Chemistry and Math?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I keep reading that there is ALOT of math in Chemistry.......I am curious what kind of math do you see in chem? I am starting with basic math in my pre reqs and will have that class done before I start chem, but will not have an algebra class under my belt yet until after my chem class........is basic math enough?

How about Microbiology....any math involved?

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I'm as far as pre-cal and Chemistry is very difficult for me, but it might just be because I'm so awful when it comes to math. I'm in Chemistry right now and I've noticed a lot of Algebra. Some of the formulas are crazy to me...so difficult for someone who struggles in math. If you're good at math, then it shouldn't be that hard. Good luck. :)

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I had stats and college algebra completed when I took chemistry. Stats did not come to play at all, but college algebra was useful. If you know how to cross multiply, distribute and convert units, you should be good.

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I'm curious of this as well. I'm in Elem. Algebra now and doing well, just curious as to how much is involved. I'm really dreading Chemistry next semester, but I just want to get it over with! lol

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I can cross multiply and convert.....but distribution is HARD for me....hence why I have to take basic math verses started out in algebra.....I was 3 points off on my comp test for getting into intro to alg. Math is VERY HARD for me, it doesn't come easy at all. I was going to take basic math in the spring and try to take chem alone during the summer but now I'm wondering if I should take algebra during the summer so I have it under my belt and do chem with ap1, life span and spanish in next fall....I just keep reading how hard chem is and seems like people domt like takimnmg it with a&p.....I have already had anatomy years and years ago, but without the physiology aspect, so I have went ahead and brushed up on body organization and planes and cavities ect ect ect. So do you think If I did alg in the summer that the 4 classes that I mentioned for next fall would be a super hard combo together? I do have at least 4-5 hours of study time per day.......

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If math is hard for you, then yes I recommend college algebra first. I hate math, hence why chemistry is my least favorite science pre req.

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20 years ago when I got a bachelors degree in a non-healthcare field, I had a D in college Algebra and eventually took "Math for the Liberal Arts Student" to get my math requirement. When I came back to school a few years ago to take nursing prereqs, I knew I needed to improve my Algebra skills to succeed in Chemistry.

My chemistry textbook came with a booklet on Algebra for Chemistry Students (like in the link below). It was priceless and gave me all sorts of tips for doing the algebra and using my calculator. Chemistry - Essential Algebra for Chemistry Students ,2ndEdition -9780495013273 - David W. Ball - Cengage Learning

I also got the Chemistry for Dummies workbook, which assessed the information I understood and the stuff I needed help with. Then I did the extra problems to improve on my weak areas.

The best thing I did was put in time in the first week of class when I devoted 3 hours to grind through the Chemistry equations until I understood them. Put in some time in the beginning and it will make the whole class easier. I also borrowed Chemistry for Dummies from the library and read it before the class started. Really helped to have some of the basic concepts down in advance.

My first Chem test I got a C-. But I kept working and my grades improved as I went. I did every assignment and got an A. Best of all, I feel like I really understood the class and it's been so helpful to have that as a base going into physio andthe drug and dosing classes.

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Thanks for all the input, I just so happen to be going to the library in just a bit, and will check for that book.....if they dont have it, I've seen it on ebay before!

I'm curious though......like I mentioned above I have to start out at the very basics in math, so for me it's:

basic math

intro to algebra

intermediate algebra

I will not be taking college algebra for the ADN program......will those classes be ok, I actually will ONLY have basic math and possibly intro to algebra before I take chem......I mean will I need much more than that to get me through this class with a good understanding of what I'm doing?

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It really depends on the nursing program that is offered at the college.

The Jr. College where I attend requires intermediate algebra for the very bare min to get into the nursing program, and the intro to algebra is a must for General Chem. If you are planning to transfer? That's another story, and here in California you will need to add either college algebra, Cal, or stats for the BSN, and that will also depend on which College.

I like you, had to start with basic math and chose to take a factoring class with the intro to algebra to get those factors to stick to my head! Either way, it may take a little longer to finish, but you will pull out some top grades in the end!

Keep focus, and stay positive! Sounds like you have an awesome plan! Blessings~

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I took chemistry at the same time I took elementary algebra. I hadn't been to college in over 20 years, so, at that time, my math skills sucked! I struggled a lot with the conversions. Now that I've aced intermediate and college algebra and am in my first semester of nursing school, the math has come easier. It's just simple conversions in chemistry but the problem is that they come in the form of a word problem. So, study your metric conversions, and try to really think before setting up your problem.

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I'm taking Chem 101 right now and the math used in Intro Algebra and Intermediate Algebra have been very helpful, so far there hasn't been much beyond that as far as math goes, I have a high B/low A so far! And I never took a Chem class before. :) You'll do fine! Just study!

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Algebra is a prereq for Chemistry at my community college, but I got an advisor to waive the requirement since I already had a Bachelor's degree.

If you're willing to get the Algebra skills you need for Chemistry on your own, you don't have to take a formal class. You can seek YouTube videos, websites and books to help. Frankly, you usually learn it better when self directed because you have to get creative and put in time to teach yourself.

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