Taking Anatomy and Microbiology

ImDaMan11 · Jan 3, 2013

so at your school anatomy and physiology are separate classes? interesting..this semester I'll be taking A&P 1 and microbiology together plus medical terminology..I heard it's not that difficult compared to actual nursing school semesters..my plan is to stay on top of studying and to not fall behind..time management is another important factor. Best of luck to you!

~Melissa~ · Jan 4, 2013

I'm taking A&P II and MicroBio in the spring semester-- as well as Medical Terminology and Algebra. All are separate classes and I'm counting on it being a stressful semester. I've heard that t my school MT is a breeze, but the A&P/MicroBio classes have me nervous! And that's not even mentioning just how much I detest math! Eek!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 4, 2013

I would be cautious about taking anatomy and physiology with microbiology in the same semester. It is not that it is impossible, you just have to remain organized when you do it. The major part of microbiology is going to be memorization of things, like names of structures and the like. With anatomy and physiology, you also have to do a lot of memorization as well, but the bulk of it is going to be remembering structure names and what they do. With medical terminology, it can be like learning a foreign language, and does involve some memorization. Depending upon the exact course load and what you're exposed to in those courses, you could potentially learn medical terminology along the way and have a relatively easy time of it.

Most likely, I did not go to the same school you did, but I would suspect that the general process is the same regardless of which school you go to. In my case, I found microbiology to be very enjoyable but I did take it separately. At the school that I took microbiology, it was approximately a 5 unit per semester course. That is a very significant load, and my A&P course that I took was also about a 5 unit/semester course as well. If I had taken them together, that would've been a very significant load, but I would've been able to do it because I had already taken A&P before. Above all, I would simply caution you to know your limits because anatomy and physiology with microbiology can be very difficult if you aren't able to stay organized in your studying.

jachfletch · Jan 4, 2013

Stay very organized! I am an A student but micro almost broke me! I had a very tough professor and he wanted us to take an outside interest to the subject. I struggled until the end. The end was more disease/patient study focused and I aced that part. A&P I&II were a breeze because the subject matter was interesting to me. Cardio in A&P II was the toughest, but I made it through that portion with an A. My advisor was pushing for me to take both together but at the last minute I chickened out. I believe you can do it as long as you are disciplined enough! Keep strong....it is all worth it!

x_factor · Jan 4, 2013

I'm taking A&P I and Microbiology in the spring, along with english comp II, psychology of development, biomedical ethics, and college algebra. I've taken A&P I and Micro in the past and did great in both, it just takes a lot of work and dedication to pull off good grades. Get a planner and plan out study times and try to stick with them each day, read your chaptes, take good notes and re-write them if needed, highlight important concepts in your book, use flashcards, record your lectures, whatever works. And utilize all other resources you can, including the tutoring center if your school provides one. Good luck!

~Melissa~ · Jan 4, 2013

I know that a lot of students at my school take A&P II and Micro at the same time... Both are 4 hour credit courses (3 hours + 1 hour lab) and then my math and medical term classes are 3 hours. I know it'll be stressful, but it also should get me good and ready for nursing school, I hope? LOL Now you've made me nervous! Class starts Monday morning!

x_factor · Jan 4, 2013

~Melissa~ said:
I know that a lot of students at my school take A&P II and Micro at the same time... Both are 4 hour credit courses (3 hours + 1 hour lab) and then my math and medical term classes are 3 hours. I know it'll be stressful, but it also should get me good and ready for nursing school, I hope? LOL Now you've made me nervous! Class starts Monday morning!

You'll be fine, just stay positive, and keep up with your work and don't fall behind. If you have any trouble understanding concepts, make sure to use your professor's available office hours and meet with them so they can explain any concepts you don't understand. Sometimes having them explain it to you one-on-one and break down a concept really helps you understand it. Good luck! ?

nurselia · Jan 4, 2013

Microbiology and anatomy are very similar study-wise. I think you'll do great taking on both of them at the same time. I just took micro and anatomy last semester and it is possible to take them together! Good luck :-)

~Melissa~ · Jan 4, 2013

Thanks, Nurselia and x_factor! LOL I'm registered so those classes are getting taken... I was starting think "Oh no! What have I done!?"

juliatina18 · Jan 4, 2013

Thank you for all your responses, I was nervous but now I feel better knowing that some of you have taking both classes at the same time successfully, I know I have to be organize and disciplined, I am only taking microbiology (5 units) and anatomy (4units) together because I have to get an As in those classes to be able to get into the nursing program!!! Good Luck guys and thank you so much!!!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 4, 2013

I took Microbiology and Physiology this past semester (plus 4 other classes, including Pharmacology). If you were organized enough to get through Chem & Calculus at the same time, you can do Anatomy & Micro. Just make sure you get a planner, color code it with your assignments, quizzes, tests & reading/study and you'll be fine. It's definitely do-able! :up: