How do you make it through the sciences?

L8RRN · Jul 18, 2012

I was not a strong science student throughout high school and disliked it a lot. I took the minimum I had to take to graduate. I had a significant break (YEARS) after high school before starting chemistry and biology in college, but it all kind of clicked and I actually ended up liking a lot of it. In fact, if you give me a choice between English, SS, math or science, I would probably take a science class now. I ended up making an A in all my science classes except A&P2 (a B). Give it a chance and don't let your previous experience taint your opinion just yet.

GOOD LUCK!!

Saysfaa · Jul 18, 2012

Back when I was young and stupid, I often got through a class as opposed to understanding the material. I put a lot of things in short term memory, passed some of the tests based on test taking skills rather than understanding the material, and so on.

Now that I'm a little less stupid and not so young, I take classes with the premise that I can thoroughly understand this stuff now and have it later (or have it later with just a little review) or I spend a lot of time relearning it later - perhaps in the middle of nursing classes which are notoriously difficult.

Sometimes, I know I won't really need something later. Then I motivate myself with the premise that the more you learn the easier it is to learn. I might not need that specific thing later but I will need to know how to learn similar types of material. Or, I may not need to know the ins and outs of something later but a basic understanding of it will allow me to properly understand references to it.

Sometimes, I just have to use a few mantras. Or talk to a friend who will remind me what my goal is and not to let this sideline me.

Sometimes, I have to stop thinking about what I feel about the class or the material or similar classes in the past and just get through the next test or chapter or concept.

Jennie.K · Jul 18, 2012

I was terrified to take any science courses. Being an English major with a perfect 4.0, the thought of a possible B made me tremble. Obviously, I switched to nursing. After the first week of A&P I, my first science course since 10th grade - a million years ago, I decided I would not be intimidated. First, I read the text book and reread things I did not understand, sentence by sentence if I had to, until it clicked. After the first test, I got together with another pre-nursing student and, basically, taught her the entire class! I now LOVE science and I am more excited about a semester than I have ever been. In the fall, I am taking A&P II, Chem, Pub. Speaking, and lifespan psych.

I think once you give it a chance and make the decision that you can do it, you will excel.

Also, I ended the semester with a 91.5% in A&P. At my school, a 91% in an A; so, I barely made it :) Good luck to you!!

allnurses Guide · Jul 18, 2012

Do you still hate science?

Nursing is a lot of science.

dkmamato3 · Jul 18, 2012

I was not keen on science in high school or my first round of college - but going back I find it extremely facinating. I did have to supplement my micro class with extra readings on my own as some of the concepts were a bit vague and I needed to freshen up on my knowledge. Just plan for lots of extra reading time and you will be fine.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 18, 2012

Healthcare is science-based. This is like an English major hating to read.... don't get it.

Everline · Jul 18, 2012

I stopped looking at it as all the sciences I had take. I started looking at the class that was directly in front of me and the homework/tests I had to attend to that day. I checked off the days I completed on the syllabus and before I knew it, the end of the semester was at hand. IOW, I didn't allow myself to get overwhelmed, for instance, that I had to take A&P I and II. I dealt with an assignment or subtopic at a time and applied myself to it. That's what got me through. And I got an A in both classes/labs. If I were to think of all that is ahead of me and how was I going to do it, I'd probably would psyche myself right out of it.

nguyency77, CNA · Jul 18, 2012

I hated science until I got to my junior year in high school. I took a molecular biology class and just fell in love with it. I think trying to like it and overcoming anxiety about science classes helped me get through them. I'm in the final stretch... just two more weeks and I'm home free.

Workin on it · Jul 18, 2012

Nursing is a lot of science, and not just during school. I was intimidated by all of the science classes at first but also knew that I loved science and would enjoy learning more. If you really hate science that much maybe you should really think about if nursing is for you. There is a reason I did not choose a major in history or english.

pnkgirl25 · Jul 18, 2012

As odd as this sounds, I found it easier to take the classes in the summer. Becuase the classes were so short and the test were back to back you dont really have time to forget anything which gives you a chance to get the best grade. It might be one of those things where you are only retaining it long enough to pass the class but my thinking is I will retake it again while I'm on the waiting list to a brush up.

Exhaustipated, ADN, BSN · Jul 19, 2012

Find the study method that works for you. Study groups help many students. If your school has an Open Lab available, utilize it. Flash cards are good. Keep in mind that what works for your neighbor may not do diddly for you. The bottom line, though, is that nothing will help if you don't have an interest in the science. Something my A&P I instructor said a number of times has stuck with me:

If you don't find the science of the human body fascinating, you're pursuing the wrong program.

Seriously, that's the one thing that's kept me chugging along. Each new thing I learn in A&P fascinates me further. I'm amazed that all these things are happening in our bodies every second of every day, and they do so without us even knowing about it. It's mind blowing!