What class to take first Bio, Chem, or A&P? Help!

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Hello,

I need some feedback before I register for classes next semester at my community college. I have taken the majority of prerequisites to get into my nursing program, likewise the only classes I need are Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology. Just as I mentioned in my previous post, it's been almost 10 years now since I have been in high school (graduated 04). I'm so overwhelmed and confused as to which class or classes to register for the upcoming semester? Where do I begin?

Is there any other adult students, that were left with this question when returning back to school? Is there any good review books out there, that someone would recommend. I recently purchased The For Dummie Series (Biology, Chemistry, and A & P) because I read such good reviews on the books. During winter break I'm going to read and skim through all three. Lastly, a question on study tips? What worked well for you, when studying Bio, Chem, and A&P? I will give a little insight into my study regimen that has worked well thus far for me in college.

My Study Regimen:

1) Go to class

2) Audio Record all lectures with my iphone

3) At home that night, I listen to all lectures while taking detailed notes

4) On Saturday review everything from that week (notes, recorded lectures, read, etc)

5) Sunday READ ahead (chapters & material for upcoming week)

6) Before exams listen to all previous lectures (usually I listen to lectures while running or cycling) go over notes, lectures, handouts, etc.

* Note: I'm a auditory learner, thus why I record everything. I'm also a strong reader.

I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestion you can give!

-Brian

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I for one started with Chemistry first, then Biology. I am currently waiting for spring to take the A&P class. Microbiology however I believe you are recommended to take A&P I and II before taking the course. Do not take 2 science classes in one semester! Each one will take a lot out of you. You probably want to get those done asap, but trust me, science classes in general require lab work and long lecture sessions, not to mention the work and study for exams. If you want to speed up the process, take another science over the summer that way you can knock out 3 sciences in a year. Bio and Chem I used flash cards, I am more of a visual learner quite different from you lol. It worked best for me that way, if you say Audio is good for you then I guess you answered your question there. And just stick to it, Give it 100% Good Luck man

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'd recommend Bio first. Some aspects of it will be familiar (the innerworkings of a cell came back to me, and I'd been out of school for 14 years before it!), and there is a little bit of groundwork laid for chem. Personally, I am horrific at even the most basic of math, so I wouldn't recommend chem first.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Biology -> Chemistry -> A&P

I personally did not have to take chemistry for my school and many other schools do not require chemistry. However, no chemistry means physiology will be more difficult to understand. But, the above order is the best idea.

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I would say get A&P I and II out of the way. There is a lot of information to learn from those classes, and it is time consuming. You will feel relieved once you have taken them.

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I took Chemistry first then Biology, there is some overlapping info so either way it'll be covered in each class. Understanding the atom and molecules helped me with Biology when it came to organic material. Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Lets not forget that biology is typically a prerequisite for chemistry and chemistry is typically a prerequisite for physiology. You can test out of prerequisites and do them when you want, though.

Take that with what you will.

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I did chemistry first, then biology and will do A&P last.

I am glad I took chem first because a lot of biological principles are based on chem (reactions, atoms, molecules, periodic table, electrons/configuration etc).

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

If I had to do it over again, I would take chem first. All the other sciences required are based in some way from chem. Then take biology, and IMO this order will create success in A&P I and II.

Also, I have been out of HS for nearly 20 years now. I bought some of those dummy books and referred to them a little but I really don't think skimming ahead of time from those books is helpful. If you have the option of purchasing the online study materials that go with the text book, that has been by far the most helpful.

I read ahead of class what will be lectured. Then I listen to the MP3 lectures provided by my online study materials while driving. I do the online videos and quizzes, tests and finally answer my learning objectives. This has been working great for me so far. I am a combo learner, I need it all!!!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Oncology.

Chem - Bio - A&P - Micro. Chem will greatly help you get through Bio (especially if you are taking General Bio) and A&P. They dont always require it as a prerequisite to these classes, but I think it should be. Then Bio and Chem help the A&P and the Micro. They are just gifts that keep on giving:)

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Another vote for Chem first. There has been a lot of chem related things that have come up in A&P and I am SO glad I took Chem last spring. I know I'd be struggling a lot more had I not done chem first.

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I am in the same boat as you are...i am currently taking ap1 and i graduated high school in 01 plus i have two kiddos...i am also taking chemistry also because i wanted a refresher for the hesi....my school wants chemistry before ap which i had in '99, but honestly i dont think you have to take it since there is basic chemistry chapter you will go through anyways...i am holding a 96% in my ap class...the downfall...im putting 30+ hours into studying

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