taking A&P and micro together?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I am trying to plan my schedule for next semester. For the prereqs, this is what I have left to take:

  • A&P (5 units)
  • microchemistry (4 units)
  • maybe another chemistry class (I think I need a second chemistry class to get into Sac State, although I know the ARC doesn't require it ) (5 units)
  • also I could take a 2 unit pharmacology class online

Since I have to work and have a family, I find that I can only take two classes a semester. I am trying to figure out which two of these I should take next semester.

This semester I am taking chem 305 and human development and I'm getting an 'A' in both of the classes, but I spend HOURS studying for the chemistry (about 80% of my study time is devoted to chem) and not a lot of time (20%) to human development.

I want to take the first semester of A&P, but would you recommend taking that with microbiology?

I am an 'A' student, but like I said it have to spend a lot of time to get those 'A's. In my opinion, for myself, anything lower then an 'A' is unacceptable and I don't want to take a course load that will jeopardize my ability to study enough for the grade I want.

Has anyone taken microbiology in summer school? How was that?

I am in the Sacramento area, so are there any teachers for the above classes that you could recommend?

Thanks,

Lisa

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I too, am wondering if people think its ok to take micro and A&P together, so thanks for asking the question!

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If you're spending that much time on your science this semester, I would not advise taking A&P and micro together. They both are very content heavy classes in my experience. Lots of concepts and lots of things you just have to memorize.

I have taken science classes in the summer and I love it- the pace is intense, but I like focusing on one subject before moving on to the next.

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Specializes in Maternity.

something interesting i read on a school's website was that they wanted to see evidence of being able to carry a heavy course load by the student (i think it may have been suny binghamton). just remember that nursing classes aren't easy and that you will have more than one at a time. if you can handle micro and anatomy together, you can probably do well with the nursing course intensity.

:twocents:

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Micro & A&P together are no problem. I am currently taking them both along with Molecular Cell Bio and getting good A's in all.

I agree that Chem requires a lot of study -- I took it over the summer along with Psychology and felt the pain, though I too got A's in both. It was particularly tough to take the Chem which was the same 16 week courseload condensed into only 12 weeks. I thought I had died. A lot of blood, sweat and, admittedly, some tears in the privacy of my car after class.

Next semester I'm taking Biochem, Physiology, Dev. Psych, Christianity & Nutrition. I feel like if I really schedule my time, it will be tough but I can do it.

I have the same philosophy as you -- A's are the only acceptable grades. I feel for you because I know how much pressure you put on yourself because I do the same thing!

Anyway, A&P/Micro -- you can do it!

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Specializes in 2 years as CNA.

I am taking both Micor and A&P II right now and don't have any problems. But I will say that I am glad that I took micro with A&P II and not with A&P I, but that is just me. I find II to be easier than the first one.

I would wait to take the pharm class until you have A&P. My teacher told me it is easier to understand everything once you have A&P behind you. But that was just his opinion. I am going to take patho next spring and then pharm in the summer. Both are offered online at my school and after this semester I am done will all required pre-reqs..Yippee! I say go for it and if you find you are having a tough time then drop.

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Specializes in ICU.

Lisa,

Justin Miller at ARC is an awesome AP teacher...the class is definitely not easy but he explains things so well that I seriously think it cut down on my "outside-of-class" study time. Plus, the lab practicals were pretty easy. I took it during the summer and pulled a high high A. He gives a LOT of homework, but it's easy points and he always uses some of it on the exam so there's a payoff for doing it. I highly recommend him....oh, and he's cute!

Good luck!

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I agree that Chem requires a lot of study

People are different...I am taking chemistry, biology and CNA classes right now....and I am dying :banghead:

Chemistry is easy for me. 80% (sometimes 90% ) of my study time takes a biology...

I wouldn't take micro and AP together :no: But that's just me.

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Thanks for all the input!

For the person who pointed out that the nursing major is a heavy course load , I am well aware of that and it won't be a problem for me for two reasons:

* when I get accepted into a nursing program I will be quitting my job

*I already have a bachelor's degree in another difficult discipline and I graduated in the top 10% of my class, and I was taking a very heavy class load then.

I don't like anyone insinuating that I can't 'cut the mustard'. I have been a academic star all my life and I have the grades and awards to prove it. Sorry, just a touchy subject for me.

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Specializes in Maternity.

well then you know you can handle it. i dont believe my post suggested that you couldn't do it. actually my post was encouraging you to take the challenge. i was simply stating that schools may look and see how much you can handle at once and may find you a great fit for the program.

thats all!

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Thanks for all the input!

For the person who pointed out that the nursing major is a heavy course load , I am well aware of that and it won't be a problem for me for two reasons:

* when I get accepted into a nursing program I will be quitting my job

*I already have a bachelor's degree in another difficult discipline and I graduated in the top 10% of my class, and I was taking a very heavy class load then.

I don't like anyone insinuating that I can't 'cut the mustard'. I have been a academic star all my life and I have the grades and awards to prove it. Sorry, just a touchy subject for me.

Whoa. Your post reminds me of, well, me! You and I have almost the exact same story.. Here I am, just got my B.A. (top 10% as well), disciplinary honors, three honorary societies...yada yada yada. Just started a family, work at a great job, but with 40 hours a week I can't take more than 2-3 classes in a semester--and I too will be quitting once I start my AE MSN or BSN program. When I was pursuing my bachelor's I only worked as a tutor on campus so I could take my 17, 18, 19 hours and ace everything with no problem. But if I want to keep my gpa at a 3.75 (or better yet improve it) I can't bite off more than I can chew, so I definitely know where you are coming from!!! Definitely do not take on too many classes and hurt your gpa. A "B" looks a lot worse than only having two classes in a term. Certainly working full-time mitigates the need for a full courseload.

As for your question, I would take A&P and Micro together. They compliment each other. My second choice would be to take Micro and Chem together--I find they are a better match than A&P and Chem---but that's just my opinion.

Good luck next semester!!

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Personally, I wouldn't do it. I share the same philosophy as you. I have very high standards for myself, however, I am realisitc and I like to look at a subject from all the angles.

You stated that you have a family and a job. You also stated that Chem is currently taking 80% of your time. I am taking AP and lab as well as a 4weekend condensed sociology class, pulling all As but AP take alot of my time admittedly.

It stands to reason that you will have to spend just as much time or close to as much time studying for Micro and AP2 as you did for Chem. While I am sure that you can do it, are you ok with spending so much time away from your family and the stress. If you have time to apply to your program, I would not do them together. I would find another subject to take one of them with like Growth & Nutrition or Lifespan-Dev. Psych etc.

Good luck

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