Freaking out about BIO201...Please Help!

Davi3197 · Mar 3, 2009

I just took BIO201 through RIO and I've been out of college for 9 yrs. It's definitely a challenging class that requires a lot of studying time (and memorization) and time to complete the assignments. I'm not sure how the class will be on a campus but I've read that taking BIO classes online through RIO is much more difficult than in-class. If you're good at Biology then you may find it easier than others would and that will help you determine if taking BIO156 will help you or not.

I was also fortunate to be able to take the class without working since I've been a SAHM and having my son in daycare for 5 hrs a day. I think with your work schedule, you may possibly be overwhelmed. Not trying to freak you out but that's something you may want to think about.

Davi

giardiafan · Mar 3, 2009

Dude/Dudette: Chill out. It's only education, and worrying won't help any.

Yes, BIO201 is challenging, but far from impossible.

I took it during Summer I in 2008 at Gateway CC, and it was a toughie, but still doable. Yes, it's a 2-2.5 hour lecture daily. You'll need to take good notes and pay close attention. Lab is 2 hours daily and requires disciplined memorization. You need to develop short term memory skills that allow you to hold mass amounts of names and info. to get through the tests. The good news is that it's only short term and then you can go back to using the texts as reference.

So you're looking at 2-2.5 hours for lecture, 2 for lab, and 2 for study every evening. But remember, it's only Mon-Thursday, so you can use Friday as an acacdemic vacation day and then hit the books to review or get ahead over the weekend.

Recommendations: Use rateyourprofessor.com (I believe that's the URL) to identify the good teachers. It's just one of those subjects where the daily lecture will clarify a lot of issues around different tissue types and muscle/neurological behavior.

Good luck!

airforceguy · Mar 4, 2009

I took this class last semester so I can't comment on how difficult it might be in the compressed format. However, I hadn't taken a college class in 8 years, and I've never taken a college-level science class. I took HS biology in 10th grade, which was about 12 years ago. I still managed an A in this class though. Your course will start with a brief review of cellular biology (and "stuff" like diffusion), and the first two or three chapters of your A&P textbook will have the info you need. The rest of the class will be new and really doesn't build upon anything you might learn in 156 that isn't covered in the beginning of this class.

I would say to wait until the fall and take the traditional 4-month course because it's a LOT of info. If you're trying for an A, that class will take over your life for a month. As far as I know, the AAS nursing program doesn't have any penalties for withdrawals, and you can apply with a C, and you did say this is your last prerequisite...so why would you waste your time taking 156 if it's not required? Give it a shot, and if it's too much at once retake it in the fall. Good luck.

HJS27 · Mar 8, 2009

Take the class...once you start you will be able to assess how realistic it will be for you in the compressed summer format. If it is too much for you, withdraw and take it in the fall. Remember, it is only for a short time. Good luck!

JanineD23 · Mar 9, 2009

I took BIO201 through pima community college as a 5 week class that sounds similar to yours. I now tutor biology. It was definitely stressful and took a lot of study time since we had about a test a week but it is doable. I, however, wasn't working 20-30 hours a week and found ample time to study.

I don't think you'll need 156, but you are asking a lot to try to do the studying on top of that kind of work schedule. 201, to me, was more challenging than 202.

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

i agree. take it and see how it goes. i took after not having a high school biology course in 12 years and received an A. i also took it along with a math class, while working full time, on top of being a single mom to my two kids. if it feels overwhelming ( i can imagine that the prospect of those long days 4 days a week can look daunting), withdraw and take it in the fall.

Lizzyru · Mar 19, 2009

Hi there. Just to share my experience on trying to go straight to Bio201 - well, that didn't happen. I already have a B.A. and have taken College level Bio but since it's been over 8 years (I think Rio won't accept if it's been 5-6 years) I was told it was no good. I went to Rio to register for BIO201 and was stunned when I was told I would have to take BIO156. I went home in tears because this pushed my plans back a whole school year. I am now taking BIO156 and I am really glad I did. Things have changed quite a bit since I took it last and it is a really nice refresher course for me. I was planning on taking the summer I BIo201 course also but am not sure at the moment. I am currently taking CHM130 along with Bio 156 and I sure would love a short break before getting into A & P. :)

If anyone is thinking about taking BIO156 online, do consider taking it from Phoenix college. It's a lot less stressful than what I hear from those who have taken it from Rio. :) I currently have an A after midterm.. so it can't be too bad. :)

Good luck to you!

Lizzyru :typing

CDMZG · Mar 19, 2009

Thank you all so much for your responses and advice. Last week I went to the college book store and purchased the BIO156 book. I am reading and studying it on my own; my own little "refresher course" . I plan on finishing it within the next week to take my assessment exam. My BIO201 class won't be starting until June so I will probably read the book again in May, just to keep the information fresh in my head. I am keeping my fingers crossed I do decent on the assessment so I won't look like an idiot sighing up for 201. :bugeyes:

FKAParalegal · Mar 19, 2009

I quit work and went back to school in May 2008. I took Bio 201 in Summer Session II at Glendale. I loved the class. It was not "easy," but very doable. If you are thinking about taking it at Glendale, there is a teacher I would highly recommend that is teaching it Summer Session I. PM me and I will give you the information. I had her husband for Bio 201 and then took her for Bio 202 in the regular Fall Session.

foxfire73 · Mar 20, 2009

If you buy the regular A and P book, everything you'll need to know from Bio 156 is in the beginning. Bio 201 didn't start until about the fourth chapter in the class I took, at Pima Comm. College in Tucson.

amers_here · Mar 22, 2009

I took BIO 202 over the summer, and I actually preferred the summer class as opposed to the normal semester format. I felt like the information for the tests was more fresh in my head for tests because there was a test every week instead of it being drawn out during the semester.

Yes, the class is a bit difficult, but a little hard work never killed anyone.