Biochemistry cycles can be conquered!!!
🍭I start off with the✨BLURTING METHOD✨
1. Look at your notes, some people look at videos, or wherever you can find the information. For example it’s the Kreb’s cycle: Copy it and write it down on a piece of paper!
2. Write and re-write it until you start to remember the steps of the cycle!
3. Once you feel confident enough, take away the source of notes and just write on a piece of paper whatever you remember! It doesn’t have to be perfect or accurate, just write whatever you remembered!
4. Now compare what you wrote to the original source of notes. I am sure you will find gaps and that’s okay, it is very normal! It’s a learning process. Now you know what you missed so next time you will focus on it to fill the gaps!
5. Write and re-write the cycle again so that you can stick it into your brain!
🤯At this point it is in your short term memory🤩 This means you might forget it in a day or two! How do we make sure you translate it to your long term memory just so you don’t forget it for the test you have 3 months away??
🍭This is where ✨SPACED REPETITION✨ comes in!!!
6. Try to write down the cycles each and everyday without looking at your notes in order to make sure you are remembering it after several days of learning it! Now it depends on your memory but I used to write it everyday because the cycles are an important part of the MCAT!
7. Make Anki cards, or just flashcards related to the cycles in order to help with memory, try to answer them and see if you get it write!!
‼️One MAJOR TECHNIQUE that also helped me with these cycles was talking out loud and teaching it to myself and friends or anyone who can listen to you!! I would just deeply explain the cycles out loud as if I was explaining it to a baby who knew nothing about it🥰 This was the best way to incorporate it into my long term memory🥰
🧠The rest is trial and error, try everything to see what works best for you!!!
#lemon8partner #premedlife #premedmotivation #biology #biologymemes
If you're reading this, chances are you're deep in the world of biochemistry, perhaps even muttering 'how did you know I study biochemistry?' under your breath after another long study session. We've all been there! The sheer volume of information, particularly the intricate metabolic pathways like the Krebs cycle or beta-oxidation, can feel daunting. It's not just about memorizing names; it's about understanding the 'why' behind every enzyme and substrate, how protein isolation works, or the significance of chirality in biological molecules. This is where many students hit a wall, feeling like their efforts aren't sticking. Beyond the blurting and spaced repetition, truly conquering biochemistry requires a holistic approach. One powerful technique that often gets overlooked, but is incredibly effective, is the 'Feynman technique' – teaching the concept to someone else (or an imaginary 'baby,' as I sometimes did!). This pushes you to simplify complex ideas and identify gaps in your understanding. For instance, when explaining processes like cellular respiration, you're forced to connect glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in a coherent narrative, making the whole picture clearer. Another key is recognizing the interconnectedness of these cycles. Don't just learn each cycle in isolation. Think about how the products of one feed into another. Where does the energy come from? Where does it go? Visual aids, drawing out pathways, and even creating mnemonics for enzyme names can be game-changers. I personally found that actively recalling the steps of protein synthesis or fatty acid metabolism daily, without notes, was far more effective than passive reading. The journey through biochemistry is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands consistency and strategic effort. Don't be discouraged by initial struggles; they are part of the learning curve. Remember those moments when a concept finally clicks – that's the reward. Setting up a dedicated, distraction-free study space, and breaking down large topics into smaller, manageable chunks, can also significantly boost your retention and confidence. It's about building a strong foundation, piece by piece, until those complex cycles become second nature. Keep experimenting with different methods, and you'll find your rhythm and conquer biochemistry.