D116 Course Resources and Tips
This section serves as a comprehensive hub designed to provide students enrolled in the D116 course with essential resources, instructional guidance, and academic tools. The primary objective is to support student achievement by clearly defining course expectations, strengthening pharmacology knowledge, and equipping students with effective strategies for assessment preparation. To access all materials, students must log into their WGU Office365 student account. When downloading documents, students should right-click the relevant link, select “Open link,” then navigate to “File” and choose “Save As” to store the document locally.
Course Orientation and Planning Resources
A solid understanding of the course layout and pacing is critical to achieving success. The resources provided here introduce students to the overall course structure and assist in organizing study schedules to promote steady progress.
| Resource | Purpose | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Course Introduction Video | Course overview | Summarizes the course objectives, outlines instructor support, and details available learning tools. |
| Course Pacing Guide | Time management | Helps students organize weekly study goals and align efforts with upcoming assessment deadlines. |
What is the recommended approach for students starting D116?
Students should begin by viewing the course introduction video and reviewing the pacing guide. This approach aids in creating a realistic and structured study plan that meets the course requirements and timeline effectively.
Study and Note-Taking Support
Pharmacology is a challenging subject that demands purposeful study habits and organized note-taking. The following resources are designed to help students deepen their understanding and retain complex information more efficiently.
| Resource | Focus Area | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Note-Taking Study Guide | Active learning | Provides strategies for organizing notes according to course competencies. |
| Study & Note-Taking Resources | Study efficiency | Enhances comprehension through guided reading and reinforcement of key concepts. |
How can students improve their study effectiveness for complex pharmacology topics?
By applying structured note-taking techniques and utilizing guided study resources, students can boost their ability to recall information and apply pharmacological principles practically.
Core Pharmacology Text Resource
The course’s main pharmacology reference is a specialized review text primarily aimed at nurse practitioner certification.
| Text | Scope | Usage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| FNP Certification Intensive Review: PLUS 875 Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales (Leik) | Pharmacology content review | Students should focus on Section 2, Chapter 3, starting from page 41, which covers pharmacology. End-of-book questions are reserved for later courses (D118, D119, D120). |
Which textbook content is essential for D116?
Only the pharmacology chapter specified in the text is required. End-of-chapter practice questions are intended for advanced courses to maintain focused and manageable study efforts.
Supplemental and Recorded Course Materials
Additional materials are available to reinforce learning but are not substitutes for required readings.
| Resource Type | Description | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded Live Cohorts | Instructor-led sessions | Useful for reviewing challenging topics and reinforcing lecture content. |
| Optional PowerPoints | High-level summaries | Best for gaining conceptual overviews rather than detailed study. |
| Pharmacology Videos | Visual reinforcement | Helps clarify complex drug mechanisms and classifications. |
What supplementary tools are available to deepen pharmacology understanding?
These resources offer alternative explanations and visual aids, which support comprehension beyond the textbook material.
Academic Coaching and Study Strategies
WGU provides academic coaching and study skills resources to enhance student performance and prepare them for exams.
| Resource | Focus | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Coaching Center | Study and test strategies | Offers both self-help materials and personalized coaching appointments. |
| High-Yield Study Strategies | Assessment preparation | Provides tips on note-taking, exam techniques, and study session planning. |
How can students enhance their test-taking abilities and study habits?
Utilizing academic coaching services and skill-building resources helps students adopt strategies that improve their exam performance and overall study efficiency, applicable throughout their academic journey.
Student Engagement and Community Support
Engaging with peers and instructors fosters motivation, accountability, and collaborative learning opportunities.
| Platform | Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| WGU Connect | Student community | Enables collaboration, communication, and peer support. |
| LSH General Study Hall | Focused study setting | Offers a structured, quiet environment to boost study discipline. |
Where can students find community and accountability support?
Participation in online forums and scheduled study halls allows students to maintain regular study habits and benefit from peer interactions and shared academic goals.
Evidence-Based Clinical and Library Resources
Students have access to trusted clinical databases and learning tools to deepen pharmacological understanding and clinical decision-making.
| Resource | Function | Access Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| UpToDate (Optional) | Clinical decision support | Access instructions are detailed on page 7 of the course materials. |
| Access Medicine | Practice questions and infographics | Available through the WGU library portal after creating a user profile. |
What external resources support clinical knowledge and practice?
These tools offer evidence-based clinical information and practice questions, providing valuable support for both coursework and clinical application.
Assessment Preparation and Competency Alignment
Understanding the structure of assessments is vital for targeted preparation and academic success.
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PA and OA Competencies Document | Details competency weightings and key areas evaluated in assessments. |
| Test-Taking Strategies Cohort | Provides practical exam-taking techniques tailored to Objective Assessments (OAs). |
How are students assessed, and how should they prepare?
By familiarizing themselves with competency weightings and focusing their studies on these critical areas, students can prioritize high-yield content and employ effective exam strategies to maximize their performance.
References
Leik, M. C. (2023). FNP certification intensive review: PLUS 875 practice questions with detailed rationales (New ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Western Governors University. (2025). D116 course materials and student resources. https://www.wgu.edu
Western Governors University. (2025). Academic coaching and student success resources. https://www.wgu.edu
Wolters Kluwer. (2025). UpToDate clinical decision support. https://www.uptodate.com
McGraw Hill. (2025). AccessMedicine. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com