Should I take Anatomy and physiology 2 and microbiology together?

Published

I'm basically done with all of my pre required classes for nursing. I am currently taking anatomy and physiology , at the moment, and I'm doing well. So now the only class's i have remaining are: micro and ap2. I would hate taking micro in the summer. Since there is only a limited amount. I was trying to out weight the risks: Micro in the summer means, only one and a half month to learn all of the material. Micro in the spring with the combination of Ap2, means: 4 1/2 months to know both subjects.

What do you think, have any of you taken these two tough courses together?

I'm glad you asked this, I'll be in the same boat next semester! I was thrilled to see the responses for pro and con. I, like you, want to get into the program ASAP, so doing my pre-reqs in 2 semesters is necessary. I've got 4.0 this sem with A&PI, int. Algebra, Sociology and English I. Next semester I only need A&P2,Micro, and College Algebra so I'm doing fitness to make up the other credit to keep me full time! At least I'll get some exercise out of it, and hopefully it won't require actual study time!! Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it depends you what you can handle, period! School comes easy for some & not so easy for others (like myself....lol) I would never recommend taking any 2 sciences together. It is very difficult and a lot of memorization. Also, do you go to school on a quarter system or a semester system? Instructor's pay a huge role in your success as well. We all are adults and have to be responsible for our own success, but the way information is presented and a teachers commitment to see students do well plays a huge role also. I wanted to "hurry" and get done. Well that "hurry" hurt me in the long run. When I took A&PI 4 yrs ago, I took it 3 times (Drop, then failed, then passed) on the quarter system and only passed w/a "C". I decided to change to another school that was on a semester system, did much better, and had the most wonderful teacher. Either you know it or you don't! But she was there when we had questions and explained it in a way that we understood it. I got an "A" in A&P II lab & a "B" in A&P II lec. Had a different instructor for Microbiology and got an "A" in lab & "B" in Lec (I am a better hands on learner). I already have a degree in Psychology & work full time in the ER. Not working was not an option for me. It has been along hard road for many of us to get to the "application process"!! Keep pursuing your Nursing dreams!!!! :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

It's up to you to know what you can handle. I took A&PII and Micro together at night (4 nights a week for 14 weeks) and worked 50+ hours/week, along with kids, wife, house, etc. It can be done, but it won't be easy. If you NEED to do it, then go for it. If not, then don't kill yourself. I did it because I had to get those two classes done to begin my program on time. It sucked, but I knew what I had to do. I earned an A in APII and a B+ in Micro (missed a lab test due to a family death). I am now in my second term of nursing school.

You can do it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have enjoyed reading the pro's and con's as wel. Personally for myself I work full time and have a little one at home. Mixing in all those classes at once would have me left bald!

Since I am not in a hurry I plan to space each class out per semester. Will take me longer, but hopefully this go around will be successful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it really depends on the type of instructors that you have. Both classes are pretty challenging. They require alot of study time if you want to do well. If you're a dedicated full time student, it might not be as challenging but if you're a working student.. I would really consider taking them seperate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for posting. I've enjoyed reading everyone's advice/perspective. I'm planning on taking a&p 2 along with micro in the spring...maybe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I did:) I was in the same situation. I didn't want to wait to take Micro by itself so I went ahead and took them together. I have to say that they have been some of the most challenging classes that I have taken but they have also been my favorite. You learn alot to say the least. I was in a situation at the time where I was working a full time job + a prn position at another hospital. I didn't have the time to dedicate myself fully to either one. I ended with a B in A&P and a C in Micro. Biggest mistake of my life!! But everyone is different and not everyone tries to go to school full time and work two jobs. I learned from it but I do regret not having taken the time to fully commit to both. If you are in a situation where you can fully commit and study for both classes equally, go for it! But if not, consider taking them seperately. They are both equally important. So much that nursing programs ask you about your grades for both courses. Many Universities want a B or better in both in order to be considered. Community colleges will take a C but getter a higher grade will help you when you are applying to competitive programs. You will not be doomed if you don't but it will definetly help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuroscience.

Depends...do you need A's? If yes, then I would space them out. If not, take them together. A&P 2 is easier than 1 IMO, and Micro is very interesting and managable. It also depends on what else you have going on in your life and knowing your limits, but honestly, I'll think you'll be all right. I took two sciences with labs together and did great!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you have the time and willingness to put 100% into both, I'd say go for it - but know you're going to have to work hard. For me A&P 2 seemed easier than the first. Both classes are going to require a fair amount of memorization.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you only plan on taking the two courses, I say go for it! I took A&P I and Chemistry, as well as two other non-science courses, and managed to pull out a 4.0. If you have excellent study skills, you'll do just fine. I'm in Micro now, and find the class fascinating. And, we're rarely in the lab for the entire 3 hours.

Good luck!

Could you tell me your study skills? Would greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health.

Yea Im taking A&PII and Micro plus a couple other classes this semester. I also plan on working full time but Im a freak about studying and study groups and such. Plus I have great teachers. I think it depends on what kind of teachers you have, what your home life is like, and how much tenacity you have. If you're tenacious then you will succeed, just don't kill yourself trying. If it seems too much when you start, then drop one class if need be. :D good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that you should do it if you are willing to study for hours and work hard...I actually took Anatomy 1&2 classes and labs, and Micro in the same semester and it was a lot of work.However, i think it was good to take all of them together because sometimes the lecture from one class help me in the other class like anatomy 2 really help me in my micro class, but it all depends in how you study and the time you are willing to dedicate to your studies. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion