Concerned about Biology/Microbiology!

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Hello, I am considering going into nursing and have a few questions. I took biology in high school and was not too fond of it. I am kind of nervous about going into biology and microbiology because of this fact. I know that I need to get a good grade in both biology (I have to take this class as a pre-req for microbiology) and micro in order to get into the nursing program. Does anyone have any advice for me? I am a good student but have never been too good at science except for Chemistry. I still got B's in science but am wondering if college classes are going to be more challenging? Also, I have heard that A&P is a lot of memorization, is this true? If so I am really good at memorizing! Thank you so much everyone! :D

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GO FOR IT!!!

With that being said....

Yes, AP I is a lot of memorizing, and AP II is more physiology. I am currently taking AP II and Microbiology and I don't find it hard at all. Actually, on some things, my two classes actually correlate. It really helps things stick, and it makes it easier to put the "big picture" together. Good luck to you.

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Hi!

Yes, college classes are more challenging, but you can do it! Staying positive is key. My advice is to stay on top of your work at all times. Always be ahead of the material. Read your chapters before class. Never, ever procrastinate. Even if the material is uber boring force yourself to do it, change your attitude about the material. Reward yourself at the end of the day! A&P I is a lot of memorization, you are correct. A&P II is all physiology with memorization too. If you stay on top of your work & never give up you will do great! Good luck.:specs:

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When we got to cell respiration in biology I checked out "Cell biology for Dummies" from the library. It was great! Helpful in Micro too. There are also youtube videos that teach the different concepts taught in bio and microbio. Use these to help you understand the material.

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At my college you couldn't get away with just memorizing in the A&P class, but thats probably because the instructors were really difficult. They were doctors so it was really hard unless you understood and learned everything. It took me, as well as several others, 3 times to pass it. The key for me was not just learning it well, but understanding how to work with the teachers' method of testing. As long as you don't procrastinate on studying you should be just fine.

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Khan Academy is a great website for explaining subjects in layman's. Biology can be tough at first but everything ties into each other so if you can connect the dots you'll be great. Microbio was a breeze even with a horrible teacher.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Curious what your draw is to nursing if you aren't fond of science? Not that it's a bad thing, but curious. There is a fair amount of memorization throughout nursing and prereqs. In my opinion, it is of far greater importance that you work to truly understand the material, starting with AP1. Get help early is my advice. Utilize tutors. Make sure you put in the time to understand the anatomy and physiology. If you skimp on it you will find that the information starts stacking up and your classes will become exponentially more difficult. If you learn the form and function of the kidney for example you will better understand the disorders of the kidney and the pharmacology of treating renal disorders. This is a field where information builds on the previous semester.

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Well I guess I shouldn't say I am not fond of science. It was more of biology that I didn't like. I absolutely LOVED Chemistry (which isn't one of my prereqs :crying2:) and I think I will enjoy learning A&P but my main draw to nursing is helping people and I never thought that I could do it because I wasn't too good with blood but I recently shadowed my mom who is an RN and I really enjoyed it! After this semester (2nd one in college majoring in Hospitality and Tourism) I will be changing my major and finishing up my pre-reqs for nursing!

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Best of luck with the switch. It's worth the effort.

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Thanks so much!

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I know two ppl who are currently in micro, and they said it seems to be easier so far than A&P2. Not sure why exactly but to be honest I don't know too much of what microbio consists of. In my opinion it seems like less info or memorizing than A&P. But this is just my guess. Bottom line, it's not a reason to make or break it for you! If you want to become a nurse I wouldn't let that class shy you away. I haven't heard awful things about it :)

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Hey I was wondering do you have any advice for gen biology. Refresher books or notes?

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