Taking BIOL 223 & 251together at CSN

katyc123 · Aug 1, 2015

I did this and it is extremely difficult. 223 is literally like learning a foreign language. 251 isn't horrible. Just the addition of new words on top of 223 is a lot, especially if you're one to obsess over As. I would recommend getting yourself familiar with all things anatomy. Learning all the muscles and bones and parts of each really was a nightmare for me and speaking with others it was for them too. Barnes and Nobles sells an anatomy coloring book that I thought was helpful. Amazon sells it too. And of course, having good professors makes a huge difference.

Yelhsa0204 · Aug 1, 2015

Ugh, I'm already stressing and classes haven't even started yet lol. What studying habits worked the best for you in A&P? Oh yeah, I heard about that coloring book so I ordered it a couple days ago! What grades did you end up getting if you don't mind me asking?

...Thanks so much for responding btw:)

WellThatsOod · Aug 1, 2015

I did that last semester, got a B in 223 and A- in 251. It's tough, be prepared to spend all your time studying, especially 223. Coloring book is a great way to get started. For micro, honestly, there's not much you can do, it's not too hard of a class depending on your professor. 223 is hard. Lots of memorization and thinking it out. Lab was hardest for me. You have to be able to recognize what something is on a model. The library (at Cheyenne at least, probably at WC too) had the models in it you can go study on. Make flash cards and friends (who study hard!) for both classes to help study.

Good luck!

ViperJustin · Aug 3, 2015

The 223 lecture and 223 lab are almost two different classes. The worst part is, you'll get a week or two ahead in lab and you'll have no idea what you're looking at other than what's in your lab guide. If you want A's, you're going to need to be ahead of the class by a class or two to know what's going on in lab. That's how I did it.

Micro ro isn't that bad at all. In fact, I thought it was the most fun of all the biology classes. Just be sure to take good notes in the labs. The labs may end an hour early, but stay to write out all the notes about what you did. And make sure you practice (pretend if you have to) the procedures that will be needed for the mid term practical.

Lots of info in both, but it's doable. Have fun with micro cause it's actually pretty interesting. 223 will be needed for the rest of your career in one form or another.

Good luck!

Gilberto_G · Aug 4, 2015

I agree with the others. It is possible as I also took 223 and 251. I got an A- in both. 223 lab and lecture require the same about of time as if they were 2 separate science courses. Whatever you do don't procrastinate and leave things for last minute. 223 was not as bad as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed 251 lab, lecture not so much but it was definitely not boring or hard. Both courses will be time consuming so just plan accordingly. Oh and make sure you take advantage of the models available in the library and science resource center for 223 lab. On another note I did have a study partner that I'm sure was a huge help for me and was the reason I did good in 223. Study groups can be a really good thing if you use them for what they're intended for.