Microbiology-Spring 2008

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I was hoping to start a "sticky" for those of us facing micro this spring. I've done (and kind of enjoyed) A&P I and II but am nervous about this course. If anyone finds any good links, has Q&As or hints to share, etc., could we add them here? I have seen other posts about micro, but only by doing a search and couldn't find a dedicated thread. If there is one, point me in the right direction and I'll shut up. LOL!

Happy New Year everyone!

Unfortunatly I took Micro this past semester and got a D. Now, I can not continue on to my last semester of nursing until I get a C, so this means next semester instead of finishing Nursing I will be back in Micro and can't finish nursing until Fall semester of next year. I am really upset about the whole situation. I would recommend getting it over with asap!

don't worry everything happends for a reason just go in harder next time good luck:nuke:

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hello! i was just wondering if any of you can help me out decide, Im not taking microbio(yet) but have plans this summer... do you think that this class is going to be tough for an 8 week long semester? should i take it or leave it for fall? im having second thoughts if i should (and get it out of the way) or take chemistry instead. thank you in advance!

I am taking Pharmacology this summer in a 10-week semester (june-august). It is going to be tough but so worth it in the end. I figure if its just one class and I manage my time this summer I will be fine. I am sacrificing my summer but I dont have a choice (I have to pass this if I want to get in for my ADN program). I found out what textbook they use and I already ordered it. During the month of May I am going take advantage of my off time and just start going over Pharm basics... I already started on the math. It is really up to you and how disciplined you are. I think anyone can do it if you just put your mind to it, so get to it! lol, seriously!! Microbiology is a very intense course but if you keep up with it just a little everyday... you will be fine. Just stay away from this bc this will eat your time!!! :typing lol

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I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but I couldn't find it anywhere...

I'm planning to take Micro in the Fall '08. I am just getting back into school to take my pre-reqs after being a SAHM for 9 1/2 years. I am very determined, but don't want to get overwhelmed. I took BIO 101 back in '94 so I don't recall much (obviously).

My question is: are there areas I should re-familiarized myself with before school starts? Can anyone recommend any reading outside of buying the text? (grant doesn't allow it). Any tips /advice so I don't get left in the dust the first week of school would help!

Thanks so much!:bowingpur

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I would just recommend reading the chapter review at the end of each chapter before you go to class. If you've read the material before you go to lecture you can have a little idea of what you're in for so you will kinda know what's going on while you're sitting through the lecture.

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Specializes in Taking one day at a time....

I took micro last semester, and it was NOT easy...:banghead: I ended up getting a B in it, thankfully my teacher handed out extra credit papers and thats the only reason i managed to get that B. Theres so much to learn, and quite frankly...is all of it necessary? But you will manage to get through it. I guess it realy depends on the professor too, mine would give us longgggg review sheets which were microscopic run on sentences & made no sense! So they werent much of a help. I made flashcards with most of the terms... but it was no walk in the park. I am proud of my B, i worked my BUTT off for it. Just make sure you stay on top of things, and also... i made some friends & we would help eachother out after class or before a test. Nothing like some commorodity to get you through a tough class, right?:lvan: Best of luck to you.

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Busymom, I am finishing up micro in a couple of weeks. I have really enjoyed it! One thing I did to familiarize myself with some of the concepts before the class even started, was go to Borders or Barnes and Noble and leaf through some of those Microbiology for Dummies type books. They are easy to read and got my mind thinking about what lay ahead. Also, as the date gets closer to start the class, find out how the teacher lectures - does he/she use power point slides? Are they available on shared files electronically somewhere so you can access them before the first day? I found that to be helpful too.

Good luck, hope you enjoy the class as much as I have!!

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Hi Whiteoleander5,

Thanks so much for your input...I appreciate any advice I can get..that's what I've heard..that it is REALLY hard class and I just want to try to prepare as much as possible to minimize the frustration. I've heard the prof (from ratemyprofessors) is really tough.

I'm taking PSYCH 101 right now and our prof does review and give us a study sheet before the quizes. I think that is invaluable but I know not all of them do it...and like you said, if the SG doesn't make any sense that's not helpful at all.

In your opinion, would it help if I got a "Biology for Dummies" book to refresh about Bio? Or would that be a waste of $?

Thanks again and IMO, I think getting a B is a huge accomplishment for Micro, BE PROUD OF YOURSELF - :yeah:

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Thank you Shay08,

I'm glad to hear that getting a "Micro for Dummies" book could help me. I will check them out. I just don't want to be completely overwhelmed when I'm trying to grasp concepts I haven't seen for awhile. I appreciate you taking the time to give me your opinion. Another question for you: I've heard Micro and A&P (I & II) compliment eachother. What order do you recommend I take them? I am taking the speech class my CC requires this summer but then I have Fall, Winter, Spring to take Micro and the 2 A&P's. Do you think it's better to take A&P first then Micro in Spring or Micro in Fall then follow with the A&P series?

Any opinions?

Thanks again

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BusyMom:

I do feel like taking A&P prior to Microbiology did help me a lot! The first few chapters of Micro was a review of the microscope, cells, and stuff that I just felt like I knew from Biology & A&P1-2.

You will be fine with whatever you decide to take first! They are both overall so different in the end.

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Specializes in ICU.

I took A&P before Micro and am glad I did. We are breeeeezing through the immune system right now in Micro because the prof assumes we all have seen it before in A&P. My classmates who haven't taken A&P II yet are really struggling, while for me it is review. When we get to the final unit in Micro--Microorganisms and Human Disease--we will be looking at microbial diseases of specific systems (skin & eyes, nervous system, cardio and lymph systems, digestive system, etc.). We're not there yet, but I imagine the people who have not had A&P yet and don't know the normal structure and function of these systems will be REALLY struggling.

Good luck--you're where I was a year ago, starting back to school w/young kids after a 12+ year hiatus. I was very nervous at first worrying how I was going to juggle it all, but I've taken 7 classes in the past 10 months, and am accepted into NS for Jan '09. YOU CAN DO IT!! :)

Thank you Shay08,

Another question for you: I've heard Micro and A&P (I & II) compliment eachother. What order do you recommend I take them? I am taking the speech class my CC requires this summer but then I have Fall, Winter, Spring to take Micro and the 2 A&P's. Do you think it's better to take A&P first then Micro in Spring or Micro in Fall then follow with the A&P series?

Any opinions?

Thanks again

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jchrn2b mentioned online a&p, microbiology - anyone know of any reputable schools that offer these online for college credit?
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i am taking micro this summer and it is a 4 week class and i am terrified...lots of ppl have said not to buy the txt book, and just buy the lab book they said that they never used theirs but i really want to keep my 4.0. how much did you use your book...should i buy it or not??? by the way its expensive!! lol

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