Mae Hilty Memorial Library: New Students

The library provides you with free access to subscription and public databases.  Here are some we think will be most useful for your foundational courses.

Anatomy
Anatomy Atlases - a collection of gross plates, cross-sections, and microscopic plates similar to what you would find in an anatomy textbook.  The atlas does not include a zoom feature, so you will need to use your device's zoom capability.

BioDigital Human - a collection of interactive 3D images of the human body.  It will be necessary to register for a free student account to access the images (there is a free demo).

InnerBody - a free tour through all the systems of the human body that allows you to click down to a fine scale.  Good for quick reviews.  Note: this is a commercial website, so the text is intercut with ads.

Instant Anatomy - a collection of notes and diagrams from a surgeon who took up anatomy when he retired.  Good for making flashcards from, or just studying directly on the site.

Ken Hub - this website offers nearly 3000 excellent articles, videos, and memory aids.  It is available in a free version and a subscription version that includes quizzes, exam prep, and tutorials.  Everything works on laptops, mobile devices, and tablets.  There is a mirror website in Spanish.

Master Muscle List - an illustrated list of every muscle with its origin, insertion, action, and nerve.  Great for making your own flashcards.

WebAnatomy - self-quizzes on all aspects of anatomy, at various challenge levels, from the University of Minnesota

Biochemistry
MetaCyc - a synthesis of what is known about metabolic pathways and enzymes in protozoa and metazoa.  Search by enzyme name or pathway name.  Click on any component for further information, including other reactions it is involved in.  It is not necessary to create an account to use this database.

Lower Extremity Biomechanics
NeuroLogic Exam - While the entire website will be useful in your studies, use the Gait Exam section to see quick videos of normal and abnormal lower extremity movements.

Histology/Pathology
PathoPic - Part of an open-source database of pathology specimens provided by a Swiss university.  Search by diagnosis, tissue, body system, or anatomical location.  Toggle from German to English using the button to the right of the PathoPic title.  Note: these images may not be reused without written consent from the image owners. 

WebPath: The Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education - The Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah hosts this searchable teaching database of pathology slides and specimens, which includes self-guided quizzes and tutorials.  Note: these images may not be reused without written consent from the image owners.

Microbiology
MicrobeWiki - by students (and their professors) for students.  Read basic info about bacteria and viruses written as part of classroom assignments.  Test-yourself questions are under the Study Microbes tab.

This Week in Microbiology - one of the periodic podcasts from the American Society for Microbiology, it addresses current developments in the field. 

Physiology
Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions - health education about common and rare conditions in everyday language

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health -  scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine, from the National Institutes of Health.

1. Start your day with a good routine:  get up, get cleaned up, get food, and then go to school.  Your location may be different if you're doing an online course, but your routine doesn't need to change.
2.  Designate a specific area for studying.  If you don't have a desk or coffee table for your laptop, books and notes, then assign a chair or one end of the couch to be your office, and reserve it for that purpose.
3.  Keep track of deadlines.  Download a free blank monthly calendar and add assignment due dates, exams, and other important notes.  Here are 7 Time Management Tips for Online Students.
4.  Take regular brain breaks to let what you've learned sink in.  Rest your eyes and brain between study sessions by listening to music or checking in with your family.
5.  While you're studying, turn off notifications and the news.  When you're finished, reward yourself by seeing what's happening outside.
6.  If instructional material is challenging or confusing, ask for clarification!  Regular conversation with your professors promotes academic success.  Faculty "office hours" are the times set aside specifically for student contact outside of class, so drop by then or arrange for online contact during those hours.

FOR MORE TIPS:    Online Student's Manual for Success  
AND A TIP ABOUT STRESS:  How stress affects memory
upper image by Hatice EROL from Pixabay    lower image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Hate to buy textbooks?   We have arranged for access to some course textbooks as ebooks.  There is a limit to the number of students who may view an ebook at the same time, so if you are denied access to a particular title, please try again later.

 If you are unfamiliar with Canvas, take a look at the student guide.

For students bringing a house pet with them to the greater Houston area, here are some regulations you should know about:  The maximum number of adult cats and/or dogs allowed per household is 4 animals.  All cats and dogs older than 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies and then licensed by the county health department.  Lower-cost spay and neuter surgery, as well as rabies vaccinations, are available at BARC, Houston's city animal shelter.

You may be eligible for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.  Check the enrollment options here if you would like to apply for insurance as a student.

  For people new to Texas, here's information about registering your vehicle and obtaining a Texas driver's license.    
Image credit: CC-BY-SA 4.0

If you want to register to vote in Texas, here's a good place to start.   
Image by amberzen from Pixabay

For students who are also parents, and who will be living in Pasadena, here's how to get your children registered in the Pasadena Independent School District.

For students (with or without families) who may be living on a very tight budget, here is some information about food assistance.
Image credit:  Free SVG