Chemisty Prerequisites

life_aknew · Jan 11, 2008

i wish i could answer you-i'm curious about this as well since i have to take chemistry as a pre req too.

i hope someone can help-i am seriously math challenged and looking at the chem book that i have (chemical concepts-supposed to be a self teaching book) i got an instant headache!

either way good luck to you.

Mnstn, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2008

Thanks, I am really nervous about all the science prereqs. If I can't pass those and thats all that is holding me back from Nursing school I don't know what I am going to do. I am so driven to become a nurse that if I can't get through the prerequisites Ill be severely upset.

jewelshouse · Jan 12, 2008

I took Chem the first time ever last semester. It was my first semester back in college after 15 years. Don't worry about the math, I too am "math challenged" and it's really not hard, I worried about that too.

So relax, and if you get behind in class make sure you get a tutor. I missed one class and was lost the rest of the semester . . . passed with a C, which I'm not happy about but it's not the math part that tripped me up.

Good luck to you.

Shay08 · Jan 12, 2008

hi -

Chemistry was my first class in 10 years as well, and being mathematically challenged, I was terrified! But it ended up being a really enjoyable class, and the math part wasn't as bad as I'd feared. I think if you can do some basic algebra (solving for x) and conversions (grams to kilograms, etc) you will be fine on that end. The rest, I found, was plugging numbers into formulas.

All chem classes and teachers are different, of course. My class covered general, organic and biochemistry. Most of the organic and biochem was conceptual without too much math. I found that by staying ahead on my reading, attending every class and making sure I asked questions if I didn't understand something all really helped. I also formed a small study group with 2 other students in my class and we would get together before an exam to go over everything. I was so excited to make an A in that class because it was such an Achilles heel for me in high school.

Good luck! You will all do fine!!

catzy5 · Jan 12, 2008

Are the Chemistry Classes that are required as a prerequisite hard? I am not good at math and I have a phobia of chemicals...only certain ones not medication but moving on...is the class challenging? Will a student who is not strong in the sciences be able to finish the required classes with good grades?

I took Chemistry last year along with AP I. I had never had Chemistry or anything remotely like it at all ever. I never even knew there was so much math hahaha. I had a terrible instructor who had to curve his grades so much because everyone got such low marks I mean LOW!! I got an A though even without the curve. So yes, it's difficult if your not familiar with it, but read the book ahead of lecture, do the preactice problems and more if you need it, stay on top of things and you will do great. I found the hardest part to be the lab there was little to no instruction and I found most things very unfamiliar.

kristi1111 · Jan 12, 2008

I understand how you are feeling. I took Intro to Gen, Organic and Biochemistry I, last semester along with working full time and an ethics class. I ended up having to drop the chem class because even though I was being tutored, I was having an extremely difficult time.

However, I went to talk with an advisor who found a Basic Chemistry class for me to take (this was my first semester back in college after about 3 and 1/2 years and I had NEVER taken ANY chemistry before in my life, not in high school, ever.) Soo, if I had known this class existed I would have taken it first and probably not ended up in that situation.

Therefore, I am going to begin this class on Tuesday and am taking it completely by itself (still have to work full time) to see how it goes. By looking at the book it seems as if it makes a little more sense....and I already know of a good chemistry tutor who states she will help me (the same one I had before.) I realized that this class was an introduction to three different chemistry classes rather than just one.

It is hard to do any subject when you have not had exposure to the basics. I also noticed that by flipping through the book I noticed that some of the topics I covered in this prior class are in this book so there will be some exposure.

Sooo, I guess what I am trying to say in all this rambling is that you are not alone and that if you do not do well in one of your classes, then sometimes you just have to look at the situation differently and try a different strategy. I have had to do this in the past (I already have two other degrees) and have found that it worked for me.

Kristi

Knorremeisje · Jan 13, 2008

I am currently taking chemistry with A&PI and psychology, all online. I also work part-time. I did take about 3 years of chemistry in high school, however this was in Europe and in a different language. I took college math the previous semester and was terrified since I barely passed through math in high school. However, without putting in too much effort I passed the class with an A.

But about the chemistry class, I wouldn't say it's all that hard. There's quite some information to absorb but it's do-able. I've never really noticed real math in the class. However there is a lot of logic involved. A skill that will truly help you as a nurse, I'm sure. Don't be too freaked out about the chemistry, I'm sure you'll do fine. Pay attention in class, take notes, be sure to read everything, and ask questions as soon as you have them. And always remember that these dreaded classes do have a purpose and will help you become a better nurse!

Good luck!!

Hotflashn · Jan 13, 2008

I am currently taking chemistry with A&PI and psychology, all online.

How do you do chemistry and A&P online without a lab? We had to do wide variety of experiments and dissections on human cadavers. Can't do that at home!

Knorremeisje · Jan 14, 2008

We have a DVD set that includes all possible dissections on a human cadaver. Not exactly the same, but so far it has worked out pretty well. For chemistry we do all the experiments at home as well, some are accompanied by videos, others are adjusted to they can be done at home. It's a lot of work assembling all the equipment and performing the labs by yourself though.

I've also decided that I'm going to take A&PII in person during the summer. The online version gets so annoying after a while. You have to study every single part of every single chapter just a hard because there's no instructor giving hints as to what matter is more important. I'd also like to actually see the labs and participate instead of sometimes just guessing what's happening. I also look forward to not having to write 5 page essays every other week. :)

Hotflashn · Jan 14, 2008

It is great to have an online option. I didn't know it could be done. Cool. I would have gone for that had I known it was out there. Though, I actually loved going to class for anatomy and physio. I had wonderful professors and table-mates (lab partners) for both classes, which made the experience richer. Though there were some people who could not handle the dissection, it was a good wake up call. If they can't handle that, then maybe nursing isn't the right choice.

I would probably need to have someone to explain some of the more complex aspects of physio and chem. That part must be hard. I start organic chem next week - ugh.

AtomicWoman · Jan 14, 2008

The math in Chemistry is really not hard at all. Very, very basic algebra (cross-multiplying, solving for x, etc.) and conversions from English to Metric.

If you can possibly take an Intro to Chem or a Fundamentals of Chem before taking Chem I, I do recommend that, esp. if you are really fearful and/or haven't taken science classes in a long time. In the Intro classes, you do much of the same work that you do in Chem I, but at a slower pace.

Also, do every single homework problem you are assigned. There's usually a problem (or 2, or 3...) that is weird or has a twist to it. Solving all the problems will prepare you for any "surprises" on your tests.

Don't stress too much about the chemicals. There are lots of ways you are protected (goggles, apron, gloves when necessary, fume hood, etc.). And you'll get to see some of the prettiest colors you've ever seen!

Good luck!