general chemistry how much math

seneca-BSN-student · May 11, 2005

Good job with the Fundamentals of Chemistry class...I took Intro to Chem (probably just like your course) and barely got a C. I didn't realize there was so much math, even in a intro course. I'm taking Organic & Biochemistry this summer...it looked easier and more interesting. Also, not as much math. I'm sure you'll do fine! :)

BabyRN2Be · May 11, 2005

Good job with the Fundamentals of Chemistry class...I took Intro to Chem (probably just like your course) and barely got a C. I didn't realize there was so much math, even in a intro course. I'm taking Organic & Biochemistry this summer...it looked easier and more interesting. Also, not as much math. I'm sure you'll do fine! :)

What type of math was most beneficial to you? I'm guessing algebra, but at what level? I've posted about this before, I'll be taking intermediate algebra this fall to get ready for chem. Do you think it will be enough?

mrod, LPN, LVN · May 11, 2005

I took fundamentals of chemistry and got an A. I have only had introduction to Algebra. My question, is this enough math to be successful in General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry?

I took Chemistry 101 last semester, you just need to know Algebra, but you have to fully understand it. The Chemistry professor will not have time to teach you algebra during the class, they will expect you to know it. There are alot of formulas to know and basic problems used everyday.

I am taking Chemistry 102- Organic Chem and it is much harder than Chem 101. There is alot more memorizing and actually understanding what is going on. Chem 101 is easy if you are good at math.

BabyRN2Be · May 11, 2005

I took Chemistry 101 last semester, you just need to know Algebra, but you have to fully understand it. The Chemistry professor will not have time to teach you algebra during the class, they will expect you to know it. There are alot of formulas to know and basic problems used everyday.
I am taking Chemistry 102- Organic Chem and it is much harder than Chem 101. There is alot more memorizing and actually understanding what is going on. Chem 101 is easy if you are good at math.

Well, that's one thing I'm not good at. I guess it's a good thing that I'll be doing the intermediate algebra class first. It sounds like a wise move.

Thank you!

seneca-BSN-student · May 11, 2005

What type of math was most beneficial to you? I'm guessing algebra, but at what level? I've posted about this before, I'll be taking intermediate algebra this fall to get ready for chem. Do you think it will be enough?

Actually, just basic algebra would have helped me! I've been out of college for 3 1/2 years...haven't taken a math course since 2000. Plus, I really suck at math. I thought Intro to Chemistry would be like my high school chem class, just harder. Um...no. :uhoh21:

bioniclewoman · May 11, 2005

I took fundamentals of chemistry and got an A. I have only had introduction to Algebra. My question, is this enough math to be successful in General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry?

There should be a math prerequisite stated in the course catalog it you need to know certain things. At my school you can take intro with no previous math classes but all other chem classes have math prerequisites.

seneca-BSN-student · May 11, 2005

I took Chemistry 101 last semester, you just need to know Algebra, but you have to fully understand it. The Chemistry professor will not have time to teach you algebra during the class, they will expect you to know it. There are alot of formulas to know and basic problems used everyday.
I am taking Chemistry 102- Organic Chem and it is much harder than Chem 101. There is alot more memorizing and actually understanding what is going on. Chem 101 is easy if you are good at math.

So, Organic Chem is just more memorizing? Any math at all? Thanks!

mrod, LPN, LVN · May 11, 2005

Actually, just basic algebra would have helped me! I've been out of college for 3 1/2 years...haven't taken a math course since 2000. Plus, I really suck at math. I thought Intro to Chemistry would be like my high school chem class, just harder. Um...no. :uhoh21:

I think it is much different because it is harder math all at once. For example, you need to understand scientific notation with coefficients and exponents. You need to know operating rules of decimals and measurement of uncertainty. You also need to know unit conversions and the metric system.

I am good at math, always was but if math is not your strong point, look on the web or at a books store for some intro to algebra handbook you can reference while studying or some type of "Algebra for Dummies". I am a huge fan of using the web or a cheezy handbook or an old math or reference book to help me to study and find additional problems my text book does not have. It does magic for me, the more you do the better you are.

Missy

mrod, LPN, LVN · May 12, 2005

What type of math was most beneficial to you? I'm guessing algebra, but at what level? I've posted about this before, I'll be taking intermediate algebra this fall to get ready for chem. Do you think it will be enough?

I took Chem 101 at a University which I "heard" is much harder than a community college. I chose to take the University course because I eventually would like to be a NA or a NP and most medical schools in MAssachusetts and surrounding states only except Chem from a University.

I think the Algebra course is defiantely going to help you. Just keep all your notes and flash cards and books to reference.

You will do fine

Missy

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · May 12, 2005

I took Chemistry while taking Intermmediate Algebra and boy did I need it. :chuckle

I really found frustrating the conversion factors. It took me a while to get the hang of it and actually solve a problem. :rolleyes:

I think that algebra and above should be just right.

mrod, LPN, LVN · May 12, 2005

So, Organic Chem is just more memorizing? Any math at all? Thanks!

In Chem 101 I had my calculator out every exam, it was required. In Chem 102 I have not used my calculator once...no math at all, at all! All understanding theory and memorizing. The only good thing about Chem 102 is that it is organic chem, naturally occuring compounds. So you learn the reason behind many biological chemicals and products. Basically I freak people out telling them why something is something because it reacts with this and that and why it is named this because of this.

Chem 102, alot of reactions to memorize and alot of naming...they have a name for everything. There is a RN in my class now and she admits that this is cool stuff to talk about at a Chemistry Club Friday night than what is really used in Nursing BUT it makes you understand "why" you are using this drug or chemical, etc.

Missy