Qus on Chemistry for a Physics Major

[LBloom]

Hi, I'm a freshman Physics major heading planning for my second semester (starting sophomore physics b/c of APs yay!) Anyway, I was planning out my next 3 years based on the outline my school gives for physics majors heading to Graduate school, and I figured if I take two maths and two physics classes a semester, I can complete a double major with at least 9 credits left (assuming my research takes up 6 credits, the max). For the most part, I'll only be taking 16/15 credits per semester (except for three when I'll be taking 18/18/19). Anyway, I was figuring that with the 9 credits I have left over, I should take Graduate level classes.

However, one of the classes they recommend is the first half of intro to chem, which will take up at least 5 credits. For ppl that are going to graduate school, is chem really necessary? I mean, I don't expect it to be difficult, but i don't really want to be taking 20 credits per semester or sacrifice graduate courses. After all, if I really need to learn chem, wouldn't opencourseware suffice? Also, how many credits do math/physics majors usually take per semester?

 

[R.Mesri]

The answer to your question really depends on the requirements of your school, and the type of graduate program you are looking to pursue. Some graduate programs may require some form of chemistry course, while others may not. It is best to check with your school's requirements and speak with an advisor to determine what courses you should take. In general, math and physics majors usually take around 15-18 credits per semester. However, this can vary depending on the individual and their course load. Some may take more or fewer credits depending on their academic goals and available time.

 

[Mene]

I can understand your concerns about taking a chemistry course as a physics major. However, I would highly recommend taking at least the first half of intro to chemistry as it will provide a strong foundation for your future studies in physics. Chemistry is an essential part of understanding the physical world and many concepts in physics are based on principles of chemistry.

In addition, as a physics major planning to go to graduate school, taking a chemistry course will demonstrate your ability to handle a diverse range of subjects and will make you a more well-rounded candidate for graduate programs. It will also give you the opportunity to learn from a different perspective and potentially open up new research interests.

As for the number of credits typically taken by math/physics majors, it can vary depending on the individual's workload and course availability. However, it is generally recommended to not take on too heavy of a course load as it can impact your academic performance and overall well-being. It is important to find a balance between challenging yourself and maintaining a manageable workload.

In conclusion, as a physics major, I believe taking a chemistry course would greatly benefit your academic and career pursuits. It may require some adjustments in your schedule, but the knowledge and skills gained from a chemistry course will be invaluable in your future studies and research.