Are theses classes hard??

[mr.rn-2010]

The good news is i only need a handful of classes for me to start applying for bsn programs, chemistry and a elementary statistics course i dont have to take general chemistry just survey 1 and 2 could anyone tell me how hard are these classes i dont know anything about chemistry so i am kinnda nervous about these classes. I have already taken my A&P I and II and microbiology and recieved a B and two As out of these classes but that is because they were interesting to me

what could i start studying now to give me a leg up? Any advice would be appreciated!!!

Thanks,

"The Hopefull One"

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure how to answer the question. Chemistry twists my brain. I got an 'A' in my first chemistry class and next month I start organic/biochem which will end in another 'A' but it might be bloody, LOL.

I think for many (myself included) chemistry can be difficult because fear clouds the learning process. For others, they find chemistry easy.

It's not exactly rocket science, though. I'd look on ratemyprofessor.com and/or pickaprof.com to find the best instructor you can. A good instructor can make a huge difference.

Just make sure you set aside enough time to study and don't get behind. Also, I swear by my molecular model kit. Something about putting together all of the functional groups and looking at them made it 'click' for me. But then, I'm a visual/kinesthetic learner.

Good luck!

[coolpeach]

The only class I have had to take that you mentioned was Chemistry. It was a little difficult, but I liked it. I thought it was easier than A&P, and didn't require a much time or effort.

I think what took the most time was memorizing the elements, and doing the stoichiotamy (I don't think I spelled that right). Anyways, its the chemical equations. If you have had algebra it will not be hard for you. Memorize how to set them up and you will be fine.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

What do the pre-requisites for these classes have? That should give you an idea of their difficulty. Having already gotten a BSN I can tell you that my statistics class that I had to take required that I had completed College Algebra. You will be doing math in that class as well as learning about different statistical methods. Later in your nursing program you will be doing some kind of research project that will involve an understanding of statistics.

I also had to have Intermediate Algebra completed to do my year of College Chemistry and there was a lot of algebraic math in the class. The only advice I can give you about chemistry is to not get behind because each lesson builds upon the next. Don't get behind on learning this theory or you will be doomed. They usually start you off learning the various elements, their number of protons, electrons and neutrons. Use flashcards to memorize this information because it's needed later to work the math problems and understand how these elements bond into compounds.

[DreamyEyes]

Chemistry was a little hard for me, but I also took it in highschool and I wasn't really too serious about paying attention in class---so that was my fault! But I took Statistics last semester, and I actually liked it. I'm not a math person, but I did fine in this class. Just as long as you understand the formulas given to you in class, you'll be fine! Good luck. :)

[MikeyJ, RN]

I personally absolutely LOVE chemistry -- I always have. I took general chemistry my junior year in high school, AP chemistry senior year and then continued to take chemistry classes throughout college. The chemistry classes required for nursing school are pretty basic and they don't get too indepth. However, many students struggle with chemistry because it has nothing to do with "studying" and "memorizing". It has everything to do with understanding concepts. To do well in chemistry, it requires practice, practice, and more practice. You really need to sit down every night and do practice problems and try to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. If you practice a lot, chemistry isn't that difficult of a subject.

However, when you enter your 2nd chemistry class, it is generally an overview of organic chemistry and a small amount of biochemistry. That type of chemistry requires you to revert back to the "memorization" and "studying". I think organic and biochemistry is easy to pass if a student can memorize well, because "understanding" the concepts of organic chemistry need to be explored beyond a survey class to really comprehend what is going on.

And as Daytonite said -- chemistry builds upon itself. Thus, most exams in chemistry classes are all considered "comprehensive" because you cannot just exam on new material; you is essential that you understand all of the basic concepts to understand the more complex concepts.