general chemistry how much math

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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?

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
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?

Good choice. I think it is a great idea to take it before Chem. You will have it fresh in your mind and more apt to do well

Good Luck:chuckle

Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.

I agree, there is definetly more computation in Gen Chem...Ochem is more understanding but i thought it was more interesting as well. To really do well in Gen Chem you need a good grasp of atleast algebra, i believe there were logarhythems in my gen chem class which gets into a bit of calc..i would say if you are competent in algebra then youd be ok in gen chem...i took chem at Ohio State Univ

I am just finishing Chem II with my final exam on Tuesday! :uhoh21: Wish me luck!

I had not seen Algebra since high school -- which was 20 years ago. For Chem I, you need to be able to solve for "x", use dimensional analysis, and understand exponents and coefficients. I found that learning to walk though the steps of a problem by writing it down in a clear step by step manner helped alot. I got an 'A' in Chem I., and I'm going into the final with an 'A' for Chem II. Math problems that panicked me years ago are suddenly not so scary anymore. Of course 20 years ago you were not allowed a calculator in class!

Also helpful is http://www.chemfiesta.com for the basic stuff in Chem I. This site is by the guy who wrote Chemistry for Dummies. There are a lot of other helpful links for chemistry/math tutorials on the web as you progress through chemistry. Be patient with yourself and remember, no one is great at everything! :)

Best Wishes!

Good choice. I think it is a great idea to take it before Chem. You will have it fresh in your mind and more apt to do well

Good Luck:chuckle

Thanks for your reassurance! This is one area that I'm not good at, and in order to get into nursing school, I've got to have pretty high grades. Chem is the only thing that I worry about, Biology for Majors, A&P, and Microbiology don't really scare me as much as Chem. Those classes probably deal with more memorization, and I believe that I can still do that. :)

I think that my plan will be to take Prin of Chem (if I go the ADN route, it's required). And if I do OK in that, I'll take Chem I so that if I do well, I can apply to the university and get my BSN, because I'd like to do some teaching one day.

I think I have one good thing going for me, my hubby is a software engineer and he said that he liked the college chem. He's said that he'd help me with it. He's such a sweetheart. He's very intelligent, but he's the type who is so modest, he denies it. :) Gotta luv that man. I am very blessed.

Specializes in Cardiac.
So, Organic Chem is just more memorizing? Any math at all? Thanks!

In my organic chemistry class, my instructor told us that all we needed to know math wise was how to count to 12...

In my college there are 2 kinds of chemistry. Those for allied health, and those for BIO majors. The nursing chemistry was called Organic and Biochemistry, and it didn't require a pre-req. Organic for BIO majors is General Organic Chem, and it usually requires a year of General Chemstry as a pre-req. The General Chemistry for BIO majors usually requires College algebra. This is just how my school works....

If you like math then you will do fine in regular chem, if you do well with languages then you will do well with Organic. If you do well in both kinds of chem, then you are really smart!! :chuckle

I am taking Chemistry 101 in the fall. I have not College Algebra yet. Should I take College Algebra first, or can I take Chemistry 101 and College algebra at the same time???

Lily

Anyone taking a chem, bio, or math class should add this website to their bookmarks and use the tutorials while studying:

www.khanacademy.org

Seriously. I found the site and brought my grade in o-chem from a low B to the highest A in the class. I just wish I'd found it sooner.

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