Chem 1 vs Bio 1

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Hey everyone!

In the fall I begin my freshman year at the University of Florida to pursue a degree in nursing. At UF, I am required to take EITHER Chemistry 1, Biology 1, or Physics 1. I also have to take microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.

I know that I won't take Physics, but would I be better off in Chem or Bio? Which will prepare me most for the other prerequisites? Im so lost.

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I would think Biology would prepare you better for Anatomy and Physiology. Chemistry would be helpful too, but I really think Biology would help you do better in the other required classes because you'll gain a basic understanding of how a cell works. But that's just my :twocents:

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I think you'd be better off taking BIO. With all the other bio requirements, it seems BIO1 would be a good foundation.

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Wow you are lucky you have a choice, my school required both lol. There are some chem concepts that apply to nursing, but Biology is better to take because it will better prepare you for micro, physio, and anat.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

I think biology would help you more in A&P and micro. If you can accomodate the workload, adding chemistry isn't a bad idea either.

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Def Bio. In micro and A&P you will likely have to understand at many things on a cellular level. They'll talk about chemicals and chemical bonds but most of the stuff we had to know chem wise was really just conceptual and not very detailed.

Also I'm not even really sure how you could take Micro without Bio.... I would have been totally lost, as EVERYTHING is discussed on a cellular level.

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I loved Chemistry BUT, I think Biology would be a lot better and a lot easier and less hectic as well besides, biology would better prepare you for human anatomy and nursing school.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I would take Bio. There's a lot in biology you probably already have a frame of reference for, versus Chemistry which is more of it's own new kind of world. Either you get it and enjoy it or you struggle - kinda like math. Lower level Bio is more along the lines of memorization and regurgitation.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
Def Bio. In micro and A&P you will likely have to understand at many things on a cellular level. They'll talk about chemicals and chemical bonds but most of the stuff we had to know chem wise was really just conceptual and not very detailed.

Also I'm not even really sure how you could take Micro without Bio.... I would have been totally lost, as EVERYTHING is discussed on a cellular level.

I think you'd either need Bio or A&P. Both classes should go into the cellular functions of things.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I think I'm the only one who is going to say Chem I. However, I did my initial undergrad at FSU in Chemical Science so I'm biased :)

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I am nearing the last pre-reqs and I'm taking Chem now. I thought Bio was useful for Micro and A&P. Both Micro and Bio had a decent review of the Chem required. In both my A&P and Mico, they expected you to know Bio and know how to use a microscope from the first day, there was no Bio review.

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Are those the requirements for the Nursing program, or for UF general ed requirements? From what I've seen, most BSN programs require Chemistry in addition to Microbiology and A & P. You might want to check requirements for the BSN program and any additional classes later on. Also, talk to an adviser. That's what they are there for! :)

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