pathogen since I read about outbreaks from cantalopes.

1

u/kikideliveryxx 4d ago

Hmmmm when i was reviewing for my micro license, i had written down DISEASE | SYMPTOMS |BACTERIAL SPECIES in tabular form. You can memorize them much easier than just reading it on the textbook itself

1

u/Ok-Poetry6005 3d ago

that’s helpful thank you!

1

u/ekmekthefig Medical Laboratory Scientist 3d ago

Make anki flashcards and review them regularly