Has anyone taken microbiology and physiology in the same semester?

[sofiwes49]

I'm planning on taking microbiology and physiology in the same semester. Has anyone done this? Is the amount of studying required doable? What did your study schedule look like? Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[Rainbow_RN, BSN, RN]

I did it. I'm the type of person that does well studying in short bursts, though. I took Micro & AP2 in the same semester and got an A in micro, B in physiology. Honestly, I'd say know yourself first. What are YOUR study habits like? Are you diligent, would you feel confident doing it?

[kjs91, ASN, RN]

Definitely Doable!

I took both Micro and A&P 2 this passed Fall while working full time (9-5) and volunteering one night a week at a hospital. I received an A in Micro and an A- in A&P 2.

I did not do so well in my first Bachelor's degree, so I put my all into getting good grades for Nursing School Pre-reqs. (Just got accepted to an ADN program for Fall 2018!)

It wasn't easy, but I got by with the help of group texts with classmates, reading/ re-reading all material, and extra studying during weekends/lunch breaks. If you can manage your time and remain dedicated to your end goal, you will do well :) Good Luck!

[sunshineee]

alot of people who did A&P and micro together ended up dropping one. It's doable but it just depends on your home/work situation. I have a family and I am working full time so for me it would be too much. Its up to you and how good you are with studying.

[pmc888, BSN]

I have. I would not recommend it. But, if you're able to do both, and really focus, then go for it.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I took 17 credits at the same time: Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Micro Lab (separate class), Human Growth & Development, and Intro to Health Professions. I got a 4.0 in every class. Of course, I did not work during that semester, school was my "full time job". My best piece of advice when taking 2 or more difficult courses together is to get a planner and color-code it so you stay on top of your assignments and don't miss anything.

I filled in the exam dates for each class and highlighted them in green. Then I filled in the quiz dates (blue). Next, any projects (purple), then homework (yellow). Once that was done, on any days that were in between those assignments, I scheduled myself study time (pink). On days before quizzes or tests, I scheduled a bit extra study time to prep.

Using the planner kept me on-track. I never missed a deadline and I was always prepared for my exams. I never felt like I had to "cram". The color-coding helped me to see, at a glance, what I needed to do. I definitely recommend getting one & some good highlighters :)

You also need to honestly assess what you feel you're capable of doing. I know the type of student I am and I knew I could handle the load. My kids were grown, so I had time to devote to school. My advisor was so negative with the doom & gloom "you're going to fail". I told her to just watch me! You and only you, know what you can do. If you feel you have sufficient time and the mental capacity to do it, go for it. It was a semester from hell. I felt like all I did was eat, breathe and sleep school, but it was great to finish and come out on top. Just be absolutely honest with yourself and realistic about your existing time commitments.

[sofiwes49]

Thank you for the advice! I do believe I can handle the load so thanks for the encouragement!

[SpycyRN, MSN, RN]

Thanks, SopranoKris. I plan to take A&P2 along with micro next semester. I appreciate your scheduling ideas!

[MsJanet]

I took Microbiology, Physiology, and Statistics all in the same semester and got As. Very doable. It just requires staying on top of studying. Review new notes the same day of class and the next day as well. It's definitely doable as long as you keep up with your studying.

[Sly123]

I took Physiology and Micro at the same time. Micro was difficult at first, as it takes me a while to memorize terms, so memorizing the anatomy of bacteria and such was difficult, the easy part for me was the diseases and the immune system, which then helped when we did the endocrine system in physiology. Micro was more of just memorizing, while physiology was understanding and being able to explain in your own words how systems operate. So its up to you whether or not you could handle. I also got a B in phys, and C in Micro. No job. 2 kids.