Is it a good idea to take Micro and A&P 1 in the same qtr?

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Feb 24, 2012

I think you can do it. Try to get the books ahead of time and pre-read. Make sure you KNOW basic cell biology before going in as this is important in both of these classes. Just keep focused and keep studying.

Cherry02 · Feb 24, 2012

I know there are people that have done it successfully. I wanted to do that this past fall, but after talking to the nursing advisor and biology advisor, both recommended NOT doing it. So, I didn't. I took A&P 1 by itself. This semester I am taking A&P 2 and microbiology. Honestly, I think having A&P 1 helps. A lot of the stuff we are learning in microbio I remember from A&P 1. With that said, I don't think A&P 1 and microbio together would be impossible...and I definitely understand the desire to be done with prereqs ASAP. If you are organized, hard-working, and willing to devote a great deal of time to the classes...then go for it! However, if you don't have much experience with sciences, particularly biology, and you work a lot of hours or have other time-consuming obligations, I would recommend holding off on microbio.

mc0306 · Feb 24, 2012

Thanks for the quick responses! I definitely want to be done but I don't want to sacrifice my GPA. I have a lot to think about in the next few days.

Spidette · Feb 24, 2012

It depends on how your personal life will be affected. If you can spend a lot of time on classes, and I mean a lot, then maybe you can do it. But if you have to work full time and have kids, then I wouldn't recommend it. A good rule of thumb to go by is for every hour you are in school, you should be putting in 2-4 (probably 4hrs for science classes) hours in homework/studying. So, if a&p lecture is 2h 2days a week and the lab is 3h 2days a week, in that one class alone you should be putting in 4h(lecture)+6h(lab)=10(hours a week your actually in class) x 2, and x by 4, gives you a range of 20-40hours out of class study time. If the material is easy to you, you may only need the 20 hours of study time, if you find it hard/confusing or unfamiliar you may need 40 or more hours of study time. Hope that helps. It really is best to only take one science class a semester.

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 24, 2012

I'm doing great in both classes! But yeah, like some people have said above-- depends on how much it will impact your personal life. If you have other obligations, maybe you should think a little more about it. Good luck!

mc0306 · Feb 25, 2012

I work at the local hospital in the switchboard from 11:30pm-6:30am. The good thing is my supervisor is ok with me doing homework since we only get about 5-15 calls a night. So pretty much have all night :) I am terrible about actually doing homework at home since I have 2 young kids (6 and 3) and am usually tired from such little sleep. I think if I dedicate each night after class I might be able to pull it off. But like Cherry02 said about taking A&P1 alone, I might do that so I can get a feel for and then take A&P2and Micro together in the summer.Thanks so much for comments, keep 'em coming!

BigMama3 · Feb 25, 2012

Funny Micro Story....

Decided to take an 8 week accelerated hybrid course. Tuesdays lab, the rest was online.

I had never taken a class at this particular campus before and was a bit anxious about the traffice, the location, et al.

There were three kids in my house and my hubby was on the way home from work...

In my haste I fell down my front stairs and SEVERLY sprained my ankle. Was screaming in my driveway (not one of the three kids heard me) dragged my big butt up the front stairs into my house and watched my ankle get bigger and bigger.

Needless to say, missed the first class, was on crutches for the second and got off them the last class. Barely got a C+ in that class but I passed...

I also took A&P both one and two accelerated...wish I took my time.

If you can, do Micro in the summer...but A&P take ur time with if you can..taking them both can be done but it will be really, really tough.

Just sayin.

Good luck either way!!

Dawn

mc0306 · Feb 25, 2012

Oh my! I know the feeling! I broke my ankle too while prego! Was in a hurry to get to work and in the end never made it in that day. I have to make a decision about these courses soon. Classes fill up fast as most of you may know. I have never been interested in the sciences so this will be a challenge. Right now I'm taking General Bio and Organic Chemistry.

Funny Micro Story....Decided to take an 8 week accelerated hybrid course. Tuesdays lab, the rest was online.I had never taken a class at this particular campus before and was a bit anxious about the traffice, the location, et al.There were three kids in my house and my hubby was on the way home from work...In my haste I fell down my front stairs and SEVERLY sprained my ankle. Was screaming in my driveway (not one of the three kids heard me) dragged my big butt up the front stairs into my house and watched my ankle get bigger and bigger.Needless to say, missed the first class, was on crutches for the second and got off them the last class. Barely got a C+ in that class but I passed...I also took A&P both one and two accelerated...wish I took my time.If you can, do Micro in the summer...but A&P take ur time with if you can..taking them both can be done but it will be really, really tough. Just sayin.Good luck either way!!Dawn

BigMama3 · Feb 25, 2012

OMG that's baad...YIKES

Personally, I liked A&P...I didnt' like Micro then but am starting to apply it now....hopefully this helps....make the right decision for you. I don't know whre you live but I live in MA and there is a waiting list to get INTO school...the thing that really stinks is many (including me) finished pre-recs then STILL had to wait a year plus to get in...ugh..

Let me know how you make out!!

Dawn