No future? (I never studied chemistry. Am I finished?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concerns of a student in their final year of A-levels regarding the necessity of chemistry for pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. The scope includes university admissions, the impact of lacking chemistry knowledge, and the potential for remedial courses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The student questions whether universities in the States and Canada will be lenient regarding their lack of chemistry background.
  • Some participants suggest that many good schools may admit students without prior chemistry, but caution that freshman chemistry courses could be challenging.
  • One participant proposes the option of taking a chemistry course at a community college over the summer to bolster their application.
  • There is a consensus that most engineering programs require a chemistry course in the first year, and that students without prior chemistry experience can succeed in these courses.
  • Participants note that high school chemistry may not adequately prepare students for engineering-level chemistry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that universities may accept students without prior chemistry, but there is uncertainty about the level of difficulty they will face in introductory chemistry courses. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for the student.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about university admissions criteria and the varying standards of chemistry courses across different institutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering engineering programs who lack a chemistry background and are exploring their options for university admissions and preparatory courses.

Azog
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Hi

I am in my final year of A-levels (Grade 12), and have applied to some universities home and abroad for Electrical Engineering (for States and Can., Fall 2004).
Universities in Pakistan won't let me apply for ANY form of engineering (even mechatronics).
I always thought Elec. Engineering would be more about physics and computing (Subjects I am currently studying: Physics, Mathematics (Pure), Mathematics (Mechanics), Computing Studies) and that it had nothing much to do with chemistry (yes, I realize how wrong I was for believing that!)

1. Will universities in the States/Canada be more forgiving regarding this?
2. Will I be able to make up for this by means of additional chemistry courses while studying electrical engineering?
3. If I get admitted into any university, how hard of a grind am I in for?
4. How many years am I looking forward to losing?
 
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Azog said:
1. Will universities in the States/Canada be more forgiving regarding this?

I'm sure there are plenty of good schools that would admit you without it. Of course, you will have a bit of a tough time in the required freshman chem courses, but if you can do math and physics, you can do it.

Another option is to take it over the summer at a community college, if you have one nearby. Make sure to let colleges know on your application that you will have a summer course in progress.
 
Most engineering programs (all?) require you to take a chemistry course in your first year. You'll take it then.

Don't worry, most high school/pre-college chemistry courses are not adaquate for engineering.
 
Maxwell said:
Most engineering programs (all?) require you to take a chemistry course in your first year. You'll take it then.

Agreed, I had some friends in my first year who had NEVER taken chemistry before, and they did just fine, since all the EE majors had to take a chem course anyways.
 

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