A+P and Micro...

likeomgitslala · Aug 29, 2011

Both classes require extensive memorization. A&P I&II, I found to be easier because the class was very enjoyable and directly related to nursing. Micro, I took with English during a Summer quarter and it was miserable. I was not interested in it at all, the memorization was not so much quantity as A&P but more difficult to memorize because it was just uninteresting. With a full time job you may experience some difficulty because both classes together will probably require 20-30 hours of studying a week to ensure a passing grade. But it is definitely doable.

And notecards are the best invention ever! For these classes, they do total wonders! I also invested in anatomy coloring books because a great deal of memorization is going to be body parts.

Band · Aug 29, 2011

I also worked full time while taking Micro... AND Pharmacology. It was a bad choice on my part, but I remember A+P 1 and 2 was a breeze when you're curious and into it. human anatomy+physiology..it's specifically about human sciences not really general sciences, and memorization

Both classes, especially Micro(it can get detailed), you have to dedicate your time and you'll do fine

duchessbettie · Aug 29, 2011

Thank you! I am more interested in A+P, for its practical applications, than in microbiology, but then again I also know less about micro, so I'm hoping that will keep the interest level up. Also, great note on flash cards. Did you find that the ones you can buy through the school/B&N were more helpful or did you prefer to create your own?

KatieJ91 · Aug 30, 2011

I took both, but not while working 40 hours a week. I think the difficulty of taking these classes together will depend a lot on your instructor. I though micro was going to be ridiculously hard, but the lecture portion was cake to me. I barely studied. The lab portion on the other hand was a lot of busy work. Human AP was definitely the harder of the 2. I don't want to seem cocky by saying micro was cake for me, but I do believe it depends a lot on the instructor and my instructor was awesome and helpful without being too easy...

ChattNurseHopeful · Aug 30, 2011

Buying the schools notecards can't hurt but DEFINATELY make your own!!! That was the best study tool. Keep the rubber banded together and then when the comprehensive final rolls around you will already have a huge study tool made. Trust me. It's worth the time to make the cards yourself!

I tool physiology and micro together but wasn't working. It was still difficult but you can do it! I just started going back to school for pre nursing again and am having to retake some

Things. Im working full time and taking the following online: A&P 1 (lab in class), nutrition, and Lifespan Development. We both have busy sesters ahead to say the least but we can do it!!!!!!!!

willowita, ADN, RN · Aug 30, 2011

It's a tough load but you know your abilities, organization level, and commitment better than the rest of us. You can totally handle it if you have your mind in it and you can dedicate any free minute hitting the books.

The only thing that might be tougher for you might be Microbio if you don't have chem and bio knowledge. You can certainly learn it on the spot but I found my bio/chem classes to come in handy in better understanding some trickier concepts. But the good thing is that almost everything is on YT these days so you can find a lot of videos that help illustrate transcription, translation, immune responses, etc. I actually found Microbio to be very practical in my everyday life. When you get sick, you'll have a better idea of what is happening. A&P is mostly memorization.

I took anatomy and microbio along with 2 other classes in the spring while working 40+ hours and I even lost 20 pounds jogging like crazy. I got straight A's to boot. So anything is possible if you set all your energy and priorities into what you want to achieve!