Any Tips For Microbiology?

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Specializes in CVICU, CPCU, Cath Lab/IR.

I am starting Micro in the fall, I finished A&P1 this past spring and I am not quite sure what to expect,I know that it is going to be very different from A&P. Any tips or suggestions?

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

Well I must admit I absolutely LOVED my micro lab (as do most students). Lab was relatively easy to get an 'A' in (compared to A&P). However, lecture was far more difficult than A&P. The difficultly does not arise in the concepts, but rather in all of the different bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms you need to rote memorize. That was by far the hardest part for me. My one tip would be to look over any bacteria or viruses you need to rote memorize every day and be able to recite the different types of microorganisms, how they work, what types of diseases/illnesses they relate to, how they are transmitted, and how we treat them. If you can do that, you will probably do well.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

yes, study

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Specializes in CVICU, CPCU, Cath Lab/IR.
Well I must admit I absolutely LOVED my micro lab (as do most students). Lab was relatively easy to get an 'A' in (compared to A&P). However, lecture was far more difficult than A&P. The difficultly does not arise in the concepts, but rather in all of the different bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms you need to rote memorize. That was by far the hardest part for me. My one tip would be to look over any bacteria or viruses you need to rote memorize every day and be able to recite the different types of microorganisms, how they work, what types of diseases/illnesses they relate to, how they are transmitted, and how we treat them. If you can do that, you will probably do well.

I have this lecture with a few other people that I have had previous classes with so hopefully we will have a study group. I did very well in the Lab part of AP and I do okay in Lecuture. I got and overall B, which was really great for me because most people got C's. I guess I am a little nervous because I am not quit sure what to expect. I am a very visual learner and I know I will do fine in lab, but lecture I feel a little un easy about!

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I loved Micro!! I would take it again as I would have to say that it was my favorite class ever. Honestly, it didn't even feel like studying. It may be because I had a great professor that came out of retirement just to teach the class (they couldn't find anyone else) and she was so passionate about her career as a Microbiologist. We would laugh as she waved her hands around talking with such excitement about the wonderment of bacteria, viruses and their ability to evolve and adapt. I would be the only one left at 11:00 at night in the lab with her. I almost wanted to change my career decision! So, my advice is to enjoy the class and if you are genuinely interested in the information, the rest will follow :)

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If you didn't master DNA replication, transcription and translation in A&P, I'd urge you to take the time now to understand each process in its entirety and commit it to memory. I just had to do this for my first micro exam along with synthesis of the leading and lagging strands, plus transformation, transduction and conjugation.

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.
If you didn't master DNA replication, transcription and translation in A&P, I'd urge you to take the time now to understand each process in its entirety and commit it to memory. I just had to do this for my first micro exam along with synthesis of the leading and lagging strands, plus transformation, transduction and conjugation.

Good tip Freedom! I would definitely recommend doing that as well. My A&P classes, nor my basic biology class went over DNA replication, transcription and translation in its entirety (i knew the basics but nothing more). Thus, when I took Micro I went online and spent a few hours reading up and learning about DNA and RNA replication, transformation, conjugation, etc....

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Specializes in CVICU, CPCU, Cath Lab/IR.

Thanks everyone I really appreciate your time and suggestions.

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i am starting micro in the fall, i finished a&p1 this past spring and i am not quite sure what to expect,i know that it is going to be very different from a&p. any tips or suggestions?

i recomend study study its a great class enjoy it i am sad mine is over! if i were 10 years younger i think my education would take me in a different direction after taking that class really loved it!

i agree with another poster study up everyday on the different bacteria, organisms etc. get a hold of video tutorial animations and also pronounciation tools.

here are a couple links i found helpful.

animations

dna replication fork

welcome to biol 230: the grapes of staph home page

animations dna

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Specializes in LTC.

Micro is loads different than A&P, it's definately a lot more interesting. If I were younger and not accepted into a nursing program I'd definately consider changing my major.

The key to memorizing micro is to think about the why.

Also review the immune system responses for the class. They will come up again!

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The immune system and genetic chapters were a killer for me. I stuck it out though and got an "A" for my efforts.

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