General Chemistry or College Chemistry?

[jdlabadia]

So one of the prerequisites before I can apply for the nursing program is to take either Gen Chem or College Chem. Does anyone happen to know the difference b/w the two?

[Phoenixbyrd]

I took general chemistry because I learned, after research, that it is more readily transferrable to a 4 year college's nursing program than college chem. Also, gen chem is a bit more rigorously taught than college chem. It is geared towards engineering, pre-med as well as nursing students. My professor taught both classes, and he told us that although both are introductory level classes, he expected his gen chem students to know certain foundational ideas in chemistry. Thus, a lot of times he would reference concepts in class that some of us (including me) had to research in order to understand. (I remember, for example, he discussed electron levels, but he refused to teach it, saying "You should know that already. I teach that in my college chem class").

So it's up to you. If you have been adequately prepared in chemistry, take gen chem. If you need the foundation and more explanation, college chem is the way to go. But if you plan on transferring your credits over to a 4 year school for your BSN in NJ, college chem will more than likely be seen as a chemistry elective. It may not be used to fulfill the chem requirements for the 4 year program.

Hope I helped you out.

[caliotter3]

The difference in the courses at your school will be indicated in the course descriptions in the catalog or the class schedule. If you still have questions after reading them, then see an advisor or speak to an instructor in the chemistry department.

[DFWgal]

College Chem is Chem for non-science majors? If so, I would go with Gen Chem. (I'm taking Micro for science majors this semester). These courses are easier to transfer. :)

[iceygirl18]

Thanks for this clarification.