Are Math Courses Derailing My Chemistry Major Dreams?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a student's struggle with math courses, specifically Linear Algebra I and Calculus II, while pursuing a Chemistry major. The student has passed Linear Algebra I with a D and is currently facing significant challenges in Calculus II, scoring only 30% on the first midterm. Despite performing well in Physics II and Intro Chemistry III, the student is concerned about the impact of poor math grades on their academic trajectory and is contemplating whether to continue, drop the course, or focus on retaking the math classes in the future.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Linear Algebra concepts and applications
  • Knowledge of Calculus II topics and problem-solving techniques
  • Familiarity with academic grading systems and course prerequisites
  • Awareness of study strategies and resources for STEM subjects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective study techniques for Calculus II, such as practice problems and tutoring
  • Explore resources for mastering Linear Algebra, including online courses and textbooks
  • Investigate the implications of retaking math courses on academic records and future opportunities
  • Learn about time management strategies to balance multiple challenging courses
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students pursuing STEM majors, particularly those struggling with math prerequisites, academic advisors, and educators seeking to understand student challenges in mathematics.

MarcZZ
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Hello folks,

Welcome to my rant. If you do not feel like listening to me bemoan the my performance in my Linear Algebra I and Calculus II classes than now is the time for you to leave! Anyways here we go, I am in my first semester of second year, and I finally think I have decided to major in Chemistry. However, in order to get into my Chemistry major I need Linear Algebra I and up to Calculus III, (optionally take ODE if I want to do Advanced Quantum Chemistry). I did well in Calculus I (84%) (I had to take College Algebra due to a bad MPT in first semester) and took Linear Algebra I last semester, and did really bad on the first midterm (12%), but picked up the slack, got 60% on second and 57%ish on the final and passed that course with a pathetic 51% (D). Either way I'm now in my Calculus II class and got the first midterm result back and got a 30%... (39% class average, only one person scored above 75%) and am now royally ticked off, as I feel I'm going to have a repeat of my previous Linear Algebra course. Is this a sign I'm not cut out for Chemistry? The Physics II (E&M) class I'm taking I'm getting about 84-85% in this far and my Intro Chem III I'm making around the same... This is already going to cost me another semester of time as I will specifically have to focus on retaking those two math courses, and can get them replaced I do better, (the grades will still be on the transcript). But my problem is this, should I try to put in a huge amount of effort to save myself in Calc II and risk jeopardizing my other two courses, considering I'm pretty much totally lost in this course now anyways (75% my fault, 25% professor's...), should I drop the course (I don't want to do this as I won't get a refund), or what I'm thinking, should I just continue put in some effort try to learn the material I can, and fail it so I can just deal with it again next semester after I know the material (with Linear Algebra of course)? I also can drop out and go work out West in Fort McMurray with all my friends and make money and perhaps/perhaps not ever come back to science because perhaps I'm not ready, or just too stupid...
 
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