Question about the Science courses

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 21, 2013

A&P is usually a 4 credit each 2 semester course with lab. Microbiology is usually a 1semester 4 credit class with lab. Usually a basic biology background is helpful for micro especially cell structure and function. Basics of cell biology are usually covered in A& P and thus most are more successful in micro if taken after completing A& P 1&2.

If you have basic science knowledge and a basic understanding of medical terminology you will do fine as these classes are generally instructional in nature v

Saysfaa · May 21, 2013

Yes, as JustBeachyNurse said, A&P is (usually) a two 4-credit classes - either Anatomy and then Physiology or A&P I and then A&P II. Micro is one semester, and usually a four credit class.

Prereqs vary. Some schools offer A&P and/or Micro with no prereqs, some require at least some chemistry or biology. Some that require chem or bio accept high school level credits and others require college level.

Quality of instruction varies tremendously from professor to professor as does style (such as whether it is geared for academically gifted and/or experienced students or not so much). Ratemyprofessor dot com can be a great help in picking a compatible prof (just realize people tend to either vent or gush there, take either kind of review with a grain of salt).

Generally, both are considered tough classes. Academically challenged students can do well in them but would be wise to take them seriously from the beginning by doing things like taking a light load of other classes or other obligations at the same time, and setting aside time to study early, regularly, and consistently.

You might want to do some "how to study effectively" research - many colleges have such resources - some have whole classes on the subject and they are for everyone. One of my most intelligent/competent professors regularly takes these classes because she always learns something that helps her. You can also find much on your own at the library or internet.

NCmcMan · May 21, 2013

Damn! Thanks for the information. I am definitely academically challenged. I think I have ADD. I had it when I was a kid, and it's hard for me to concentrate. In all honesty, I couldn't tell you what the true difference between an ADN and A BSN is with all the prereqs you have to take. My God, how long does it take to get all these prereqs done? It looks like this is a HUGE process. I was suppose to go to information seminar today, but I am sick, so I am going to have to reschedule. I was under the impression you could get all this stuff done in a year. It looks like the only way that you could get this done in a year is if you made Einstein your *itch, had no other things to do, no job ect ect.. How long is it taking you folks?

Saysfaa · May 21, 2013

Sometimes going a little slower will get you there much faster.

BSN is a four year degree and it is quite realistic to do it in four years if you know from the beginning that is what you plan to do and don't run into any glitches along the way. ADN is an associates degree meaning it requires fewer general education classes (like math, English, humanities, various general sciences) and far few credits. The nursing part is not much different though. Graduates of each type of program sit for the same test to get their license from the state.The non-nursing classes for an ADN can be done in a year but it isn't necessarily the best way to do it.

I took four years worth of full time way back when but didn't graduate because I changed my major so many times. I left to raise kids. I went back to school about five years ago and have been taking mostly one or two classes per semester and summers off.

My plan is/was to finish prereqs and part time school and start the tracked full time program about the time my youngest finishes high school. Many of the credits from long ago transfered but didn't help me much - I've had to take almost all the prereq classes as if I had started from scratch. I also explored career options for a while so I have some classes from the last five years that I don't need.

I took longer than I needed to because I didn't want to get to the nursing part sooner. However, even if I had been in a hurry, I would have started with a light schedule after having been out of school for twenty-some years. I spent as much time learning how to learn effectively and learning how the system works as I did on the material for the classes. And consider it time very well spent. I would rather have a solid foundation to build on than get through a little faster - assuming I would get through faster without a solid foundation (not at all a sure thing, retaking a few classes to get better grades will quickly take away any time advantage.)

Boxer Mama · May 21, 2013

It took me six semester to complete my pre-reqs, but I am going to attend a BSN program, so I still had some general education credits to complete as well. For my science courses, I had to start with a 5-credit hour biology class to be able to take A&P and micro. I would highly recommended only taking one science course a semester and focus on that class.

I will not lie, it is a lot of information to take in, but you just have to find the way to studying the material that works for you. I wrote out note cards, and they went with me everywhere! I also watched animations on You Tube because I felt that helped me grasp the concepts as a whole.

I would also recommend taking micro after you have completed A&P I and II. My micro teacher made a comment that students did much better in her class if they had A&P first.

If this is something you want, do not let time stand in your way. Just start taking the classes, and eventually you will have all your classes completed to apply.

Good luck!!!

Trenata · May 21, 2013

It wouldn't hurt, esp. when academically challenged to start viewing some youtube videos. For instance, Khanacademy.org has a lot of great info. I go there and review the science and math. For me I am academically challenged when it comes to math and found this website a very valuable tool!!! It is important to go slow to do well in these classes if learning is challenging! I would take one science class at a time and realize you will have to devote A LOT of time to it! You have to utilize whatever learning styles are best for you. Are you visual, auditory, or hands on? For me I am visual and auditory - so I read the text and then go online to find a video to reinforce the material.

If you have the summer free, you could spend time on reviewing some basics of A&P via videos or EZ Barron's books to give yourself a head start. I always give myself 2 weeks prior to class to begin reading the material by getting the syllabus ahead of time. So if other obligations come up or get in the way, I do not fall behind. So far, nothing has come up and I have been able to complete most of my online classes early.

HammockBound · May 21, 2013

I had to take CHM before micro...but nothing before Ant.&ph. 1

It is just a matter of sitting down 20 min. at a time and rewriting or studying your material. Then you have to get up and do something else. If you work in small bits you should be fine! You will learn it easier and faster without having the problems of trying to sit and deal with ADD.

You can take as long as you like to do pre req. Thats the good part. BUT...some colleges have one application date and others have multiple dates to apply. You may miss out if you are short classes but ultimately it is not really a race. It all depends on your schedule.

phoenixnim · May 21, 2013

The pre-reqs can take up to a year or longer, depending how many you need to do and how many you feel comfortable doing in a semester. I would check the schools guidelines that you are looking to attend so you know exactly what you need to do.

For instance, my community college went by my high school grades as a pre-req for micro and A&P. I didn't score high enough in high school, so I would have to do a chem and bio class before getting into micro and A&P at this school.

However, I'm actually transferring to a 4 year school and they go by my college grades only, and they had a combo chem of life as an actual pre-req class, which I was taking when I was still considering doing the ADN program at the 2 year school. So now I'm all set to take A&P and micro at that school, with no additional bio class.

Also, tutors are VERY helpful and most schools have tutoring/learning centers, free of charge, to get the extra help.

msnursecp · May 22, 2013

It took me 4 semesters or 2 years to complete my pre-reqs. I was just accepted into the Fall ADN program! But why don't you try starting off as a CNA first and than work your way up.

MommaTy · May 22, 2013

In my college you have to take an intro to cells class before you can take A&P 1, then I took micro, then I took A&P 2. At my college you can't take micro unless you have taken A&P 1. So that tells you that those courses alone will take you 4 semesters. Unless you take Micro and A&P 2 together (which I don't recommend taking any science courses with other science courses).

mwilso2318 · May 22, 2013

At my school physiology and anatomy is divided I know physiology is 5 credits,anatomy might be 4, micro is 4. To take physiology at my school you have to take anatomy and chemistry.