Advice on Prereqs

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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So, I'm taking BIO 101 and ENG 112 for the 2014 fall semester online. I'm attending TNCC right now and they require that you take BIO 101 before you can take A&P and I want to do really well. Does anyone have any advice for me on how I can get an A in the BIO 101-General Biology I course?

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

All depends on you. How do you study best? Are you focused? Will you keep up on assignments? Is this a strong subject for you?

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Specializes in ICU.

You should do fine as long as you put an adequate amount of time into it. I know some people are intimidated by science classes but you really just need to pay attention, do the work, and a little bit of studying. Just get good grades.

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Specializes in Education.

Study. (Obviously)

The question isn't really "how" to get an A, it's how you best learn. I always told my students (I was a tutor for everything involving nursing and pre-nursing) that the first thing they needed to do is figure out their learning style and then work from there. Additionally, I will always suggest getting a voice recorder and recording all the lectures. That way you can always go back and listen to them again; especially if you ended up having an off day, it can be amazingly helpful.

Look at the syllabus and at the very least skim the assigned chapters before class. Write down all the vocabulary terms and key ideas. After class compare the notes you took in class and the notes you took from the reading.

Study groups! Sometimes sitting down with a couple people from class will allow you chances to, in a casual setting, discuss the key concepts and topics from class. You'll know something better than they will, they'll have a firmer grasp on something than you will...

Finally, if you aren't sure that you're able to understand the basics, don't be afraid to ask for a tutor, don't be afraid to ask your professor for help.

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I've found the science courses to be sort of intimidating, but also the books my teachers assign to be even worse. Also, I'm sort of a visual learner and it helps to see things sorta drawn out and explained. For this very reason, I recommend utilizing Khan Academy, Biology section to aid you in topics as a secondary measure, especially in areas that you might be questioning yourself on. Also I'd utilize the internet a lot. Besides all that, it's all about time management and dedication. If you put in the work, you will see results.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, ShanaeD:

Contact time generally helps a lot. Learn the terminology, make and use your own flashcards (I use quizlet.com); for terminology, I also suggest looking up the etymology of the word along with getting to understand the different prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Do make it a point to go to every class; record and listen to lectures if you are able to do so. Do go to any labs that come with the class, and stay the entire lab time. For classes with labs, IF you are able to float from group to group do that vs. pairing up if you are comfortable doing so; for me, I would float between groups picking up what they know and sharing what I know (it was win/win).

I found https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/how-get-any-846733.html to be helpful for every class I've taken to date.

Thank you.

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Thank you guys. I will take all your advice to good use. I hope I do well because I really want to get into nursing school.

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

Science is always easy for me because I find it interesting. But, here is what I can offer: Pay attention to what your instructor covers in class. Never be afraid to ask questions. No, Seriously.. ASK! There are concepts you will learn that have A LOT of detail to them. You will want to know how much of that detail you will need to know for tests!You're professor might be nice and say "only need to know the main component" or you'll be left guessing and with something like Cellular Respiration.. that can be mind boggling.

If there is a concept you don't understand then email, ask for tutoring... my college offers free tutoring for students interested. Youtube can be valuable for understanding things when you just don't get what you're reading. Ask for the power points, take notes, rewrite notes... ask if there are review questions. Be proactive in your own education. When all else fails. Write it again. And again. Read it outloud... If you can explain it to another person and they can understand what you're explaining. You're good.

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For you biology class you just want to study on a consistent basis and take good notes. After every lecture, think back and try understanding the main points of the lecture. Getting good study skills now while taking this Bio class will help you immensely when you need to take Micro and A&P

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