In what order should I take these classes?

NCRNMDM, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

You do not have to take chemistry before microbiology, and your understanding of one does not reflect how you will understand the other. In my opinion, it is absolutely ridiculous to try and take chemistry and microbiology together, and it's crazy to say that you HAVE to take chemistry before microbiology. You will, however, need anatomy and physiology I before you take microbiology, as you will need to know some basic anatomical concepts for micro. If I were you, I would take the algebra course along with anatomy and physiology I first. Next, I would take the health concepts course along with micro, and, finally, I would take chemistry by itself.

boojum · Apr 24, 2011

That's funny, at my school chemistry was a prereq for micro. I did not think I needed much A&P for micro, I found the chemistry more applicable. I suppose if you have never had any biology and are unfamiliar with cell structure, etc. then you should definitely take A&P 1 first. Anyway, they all intertwine at certain points. A lot depends on your school and the professors- like I said, our micro prof was famous for being incredibly difficult so I saved that for last.

siberiantiger · Apr 24, 2011

Pre-requisite coursework for the core sciences are different for different schools. You must check them for the schools you are looking into.

For example, at Citrus College:

Anatomy requires only general biology

Physiology requires anatomy and chemistry

Microbiology requires general biology and chemistry

I personally took anatomy and microbiology at the same time. I also took the second semester of chemistry (which may be required for some nursing schools) with physiology.

Grades will be dependent on how capable you are at juggling school, work, and real-life.

Aly529 · Apr 24, 2011

Thanks everyone for helping me decide. I have about a month and then I have to pick fall classes.

Anyway, I was curious about prereq's and A/P does not require anything like biology before BUT in the program description it mentions:

"CHM1032, CHM1040, or CHM1045 is very strongly recommended.

It doesn't say before, during, after...etc. So now I'm lost.

Do I need chemistry BEFORE A/P? :confused:

I know that Chem has a prereq of math so I need to complete math first in a separate term. I'll do math this fall for sure. I'd feel more comfortable doing that anyway but I don't understand why they recommend chemistry before...

Micro needs A/P1, A/P2 and CHEM as pre reqs so that will have to be last.

The classes I listed are all that I have left. Micro is not needed before I apply and A/P goes together with a lab, same with AP 2, chem, micro AND math.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

At my school, chem is not a prerequisite to any of the biological sciences (I think it may be for physics)..

In fact, the only biology prerequisite was A/P1 before microbiology. The rest you could take anyway you want. A/P 2 before one, general biology 2 before one. A/P 1 before general biology.. doesn't matter. Though why people take "2s" before "1s" has always confused me.. but lots of people do it.

siberiantiger · Apr 24, 2011

Well for some schools, A/P 1 and A/P 2 are not taken sequentially because the contents are not built upon each other. Some schools divide A/P 1 and A/P 2 based on the systems. For example, A/P 1 may discuss muscular, respiratory, and nervous systems while A/P 2 will discuss circulatory, digestive, and renal systems. It all depends on the philosophy of the school's department. On the other hand, schools that have separate anatomy and physiology tend to require anatomy for physiology. It makes sense for physiology to build upon what is learned in anatomy.

Aly529 · Apr 25, 2011

Yeah, mine requires AP1 before AP2.

I just don't understand why they say chemistry is recommended before AP.

siberiantiger · Apr 25, 2011

Yeah, mine requires AP1 before AP2.
I just don't understand why they say chemistry is recommended before AP.

I can think of three examples where chemistry may matter:

In renal system, how ions are reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts.

In muscles, how calcium and magnesium play a role in contraction and relaxation.

In nervous system, how sodium, potassium, and calcium affect action potentials and release of neurotransmitters.

I'm sure there are many more examples out there.

Aly529 · Apr 25, 2011

I can think of three examples where chemistry may matter:
In renal system, how ions are reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts.
In muscles, how calcium and magnesium play a role in contraction and relaxation.
In nervous system, how sodium, potassium, and calcium affect action potentials and release of neurotransmitters.
I'm sure there are many more examples out there.

Thanks for explaining. Do you think I can manage taking AP1 before chem? I have common sense and don't mind doing the extra research...

sanu22 · Apr 25, 2011

algebra, A&P 1and chemistry!!!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2011

I don't think you'll have any trouble at all taking AP before chem. I took it as well as general bio (1,2) without it. The chem is very basic, and if you read that section in the text you'll be fine. IMHO