A week of beees!

No not the insects, but the grade B!

Today I got my result for both the physiology and biochemistry credit tests, both of which I got B grades in. I also got a B in the weekly credit test in anatomy, which was on the topic of the urinary system, so the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra.

In the anatomy lesson this week, we studied the male reproductive system, which means looking at lots of testicles and penises! As well as all the related glands etc. So if anyone asks what I am studying this weekend...

Week 31

I'm 31 weeks into my course, and sometimes I still can't believe that I am actually here and I'm doing this. I'm going to be a vet!!!

The next few weeks are going to be manic, with a trip tomorrow, 3 credit tests next week and 2 the week after. We have 5 days off over Halloween, due to November 1st being a National holiday in Slovakia, for All Saints Day, which many people are using to go home. I have decided to stay here and plan to spent a day or two exploring the forest, as a friend and I found a footpath on Sunday, though a very pretty area. I love exploring, although my friend started to worry when it started to get dark and we had no idea where we were! We were doing a loop, so I knew at some point we had to come out somewhere we recognised! 

And of course there is plenty of studying to do, and notes to prepare ready for the final exams at Christmas, which I hope to do most of before I come home. 

I am watching skyscanner closely, waiting for a flight at a reasonable price (under £35 I hope, but that is probably wishful thinking!) to book to go home on the 20th or 21st of December. Ryanair seem to have stopped the flights from Bratislava to Bristol, which is annoying as that is the route I have taken most. Last year they stopped the Birmingham to Budapest route, meaning there are less and less ways to get home. I wish there was an airport in Mid Wales, with direct flights to Kosice! Its so easy now for people who live near Luton, as the direct flight from Kosice-London Luton begun operating last month.

When not studying, I have been doing some writing and surveys online, as well as entering some competitions. I have recently cashed out nearly £100 from a few sites, and won a £50 Amazon voucher, as well as a couple of books and some face paints. My twitter account it @elljem if anyone would like to follow me and see the competitions I enter.

Blood!

Our last three Physiology practicals lessons were all about blood. We have done several experiments to test and count red blood cells (erythrocytes) and white blood cells (leukocytes). This week we were testing our own blood, as opposed to an animals. One of the tests was to test for blood group. This test involves placing a drop blood into two different antigens, anti-A and anti-B. To get the blood, we had to sterilise our finger, and use a needle to 'stab' it! This gives a few drops of capillary blood to use.
My blood had agglutination in both antigens, meaning my blood group is AB.
We also rested our blood using the Rhesus system, to test for the Rh antigen. This involves placing a drop of blood into a drop of antigen D. I also had agglutination in my sample, meaning I am Rhesus positive, so my blood group is AB+ which is one of the rarest blood groups.
Next week we have a credit test in Physiology, and as it is the day before the weekly anatomy credit tests, I need to get most of my studying done on Saturday.

3 Weeks in

Well 3 weeks have passed already, meaning that in a couple of days I will be 1/4 way through this term!
OR 11.5% through second year
OR 18.6 % through my course
(Yes I love numbers!!!)

This year is more interesting than last year, so although the work is harder, its not so bad as all feels more relevant.  We are spending more time with live animals, and have recently practiced restraining and handling animals, as well as taking blood. My first experience of taking blood from a rabbits ear was nerve-wracking but exciting, and I was pleased to get blood on my first attempt.

As usual there are plenty of tests, with at least 2 a week. So far I have passed two Anatomy Credit Tests, with an A and a C grade. I have also passed two Biochemistry tests, with 90% and 80%.

We have several trips planned for the next few weeks, firstly a trip to the Radiobiology department at the medical university in the city. Then on the 19th we are going on a trip to a show, we havent recieved much information on this yet, but I think it is the Slovak National Rabbit and Pigeon show. We are also going to see the university's pig farm soon.

In Anatomy we are studying Splanchnology at the moment, which is a study of the organs. Firstly the digestive system, from oral cavity to the anus. Today I am studying the intestines and abdominal cavity.

I have started running again, as I used to run a lot in 2011. Getting back to being fit slowly, did a 5km run today in 36minutes, 32 seconds. It was the Kosice Peace Marathon today, which is the oldest marathon in Europe, celebrating its 90th Anniversary. I am thinking of entering to run the marathon next year, although looking at the results, I am likely to be in last position!