Microbiology OR Intro to Chemistry???

[chuff]

My degree requirements state that I can substitute Intro to Chemistry for Microbiology if I want. Those of you that have taken these courses - what would you do if you could choose? I took chemistry in high school - 15 years ago - and passed with B. There was a little chemistry at the beginning of A&P I and I passed that just fine. My only issue is, if I don't take chemistry - I am afraid will fail Microbiology miserably. On the other hand, If I can choose between the 2, I want to take the one that will benefit me the most in school and career. Any advice?

[Pauligirl]

Some colleges offer "medical" microbiology or micro with a health science focus, so if a course like that is offered I would take that.

Into to chemistry would be fun (at least to me) and interesting especially if you're already familiar with the concepts. When I was taking the course I remember a lot of the students who had no prior chem really seemed to struggle with conversions and writing chemical equations. The math aspect I guess is what they had trouble with.

If having to choose one over the other I'd take into consideration convenience and your future career plans (is one required for BSN, etc). If time and finances permit I would opt to take both courses. It seems to me both would be useful in future studies. I'm really kinda surprised that an intro to chem isn't req for all nursing programs. Some nursing programs require one year (2 courses) in chemistry!

I haven't taken micro yet but when I started my intro chem class I thought it would be easy since I already had some prior chem. Oh boy! That was a mistake! It required a lot more work than I thought!

[possiblefuturenurse]

i would take micro. at our college it is a prerequisite so it must be important! chemistry is only required for your bsn.

[MisterSimba, BSN]

I would definitely take Microbiology over Chemistry! In my opinion, much easier and much, much more interesting. :-) And the Chemistry required for Microbiology is minimal!

[Va Beach Nurse]

Micro for sure:up:

[Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP]

Micro was such a fun class!! I agree with everyone else to take Micro. I wish I had that option... Chemistry was a prereq for Micro at our school.

[elizz]

Take Microbiology!!!:wink2: you end up learning some cool things.

[Adams_Mommy_07]

Well I would take Micro over Chem because I love microbiology. However, if you plan to ever get your BSN I would plan on taking the other eventually anyways...

[carygt3]

My school requires both for the B.S.N. program...Micro is heavy memorization and Chemistry takes a lot of time and practice to understand..so i guess it would depend on what type of a learner you are...AND! most importantly..the teacher you have..some teachers just can't teach and give exams that have no resemblance to the hw..

[Brookes1129]

Micro is important when you take Patho because they are going to go back to things you learn in that class like immunity, pathogenic vs. nonpathogenic, etc. So, it is important to have that under your belt for future reference.

However, Chemisty really has helped me with my dosage calculations because the entire course is primarily all about calculations. Due to what I learned in that class, I have not missed a single dosage question so far in this program. But, at the same time, the instructors in nursing programs really dumb down the dosage calculations for you! (I tune them out because I already know how to do it from Chem!)

But, if I had to choose between the two, I would go with Micro. You ARE going to need to have that base of information for Pathology when you get into a program.

Good Luck!