Do I need to know algebra for chemistry?
Oh yes! Yes!! Yes!!! YES!!!! Yes. You need to know some algebra. Without it you will be lost. I've taught chemistry for over 35 years and I've seen what happens when students who don't have the necessary math skills try to do chemistry. It's not pretty. That's why I require a grade of C or better in algebra II (not algebra-one, algebra-two is required) before they can take chemistry. Just look at the large number of questions on the chemistry section of YA which involve math. Some students' atrocious math skills contribute to them resorting to this forum for help.
I am in Algebra 2. Should I take Biology, Chemistry, or Physics first?
I’m answering this with the assumption that you’re a high school student in the United States. I’m also answering with the caveat that high school was nearly 20 years ago, so things may have (almost certainly did) change.At this point, if you can take any at any time, follow your interests. My high school biology class was very focused on structural biology - dealing with individual organisms and how they were similar and how they were different in their larger structures. We looked at the large-structure differences between bivalves, verterbrates, anthropods, and echinoderms. Basically, this meant a whole lotta dissections. There was effectively no math.Chemistry in high school was more focused on techniques, but I didn’t really absorb anything. I even took AP chem and was a little lost for years. I’m still not very confident about my chemistry knowledge or my skills. I think that was more about the style of teaching and the few other students in the class who LOVED to distract the teacher (“what happened on Babylon 5 last night, Brother MacDonald?”). Mathematically, there wasn’t much, if I recall.I loved physics. I still do. But at the high school level, we were very focused on Newton’s first 3 laws of motion and Galilean relativity. It was very, very classical physics, and translate to about the first semester to semester-and-a-half of a college physics sequence. For me, it wasn’t calculus-based, and didn’t require anything more than trigonometry and algebra.So, what should you take? Up to you. Algebra 2 will prepare you for any and all of these classes. Typically, students go biology first, then chemistry, then physics, because the math requirements kind of go in that direction.
How can I refresh my knowledge of Chemistry and algebra?
I liked M's response. I'll only add that most colleges and universities have an open mathematics tutorial center these days, and you don't have to be taking a math class to ask for help there. You should also let your TA or your professor know about your concerns and ask them if there are departmental resources that can help you. The mathematics that you use in organic is pretty minimal, but you will need to brush up on Lewis dot structures and hybridization concepts before you take organic. The books M mentioned are good choices; you might also consider picking up a used copy of the general chemistry book used at your college and working through as many problems in lewis structures and stoichiometry as you can this summer. Good luck!
Should I take College Algebra and Chem at the same time?
If I don't have any other courses to take, could these be okay together? Or Statistics and Chemistry? Need to get through all this tough stuff in two semesters, wishfully one. I am almost sure that I have a math disability as well, so this is why I am so nervous about these subjects.
Why is college algebra needed for medical majors?
It is not possible to study chemistry without strong algebra skills. It is not possible to study medicine without studying chemistry. Therefore, the study of algebra is necessary for those who wish to study medicine.At the request of our institution’s chemistry department, we did a statistical study of the relationship between the Math ACT score and performance in the first chemistry course. A score below 24 was highly correlated with poor performance in chemistry. Taking remedial math courses prior to taking chemistry came close to erasing the observed performance gap.What this reveals is that failing to master algebra in high school is an excellent way to ensure that many career doors are closed to you before you even arrive in college. Keeping these doors open requires a mastery of algebra. Master it in high school, kids.
Is statictics harder than college algebra?
There are two kinds of Statistics courses, and they differ radically in difficulty. Algebra-based Statistics is not difficult, but you need some level of competence in algebra. However, a serious study of Statistics requires deep understanding of calculus. In short, some college Statistics courses are much harder than others.
Intro to General Chemistry hard?
I'm in Gen Chem right now because I did not take it in high school so I had to before I could move on. So far we have done scientific notation, conversion factors, moles, density, gas laws, chemical reactions, balancing equations, and naming compounds. Pretty much the same stuff that you do in highschool..just a lot quicker. A semester in college is half what it is in highschool and you only meet a few hours a week. Like the other poster said the hardest part really is the story problems. We just did moles and they will put a bunch of information in the problem that you don't need to try to mess you up, but I would say that with as many math classes and physics that you have took you would be fine with that. Other then that it is really just a lot of memorizing of oxidation numbers, polyatomic ions, etc. I think you will be fine, I'm doing well in the class with never seeing chemistry in my life and not being the best math student.