How many sciences should I take at once?

jla623 · Oct 9, 2007

This is just my personal opinion, but I would never take more than 2 science classes in one semester. It all depends on how much you work...if you work a lot (full-time and beyond) I would take A&P I and Human Development or Stats. I probably wouldn't take two sciences classes at once. If you don't work a lot, on the other hand, I would say you have more room to choose. I would definitely recommend taking the Micro after the AP classes though. It will probably be a lot easier. I guess it depends on how well you can manage your time. I would say taking Chemistry, A&P I, and Stats (or Human Development) would keep you VERY busy, but it is do-able if you have enough free time.

Oh wait...I just read that you are married and have a kid....Three might be too much. I just remember taking these classes and how busy I was...

Asherah, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2007

Personally, I chose to take one science (w/lab) at a time and supplementing my course load with the required Lifespan Development, Stats, Interpersonal Communication, etc. courses. Taking one five-unit science at a time was perfect as it allowed total focus on the course content at hand and plenty of outside study time. However, I do not have a husband or children, although I do work full-time. If you are trying to get all of your sciences done in 1-1.5 years, you can always try for summer session if your schedule allows. I took Anatomy in a 6-week summer session and it flew by.

As the poster above stated, I would definitely not take two if you can possibly avoid it. Good luck!

RNDreamer · Oct 9, 2007

It's doable if you are willing to work...In my case it works out for me:

I took Stats in the summer along with a semester or general bio...this semester I'm taking another semester of bio, general chemistry, dev psych and Anatomy....My first anatomy exam consists of cells, plasma membranes, tissues, etc and my Biology first exam will be on cells, plasma membrane, etc...So I'm killing 2 birds with one stone. In addition, some of things I am learning in my chemistry class, I am able to apply to my general biology labs (which is 1/3 biochemistry)...alot of the information I am learning in these classes are repetitive, (there were times when I would go to my biology and have a lecture about something, then go to anatomy and have a lecture on the same thing) so I would be the last person to deter someone from taking more than one science class at a time. It depends on you, because only you know your limits. Just don't take on more than you can handle.

I'm planning on starting my prerequisites in the spring and I decided to go full time in order to apply to BSN programs as soon as possible.
The classes I need to take are A&P 1 and 2, Micro, Chem., Human Development, and maybe stats.
How many of these classes would I be able to take at a time and still have ample study time for each? I'm also married and have a toddler.
And in what particular order is best to take these classes?

SparklyGirl · Oct 9, 2007

I took three sciences at once (and each one was a 5 credit class - physiology, micro and anatomy) and it was intense. I probably would not recommend it. I have three young children and had to spend a LOT on babysitting so I could study/go to class. If you are really dedicated, and don't find the sciences too difficult, it is doable. I studied a lot, spent a lot on babysitting and did get three As.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2007

The classes I need to take are A&P 1 and 2, Micro, Chem., Human Development, and maybe stats.
And in what particular order is best to take these classes?

I would take Chemistry first and micro last. Chemistry seems to be the foundation for nearly everything. You can take the other classes without chem (if your school allows it), but you will understand things better with a foundation in chem. Micro is challenging, and if your college is like many, some A&P topics will be assumed in micro. That said, you can take micro without A&P, it's just better for you if you don't.

For Human Development, it does not matter at all when you take it. Stats is challenging but doesn't really need a foundation in any other classes before you take it.

Ok, I just noticed you said you are going to go full time. Here's what I would do:

First Semester:

Chemistry

A&P I

Human Dev.

Second Semester:

A&P II

Micro

Stats

If this is your first experience in college, I would not recommend this schedule. Also, if you are working full-time, I would not recommend this schedule. Keep in mind that the A&Ps and micro are great big classes requiring lots of study time. I used to tease a friend during these classes that one A&P class was equal to three liberal arts classes. I think that's probably true, actually.

goldenngrrl · Oct 10, 2007

Personally, I wouldn't take more than two sciences at once. I'm taking Biochemistry and Anatomy & Physiology right now (both 4 credit courses) and I'm about at my wits end. I definitely couldn't handle any more than I have right now.

It really depends on you though -- if you're good at the sciences (I take a while to understand them), are ready to work your butt off, and are willing to dedicate a lot of time to studying, then I would say go for it.

Otherwise, I would stick with 1 or 2 at a time.

Good luck in whatever you choose! :balloons:

FionaSophia · Oct 11, 2007

avoid getting stuck in any two sciences in the summer. I took chem in the summer and it was awfully hard to keep up with. I am taking micro now with nutrition and it is pretty good. I am glad I will be taking A and P without any other science classes.

No matter what you do, Good luck!

emersushea · Oct 11, 2007

I would recommend sticking with one science course and then taking human development and stats at the same time. In my experience, A&P, Chem, and Micro were all very time consuming as there were labs courses for each. I would play it safe and stick to just one per term.

SpiceChick01 · Oct 11, 2007

It just depends on what you can handle and how good your support system is. I just took A&P 1 AND 2 along with Micro and Human Development in the Spring of 07. I have a husband and 5 kids under the age of nine, so yes-it's doable! My grades were B,B, C, and A. Was a little mad about the C in Micro, but the professor is a nightmare! I was fortunate not to get a D like a lot of my other classmates. I had to do ALL the extra credit just for that C though! There were no A's at all in there, and a few B's...........and the man had the nerve to brag about this at the end of the semester!!!!! So, barring evil professors, you can do it, and make decent grades too. Best of luck!

modelmama07 · Oct 13, 2007

I took three sciences at once (and each one was a 5 credit class - physiology, micro and anatomy) and it was intense. I probably would not recommend it. I have three young children and had to spend a LOT on babysitting so I could study/go to class. If you are really dedicated, and don't find the sciences too difficult, it is doable. I studied a lot, spent a lot on babysitting and did get three As.

WOW!! Thanks for the motivation!! That really gives me hope. I plan on taking A&P II and Micro next semester...I have a 7 month old, I'm a stay at home mom, and a hubby, but get a lot of help from my family. I feel that as long as I study hard and stay focused, I can manage!! I'm sure you can to, but I don't think I would take more than 3 sciences in a semester...:uhoh21:

vashtee, RN · Oct 13, 2007

I would recommend sticking with one science course and then taking human development and stats at the same time. In my experience, A&P, Chem, and Micro were all very time consuming as there were labs courses for each. I would play it safe and stick to just one per term.

I agree with this plan. Keep in mind that a 5 unit class generally means 15 hours of homework/study to master a topic, and you will see why I'd only advise one at a time. I thought statistics was easy, but there is a lot of homework. I took anatomy and physiology together in one semester, and it was very rough (they call it "suicide-style" at my school). I liked taking chemistry over winter break, but you really can't take more than that one class if you want to have high grades, especially if you have young children... unless you are a genius, of course. :)