Microbiology-Spring 2008

compassionate1 · Jan 24, 2008

I have been in my micro class for two and a half weeks so far. I think it is a very challenging class. This is my first science class, so I think I may have overdone it. I read where someone else said it takes a lot of memorization and I tend to agree. I find that I am studying for a least 2-4 hours 4 nights a week. We have our first quiz next Tuesday so I will be busy studying like I usually do and all day Sunday, ugh...

jelly221,RN, MSN · Jan 24, 2008

Umm, I got a photographic atlas for my class, it was a recommended text. GET IT! A lot of the pics from my labs/quizzes have been from the book, so if I could remember where the pic came from I knew the answer (sneaky I know, but at least I'm observant!) But seriously, it really does help a lot.

If you have a supplemental CD with your book, use it. Review as much as possible. There's something called a Dichotomous Key- it's basically a diagram that h asks a series of questions with yes/no answers, and then at the end you know what organism it is. Learn how to use these well, and make them for as many bacteria as possible. This will really help you on IDing the little buggers and remembering what's what on tests. An example and a good explanation can be found at http://faculty.clinton.edu/faculty/donald.johnston/D%20Spring%202007/Lab/Lab/unknown/Dichotomous%20keys%20write-upa.htm.

RNDreamer · Jan 24, 2008

So far I have only had one class and one lab. My professor has a heavy accent so I will be sitting in the front for the rest of semester. That and because the students who sit in the back are too busy talking and gossiping to pay attention and it's distracting. :uhoh3: But whatever,, I can only worry about myself and my grades. Good luck everone.

Hanabna · Jan 29, 2008

ahhhh!!! I feel like Micro is another language! There are so many terms and hard words to pronounce let alone understand completely. Right now I'm learning about Cell structure and their anatomy. I just got done coloring a Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cell. It's just so annoying and frustrating. Don't even get me started on Chemistry. The labs are fun for Micro, but I can tell for the lecture part I'm not going to memorize very well. I'm gloomy. I can't wait to get the first test over with to see what it's going to be like.

nurz2be · Jan 29, 2008

Update on 4 week Micro class.....

We had our 3rd of 4 chapter tests yesterday, it covered 6 chapters. We have to make our isolation plates today, tomorrow, and Thursday so that we are ready to do our lab practicum on Friday. We have to cover 4 chapters today in addition to the 2 we covered yesterday for our FINAL written exam on Thursday. This is going to be an intense last week.

Taking Micro is interesting, but at the pace we go, it can be extremely stressful...... All I can think is 3 more days.....3 more days......

GOOD LUCK to you all....will update on Friday with my final grade.....:wtosts:

Iwannabeababynurse · Jan 29, 2008

can i join too? i've been taking microbiology since january 8th. and i'm still not sure about the class and whether or not if i'll stick with it. we've already have taken 2 test and i've bombed them both. my big problem is the way that my teacher does notes. instead of writing everything she says on the board like a normal teacher she just writes important terms and speaks the rest of the notes. so i'm having trouble keeping up with writing notes down. i'm using a voice recorder but thats only helping a little. with that i'm also having trouble studying. would anyone have any good tips or suggestions how i could improve?? good luck to everyone!!!!:icon_roll

meditate · Jan 29, 2008

i completely understand your frustration, because i am in the same boat. don't give up! a friend of mine suggested not to read the chapters in full, just jot down notes or make flash cards on the main ideas, or the main subjects your teacher is covering. try not to overthink every situation. there is alot of info to cover and it is intense, but you can narrow it down by trying the above. good luck to you. keep on going, it will be over before you know it. :pumpiron::pumpiron:

nurz2be · Jan 29, 2008

Iwannabeababynurse,

The hardest part of Micro is being able to prioritize what should be emphasized the most in studying. When I get to a new chapter, I read it over the night before class and write down all the bold and italicized words and defs. Our instructor gives us a PowerPoint handout which is an overview of the chapter and he basically only hits the high spots...like the processes of viruses and bacteria. I study with a group at least 4 times a week, even if it can only be for an hour or two after class...then we meet at least once for a few hours on the weekend. I find having other peoples viewpoints is a considerable help. If you are struggling, get with your instructor and get some help....See if she can suggest a tutor, someone who has already taken the class and did well....Most instructors don't want you to fail so take advantage of finding some assistance.

Hang in there....... You can do it!

kristykat, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2008

So far I've aced the first two quizes, but out first real exam is tomorrow and I still have tons of note cards to make and lots of reading to do. Ugh! :scrm:

I would love to just sit at home and study but this job thing kind of prevents that...LOL! :typing

nurz2be · Feb 2, 2008

Well gang,

I just finished my 4 week Micro class yesterday and all I can say is DANG! I squeeked, 90, out with an A. We had our written final, 250 cumulative question exam on Thursday. Our lab final started Thursday and ended Friday. We had to do a simple stain, gram stain (E.coli and Strep), a strep test, and a Enterotube (E. coli). It was a stressful and long 2 days.

Nursing classes officially begin Monday and I CANNOT wait! It is going to be hard, 16 months, but I am ready for the challenge.

GOOD LUCK to each of you in Micro.

latinadream · Feb 2, 2008

I just finished micro last semester! I was really nervous about the class, my final grade was a "b " i think I could of reached the "A" but the instructor was horrible!!!!!! I believe for all science classes are difficult but you can get around them if you have a good instructor that will explain the material. Overall the lecture was fair (even though the teacher was no understood) we had the book! The labs are interesting much different then A&P I thought it was a bit more complex! But everyone is different j personally don't care much for microorganisms but it was very interesting but believe me if I got a "b" with a teacher that was not understood and not just me the whole class you should not have a problem its a good experience!!

RnBound0510 · Feb 5, 2008

Just hang in there!! You can do it. I lucked out with my Micro professor. My class is an on-line class but we meet every satruday for labs/exams. We didnt even have to buy the textbook bc the exam questions come directly from her own notes that she has put together. Its a lot of memorization & info to retain! We memorize it all bc we have no idea what exactly will be on the test. I was real nervous come saturday! I studied my little butt off for 2 weeks for this test and made a 102 (i think there was a curve)! My last semester, my A&P2 class was a different story. Our professor would give us the review but it was soo general. So it was real hard to boil it down to the point bc one little section can have SOO MUCH TO IT. My suggestion is have your book open during class & bring a recorder. Dont try to jot everything down, just jot down the main subjects/phrases/words etc. That way you can go back to the book and read about what he/she was talking about in class. Also, sit in the front so your recorder picks up everything. Form a study group now while its early and get a tutor if you need it!! Its early in the semester to where you can still save your grade!!! :up: Remember, NS is very hard and this is a preparation for it. Prepare yourself now :)