Published Mar 5, 2011
sk8inghunny
287 Posts
Ok, I just finished up an 8 week course of A&P 1, and have started an 8 week course of A&P2. I am considering taking Microbiology in a summer session (which is also 8 weeks) but am curious - is micro more difficult than A&P?
I don't know a lot about it, what's covered, how lab is, etc. So I'm wondering if it's manageable.
I'd love your input.
Thanks!
Is it necessary to have chemistry prior to micro? I don't need chemistry for my school.
Trenia
162 Posts
The only prerequisite for micro is the first biology, not chem. This is mostly an opinion, but I'll give my answer anyways.
Micro is different than A&P. I believe it's easier because you will be familiar with some of the things brought up from bio in microbiology, like the Krebs cycle, DNA replication, etc. Also, I feel that A&P is more of an application class than micro.
The first part of lab is doing various bacterial stains (Gram Stain, Spore Stain, Negative Stain, Acid-Fast Stain, etc.) and observing them with microscopes. It's pretty interesting. The second part is mostly immunization I think. This, and the difficulty of the course, all depend on your university and professor though.
I haven't had biology or chemistry, but was able to make an A in the 8 week A&P lab and lecture. Do you think it's possible to do well without general biology?
You've never taken any kind of bio? You can't enroll in micro here without bio. I think someone who has done that would be better at answering that than me.
Nope, no bio. It is an optional suggestion for A&P but my professor felt with a 4.0 I'd do fine. It wasn't easy, but I did it. I'm hoping to do the same in micro, but worried.
RNinthemaking1986
53 Posts
I'm taking anatomy/physiology 2 and microbiology together this semester. So far, I think that Micro has a lot memorization. You are learning about bacteria, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, fungi, algae, protoza, etc. (replication, growth, diseases, types etc)
Its the lab is very interesting. I think its similar in terms of how hard it is to a/p2, but i do not think its "easier". Both subjects require memorization. So far, I aced all the exams.
I'm taking anatomy/physiology 2 and microbiology together this semester. So far, I think that Micro has a lot memorization. You are learning about bacteria, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, fungi, algae, protoza, etc. (replication, growth, diseases, types etc)Its the lab is very interesting. I think its similar in terms of how hard it is to a/p2, but i do not think its "easier". Both subjects require memorization. So far, I aced all the exams.
Do you feel it's necessary to have had Biology or Chemistry as a pre-req?
kira261
14 Posts
Wow, A&P 1 in 8 weeks! Congrats on the A!
I personally though Micro was easy compared to A&P. As others have commented, it is just memorization. I had taken a basic biology class prior though. I don't think you will have a problem if you did so well in A&P. I found that a lot of the early course work is nearly identical. You begin with basic chemistry, move to the anatomy of a cell, and discuss how the cell makes energy. You will find later that the immunity units are similar. I particularly enjoyed learning about various bacteria from the perspective of the bacteria trying to live in a host (in Micro) and as a disorder in the human body (in A&P)
Again, I'm sure a good student like you will do fine
lifelearningrn, BSN, RN
2,622 Posts
So far I think A/P is harder.. I find Micro to be more engaging, especially the labs. My teacher is awesome though, and I'm sure that makes all the difference. I LOVE Micro actually- it's fun. :)
chicagoing, ADN, RN
489 Posts
The actual material in micro didn't seem hard to understand, but the class was bordering on the ridiculous due to our extremely cocky, unorganized, intelligible, and lazy instructor.
A&P seems easier to me because our instructor is very engaging and has a sincere interest in sharing his passion for both teaching and the subject at hand.
dpowe003
76 Posts
Whether or not bio or chem are prerequisites depends on your school. Of course, there are some schools out there that don't have a prerequisite for micro.
For me, I had to take chem before enrolling in micro. I think a bio background would help for understanding basic stuff like DNA replication, transcription and synthesis. I haven't taken general bio, but I already have A&P 1 under my belt. That has certainly helped me with my understanding of micro a little better.
However, it's not a tragedy if you don't have a bio background. Just study and you will be fine :)