BIOL 2421 Microbiology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page |
1. I have an old textbook or an older edition of the required textbook, will that still be alright to use?
The medical field is a rapidly changing one. Older texts and editions may not have the current information.
If you have access to someone with a current edition, then using your older book may work. It will require
more time and research on your part. It's your choice, between spending more time or spending more money.
2. It's been a while since I've taken my A&P courses, do I still need to retake them for microbiology?
The concepts that you learn in your A&P courses will be used in microbiology.
If your A&P is over 3 years old may be required to retake these courses.
Remember that some health professions programs have limits on how old your science courses can be and still be acceptable. Current requirements are set at a 5 year minimum for most science courses.
You may elect to retake your A&P courses if your grade is to low to be used for a GPA required on the health professions application.
3. I want to take A&P II and Microbiology at the same time, since they
are sometimes offered as co-requisites.
Is this a good idea?
A&P II is primarily a physiology based class. If you have a good chemistry bacground, then you may be able
to handle other courses. Although microbiology (BIOL 2420) might be taken as a co-requisite at some colleges with A&P II, it is recommended that you take these courses in different semesters to get the full benefits of both courses.
If you still need to take courses within a given time, take a course that works with A&P II and that does NOT
require in-depth reading assignments (i.e. history or english). Medical terminology, psychology, and even math
could work well with A&P II. Most students find that A&P takes up most of their time. Don't jeopardize your
GPA because you want to finish your course prerequisites quickly.
4. How different is Microbiology from my A&P courses?
Microbiology is primarily at a cell and molecular basis. You will use your A&P knowledge to help in your understanding of diseases and disease transmission and their effects on the tissues, organs, and body systems.
A good background in chemistry will help you understand the biological processes that are occuring in the microbes you will be studying. If you have access to your freshman biology book, that may provide useful background information to help you build your knowledge base.
5. I had different instructors for A&P.
Now I have a different instructor for Microbiology.
How am I supposed to know what is expected?
Your new instructor will go over the course syllabus and their particular addendum for lecture and lab.
While it is nice to have the same lecture and lab instructor for the course, you will not always have that
option because of the unique scheduling issues for each campus. Good instructors will challenge you to
grow out of your comfort zone, all the while supporting and helping you through the course material.
6. What if I have a problem with my instructor?
For full time faculty, follow the directions on the departmental syllabus. For associate (part time) faculty,
contact the department chair. Make sure you have the specfics of the "incident" documented. Keep an open
mind and understand that each professor has a unique teaching style. The division dean or department chair
will be able to assess the severity of the situation.
7. What if I have other questions?
Make sure you know the contact information for your professor. Refer to their addendum for this information.
Schedule an appointment with them to discuss concerns or to clarify the information presented.