Micro advice???

TRINI_RN · May 27, 2006

If you have an atlas use it! It really helps to look at positive and negative results for the differential tests. Also, look up pics on the internet so you can get used to how results look on different types of media. Get sterile technique down and go over the labs you'll be doing BEFORE you have to do it. If your text has a companion website or cd utilize it, they're packed full of great quizzes and visuals. Make flashcards and carry them with you so you can study anytime. Most of all breathe and have fun, micro was one of the most interesting classes I've ever taken, enjoy it! Good luck to you!

WDWpixieRN, RN · May 27, 2006

I have found most online classes to be fairly easy compared to having to attend a classroom session 1 - 2 times a week....medical terminology shouldn't be bad, but these classes do involve self-discipline....

As for micro -- enjoy it!! It's actually kind of an interesting class and if you've done any A & P or bio classes, you won't find it terribly difficult...again, in a summer session which is usually much shorter, it's just a matter of self-discipline and making yourself attend class, do the work and study when you'd much rather be doing ANYTHING else on a beautiful summer day or evening!!

I avoided science classes all my life and genuinely feel that if I could handle these classes, most anyone will be fine in them!

Good luck!

bethg5 · May 28, 2006

Don't under estimate Medical terminology. I just finished this course online for the winter semester and it was very tough. I guess it also depends on the school, but at our school this course has one of the highest failure rates out of all courses offered. My advisor said that people under estimate the work that is required. Just make sure you memorize, memorize, memorize!! We did 2-3 chapters a week, which was tough. I have always had a 4.0 and took this as just a filler course; I barely survived with an "A". I worked harder in this course than any of the other courses I took last semester. I learned a lot from this course, so it was well worth the work and time I invested.

I have always found that there is a lot more busy work with online courses, so they are not really easier or harder, theres just more assignments to keep you busy.

Good luck and remember to never get behind in your work.

Travellpro · May 28, 2006

I agree with Bethg5. I took Medical Terminology online while I was taking Micro and I invested all my time in Microbiology and not nearly enough time in Medical Terminology. I would have rather taken it in a classroom setting because I learn better from a teacher than trying to do it on my own. I got a "B" in Medical Terminology and an "A" in micro, so you just live and learn. No big deal.

stpauligirl · May 28, 2006

Is there any advice to those of us who will be taking Micro this summer?? I'm really nervous about the whole thing. I will also be taking Medical Terminology online and know nothing about how taking an online class is going to be.
Thank you in advance......
:chair:
Patty

Don't underestimate Microbiology...I just finished it during the Spring semester. It is a very demanding class and some people who took it the second time around didn't make the desired grade. We had plenty failing or barely getting by with a C, only a handful ended up with a competitive grade. I made an A but it took lots and lots of studying, also be prepared for extensive lab work to determine the unknown. I put in many extra hours in open lab.

Good luck

bethg5 · May 28, 2006

I would agree about Micro. I have heard horror stories, especially depending on the type of teacher you get. A friend of mine is taking it over the spring semester and she feels overwhelmed. I would think that you will be one busy person with both of these combined. For our nursing program we take Micro and pharmacology together over the spring and it is one tough semester. I got a taste of how tough pharmacology can be, because there was a chapter on it in medical terminology.

LadyEJ BSN, RN · May 28, 2006

I'm taking Micro in the Fall with Chem II, does anyone think this is a bad idea? I really have no choice, I need to take both of these classes b4 the Winter. I don't have any obligations other than school, I could do ok right? :confused:

HeartsOpenWide, RN · May 28, 2006

Don't underestimate Medical Terminology just because it is on-line. Micro in the summer at my school is done in 5 weeks and you are at school from 8 to 4 with a one hour break, four days a week........if it is anything like that at your school, I would not take any other classes. Don't get me wrong. Micro was my favorite pre-req, but it was still hard...and to do it over the summer is even harder. I am not saying it can not been done! It gunna be just hard!

AggieNurse99, BSN, RN · May 28, 2006

Micro lab-we had a 'tutorial' on the website: http://iws2.ccccd.edu/dcain/CCCCD%20Micro/index.htm

I would print out each media/test's picture and make flashcards of the pertanent info, like selective/differential ingredients, positive results, etc. Micro lab was much more interesting and fun then Chem lab, IMHO. I think my hardest part of Chem was the lab reports. :bugeyes: But we had a wonderful off-campus tutor that actually explained everything so that the students could understand. [Mr. Bill] Only $28 for 4 sessions before an exam. Made a tidy little fortune as Chem Lecture sections had ~300 students.

As long as you have good study habits, and know where to ask for help, you should do well. My community college has free tutoring available, the university where I got my BS had many many off campus tutoring services as well as free on-campus help. Also, if you are struggling, and your professor knows you are trying, you could always ask the professor for a tutor recommendation, ie a student who did really well in their class last semester. At A&M we had 'SI' (supplemental instruction) sessions led by students like this and these were very helpful.

BeccaznRN, RN · May 30, 2006

I took micro over a summer semester - my advice is to spend a lot of time on it. It's a very difficult class, made more so by taking it in such a short time frame. This was the only class where I studied a lot on my own and then utilized a study group as well....I started out without the study group and when I got my first test back with a 58% I decided to join a group. It was the greatest thing! I also took a speech class that summer along with micro and I ended up with an A for both classes. Micro is a great class, even if it's difficult. Enjoy!

lc3 · May 31, 2006

I'm taking Micro in the Fall with Chem II, does anyone think this is a bad idea? I really have no choice, I need to take both of these classes b4 the Winter. I don't have any obligations other than school, I could do ok right?

Hey Anxious Student!

TO be honest, I think its a bad idea. I'm taking Micro now with ANP II and I'm constantly overwhelmed! Its been a exam every week of the quarter! I'm personally not that great in Chem, so for me taking Micro and Chem II would be hell. Micro's fun, but a lot of work. I would try to take Micro separately in the summer and do Chem with an easier class like sociology or psych if you haven't completed those yet. GOod Luck!