CHM 130 on RIO advice?

[Mama2grlz]

Hello! I am new here and exploring nursing as the next chapter in my life. I am debating taking Chemistry 130 on the net through Rio. I would like to take BIO 201 this summer and get myself on the wait list after that, by July. I have taken a few other classes through Rio before and notice that generally it is lots of busy work and tough exams. I wanted to see what your experiences were with this class and whether you wish you had taken it in person. I never did Chemistry in h.s.

Thanks!

[jamij]

I took CHM 130 thru Rio and passed. It was the only class I took at the time because I work full time and have 2 kids- and I def. needed alot of study time. But it's do-able!

[TinkRN8]

Hi all,

I've read through most of the Rio threads about the science courses and am not looking forward to taking classes through them (but I have to because I live in the middle of nowhere). Can anyone message me with advice as to who they liked as a CHM130 instructor (or who to steer clear of)? Thanks so much.

I took chm130 thru Rio, as well as all of the BIO classes. I HATED chem going into it and saved it for last as I really didn't want to take it. However, I ended up enjoying the class and learned a lot. My instructor was awesome, and that is key with RIO. We aren't supposed to say names here, but you can PM me and I can tell you who I had. I see that she is teaching section 52492 that starts 9/8. I took it at the same time as PSY and it was totally doable. The good thing was assignments weren't due until Monday, so that gave an extra day to get things done. Generally, I would spend Saturdays doing the labs, some of which are very time consuming. It wasn't nearly as hard as the BIO classes. There is ALOT of math and memorizing formulas. The tests are straightforward, 95% math. There are essay questions, but they were WAY easier than the BIO essays.

On the other hand, I would steer clear of BIO 201 & 202 thru RIO. If you must take them online, like I did due to timing, etc., take them through either CAC or one of the other MCCD colleges (phoenix, gateway). I have heard that their online BIO 201 and 202 are much better. RIO's were awful!!!!!

[butterflydancer]

I was under the impression that you could did not have to write essays in CHM? Is this also on the midterm and final?

[TinkRN8]

I was under the impression that you could did not have to write essays in CHM? Is this also on the midterm and final?

Oh, yes, there are essay questions on the midterm and final! However, they are NOT like the essay questions in the BIO classes. Mostly short answer, word problems and such. They were actually pretty easy. And you don't have to come up with an application paragraph.

[ltriggs]

Hi,

I want to take CHM 130 starting Sept 8. I was looking for section 52492, but I didn't see this section starting 9-8. Can you give me anymore information about the teacher? I have never even taken a Chemistry class, so I am in need of a good teacher.

I appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks so much,

[bl3sed_w_angels]

I have taken CHM130 through Rio, in the 8 week accelerated version. Online is not for everyone, it is tougher than doing the class in person. You have to be disciplined and want it bad enough. Rio does offer tutors, and they are helpful, the instructor I had was great about answering questions and trying to help as much as possible. He always responded to my emails, whenever I had questions.

Good Luck

Do you mind if i ask who your teacher was? i will be taking the class in a few weeks and im just hoping to get a good teacher.

[Future L&D RN]

i just started chem 130 at rio about one week ago. i am doing the 8 week accelerated class. i would have taken the 16 week this summer but i am desperate. i am also in the second semester of fast track pn program at gateway cc. i cannot apply for block 3 until i have a grade for chem. so i'm just pounding it out now and getting it over with. i know it's crazy but i really want to start block 3 this fall. i'm motivated and i know i can do it. so far its not too bad. the essays are one paragraph at max. if you really want it, you can do it. just lock down and study study. each week 2 labs and 2 lecture assignments are due. i'd imagine 1 lab and 1 lecture assignment would be due in the 16 week class.

[mytwocents]

The science courses at rio were designed to help push mass quantities of bodies through the system as quickly as possible for cheap (for them, not for you). Be forewarned, if you have never taken chemistry before (or did not do well in it when you did take it), this is likely not the class for you.

Picture this: Do you think you can teach yourself intermediate algebra given only some time and a copy of a textbook? That's the scenario with CHM130 at Rio. You'll get a book. You'd better understand everything pretty much as you read it. There won't be time for going back and reviewing. And good luck with the "smartthinking" online tutors as they slowly type their responses from India using terms and language that you can't comprehend.

take the course in-person. i took it online and got a 'c', and i was lucky to get that c. Big mistake for me.

[mytwocents]

i just started chem 130 at rio about one week ago. i am doing the 8 week accelerated class. i would have taken the 16 week this summer but i am desperate. i am also in the second semester of fast track pn program at gateway cc. i cannot apply for block 3 until i have a grade for chem. so i'm just pounding it out now and getting it over with. i know it's crazy but i really want to start block 3 this fall. i'm motivated and i know i can do it. so far its not too bad. the essays are one paragraph at max. if you really want it, you can do it. just lock down and study study. each week 2 labs and 2 lecture assignments are due. i'd imagine 1 lab and 1 lecture assignment would be due in the 16 week class.

by now, you should be realizing how difficult it is to take the accelerated version. if you have the ability to master this material at this pace, i wonder why your goal is nursing school. you should just aim for med school.