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Which class should I take out of Psych vs A&P?
Hi! I'm a high school student looking to pursue a degree in the Biomedical field (Preferably at some point focusing on nerve/neural tissue engineering) and I'm planning out my senior year classes (way in advance, I know, but I like to be prepared). I only have one available period left, and I have to choose between the two classes i would like to take. Would it be more beneficial in the future for me to take AP Psychology, or Anatomy and Physiology? I would definitely prefer Psych as I've heard A&P can be challenging your senior year, but if A&P is definitely the better option I'll take it for sure! Thanks for the help!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sketch !
This is a good time to think about your high school senior classes as it's never too early.
I would say that you should go for the Anatomy and Physiology, not the Psychology. Here's why. Taking Anatomy and Physiology will greatly prepare you for college as a life science major. When you get to college, I assume you'd be majoring in a human science but you would be able to take Psychology as a General Education requirement. Some college undergraduate programs offer a Major in Biomedical Engineering or Biotechnology. Anatomy and Physiology would give you foundational knowledge in High School 12th grade for what you will have in your major at college.
It's not so much that Anatomy and Physiology is hard, rather it's a lot to remember so taking it in 12th grade will give you a head start. You will no doubt have college level Anatomy and college level Physiology courses for whatever you major in. This year while you are a Junior in High School, you can think about taking an anatomy or a physiology course online just to break the ice for next school year. It'll be good for you to know the terms and words used in those subjects beforehand. The courses that you may have in college will integrate biological and psychological principles. You can take Introduction to Psychology in college (which may fulfill a General Education requirement) and learn the basics of various realms of psychology. I remember that for the one I took in college it covered genetics. So start a list of colleges that offer the Major you want and read their catalogs to see what courses they line up for your Major. Your psychology course in college within your Major may have a biological emphasis.
The important thing is to strive for good grades and when you take the SAT this school year, also aim for a high score.
You can get a head start for next school year by watching some lectures online. I have left links to some Anatomy and Physiology videos on You Tube that you can watch to start becoming familiar. Some are old, but this will be a good way to "preview" the A and P class you'd have next school year. It's always interestingly fascinating learning about what's inside us ! I think you'll like it and find it amazing. Do not pre-think it's level of difficulty, just dive in and enjoy !
Also consider borrowing anatomy and or physiology textbooks from libraries. Reading in advance can give you a special edge for next school year.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
HUMAN ANATOMY LECTURE 48 MINUTES https://youtu.be/j3x8PD-VNOU?si=R8UHuvpEiEWFfo2H
OTHER ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LECTURE VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Anatomy+and+Physiology+lectures
This is a good time to think about your high school senior classes as it's never too early.
I would say that you should go for the Anatomy and Physiology, not the Psychology. Here's why. Taking Anatomy and Physiology will greatly prepare you for college as a life science major. When you get to college, I assume you'd be majoring in a human science but you would be able to take Psychology as a General Education requirement. Some college undergraduate programs offer a Major in Biomedical Engineering or Biotechnology. Anatomy and Physiology would give you foundational knowledge in High School 12th grade for what you will have in your major at college.
It's not so much that Anatomy and Physiology is hard, rather it's a lot to remember so taking it in 12th grade will give you a head start. You will no doubt have college level Anatomy and college level Physiology courses for whatever you major in. This year while you are a Junior in High School, you can think about taking an anatomy or a physiology course online just to break the ice for next school year. It'll be good for you to know the terms and words used in those subjects beforehand. The courses that you may have in college will integrate biological and psychological principles. You can take Introduction to Psychology in college (which may fulfill a General Education requirement) and learn the basics of various realms of psychology. I remember that for the one I took in college it covered genetics. So start a list of colleges that offer the Major you want and read their catalogs to see what courses they line up for your Major. Your psychology course in college within your Major may have a biological emphasis.
The important thing is to strive for good grades and when you take the SAT this school year, also aim for a high score.
You can get a head start for next school year by watching some lectures online. I have left links to some Anatomy and Physiology videos on You Tube that you can watch to start becoming familiar. Some are old, but this will be a good way to "preview" the A and P class you'd have next school year. It's always interestingly fascinating learning about what's inside us ! I think you'll like it and find it amazing. Do not pre-think it's level of difficulty, just dive in and enjoy !
Also consider borrowing anatomy and or physiology textbooks from libraries. Reading in advance can give you a special edge for next school year.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thanks! I'll definitely try and get ahead of the curve for A&P, better prepared than not!
Sketch
You're welcome for the advice ! Yes, taking Introduction to Psychology is a great idea during a Summer Session. You'll have that General Education requirement under your belt and won't have to take it during a full semester ! Make sure the community college you take it at has transfer to the University you intend to go to.
Michelle M.
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Both AP Psychology and Anatomy & Physiology are good choices for someone who wants to study biomedical science in college, especially if you're interested in nerves and the brain. The best choice depends on what you want to learn and how you like to study.
Anatomy & Physiology focuses on how the human body works. This class is very helpful for students going into medical or biological fields because it gives you a strong science background. However, it can be challenging since there's a lot of memorization and detailed information to study. If you want a head start on college-level science, A&P could be the better choice.
AP Psychology is about how the brain and mind work together to affect behavior, learning, and emotions. It connects biology and behavior, which can also be useful for someone interested in neuroscience or brain research. Psychology can also be more enjoyable if you like learning about people and how they think.
If you think you'd enjoy psychology more, it's ok to take that class, interest often helps you do better and learn more. But if you want a stronger background in human biology and don't mind a challenge, A&P might prepare you more for college-level biomedical courses. Hope this helps. All the best.
Anatomy & Physiology focuses on how the human body works. This class is very helpful for students going into medical or biological fields because it gives you a strong science background. However, it can be challenging since there's a lot of memorization and detailed information to study. If you want a head start on college-level science, A&P could be the better choice.
AP Psychology is about how the brain and mind work together to affect behavior, learning, and emotions. It connects biology and behavior, which can also be useful for someone interested in neuroscience or brain research. Psychology can also be more enjoyable if you like learning about people and how they think.
If you think you'd enjoy psychology more, it's ok to take that class, interest often helps you do better and learn more. But if you want a stronger background in human biology and don't mind a challenge, A&P might prepare you more for college-level biomedical courses. Hope this helps. All the best.
Thank you! I'm definitely going to look into doing both in some way, for the foundation and for the fact I enjoy psychology!
Sketch
You are most welcome!
Wong Loke Yuen
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Sketch,
My background is in biomedical engineering (coincidentally from the University of Cincinnati). Based on my own similar experience and the great suggestions already given, I’d say select the option that will appeal most to the colleges you plan to apply to; perhaps talk with your high school’s counselor. If you feel you can get better grades with Psych in high school, go for it. But then you should supplement it over the summer with free college-level A&P courses online (e.g., Khan Academy, Coursera, or Carnegie Mellon's Open Learning Initiative, etc.). Or if the challenge of A&P truly intrigues you, take it and then supplement it with Psych online.
Looking forward to you joining our profession!
My background is in biomedical engineering (coincidentally from the University of Cincinnati). Based on my own similar experience and the great suggestions already given, I’d say select the option that will appeal most to the colleges you plan to apply to; perhaps talk with your high school’s counselor. If you feel you can get better grades with Psych in high school, go for it. But then you should supplement it over the summer with free college-level A&P courses online (e.g., Khan Academy, Coursera, or Carnegie Mellon's Open Learning Initiative, etc.). Or if the challenge of A&P truly intrigues you, take it and then supplement it with Psych online.
Looking forward to you joining our profession!
Thanks! The UC college of engineering and applied science is actually top of my list! I'm looking into their Biomedical Ascend program! :)
Sketch
Best of luck, future Bearcat!
Robert Epstein
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sketch,
Since you want to go into the Biomedical Engineering, Anatomy and Physiology would be more "appropriate". Challenge is good, especially if you want to pursue something in a medical/engineering field.
On the other hand, high-school is not the time to specialize in anything. You should be able to explore different things. It's good to have an idea what you want to do in life - but you are also allowed to have more than one interest. If you enjoy psychology, do psychology. Chances are your career goals might still change anyway.
If you absolutely love both, look for an online class or a class at your local Community College.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Since you want to go into the Biomedical Engineering, Anatomy and Physiology would be more "appropriate". Challenge is good, especially if you want to pursue something in a medical/engineering field.
On the other hand, high-school is not the time to specialize in anything. You should be able to explore different things. It's good to have an idea what you want to do in life - but you are also allowed to have more than one interest. If you enjoy psychology, do psychology. Chances are your career goals might still change anyway.
If you absolutely love both, look for an online class or a class at your local Community College.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Fatima’s Answer
A&P if you're going to get college credit for it. It's hard, but you'll likely need it for the field you are wanting to go into.