Schools Preparing for University: Is Chemistry Necessary for Physics?

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Chemistry is not a strict requirement for admission into university physics programs, but it is highly recommended. While some students have succeeded in physics without a strong chemistry background, many find that knowledge of chemistry enhances their understanding of topics like thermodynamics and electromagnetism. If chemistry is not a prerequisite for admission, students can focus on advanced functions, calculus, and physics instead. Once enrolled, taking introductory chemistry courses at university is advisable, as they often fill in essential knowledge gaps. Overall, while chemistry is beneficial, it is not mandatory for success in physics, especially for students aiming for fields like astrophysics or theoretical physics.
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Going off to university :)

Hello everyone, I was browsing through the internet, and came upon this forum in hope you guys can lend me a hand :)! In the following year il be applying to university, and going to apply to physics. Now most of the university requirements recommend chemistry, but you don't need it to get accepted. Now I have a very tight work schedule, due to events that happened earlier in the year. I have come to ask, how important is chemistry in university physics? Is it a must I take it in high school? or pay more attention to advance functions and calculus, and physics?
Note: I hope to go into astrophysics, or theoretical
I know I literally just joined, but I hope that's not an issue, had no where else to really go for advice :(
 
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for any degree gen chem is a req at my school. and I would say that chem would help you fill in the gaps when it comes to thermo and elec and mag. and other subjects like these in physics. I have a friend that took quite a few chems before physics and he said if he hadn't taken chem he wouldn't have gotten a's in physics. but you may be different.
 
downtime91 said:
Hello everyone, I was browsing through the internet, and came upon this forum in hope you guys can lend me a hand :)! In the following year il be applying to university, and going to apply to physics. Now most of the university requirements recommend chemistry, but you don't need it to get accepted. Now I have a very tight work schedule, due to events that happened earlier in the year. I have come to ask, how important is chemistry in university physics? Is it a must I take it in high school? or pay more attention to advance functions and calculus, and physics?
Note: I hope to go into astrophysics, or theoretical
I know I literally just joined, but I hope that's not an issue, had no where else to really go for advice :(

If you didn't do it, and it isn't required for admission then you're fine. You will likely do some general chem classes at university. When you enroll in these chem classes it might be a good idea to read through the text and look up any information that is assumed to be known from high school--which isn't a whole lot in my experience.
 
Chem classes really help with physics. It's a shame chemistry is taught so badly at the introductory level.
 
Student100 said:
If you didn't do it, and it isn't required for admission then you're fine. You will likely do some general chem classes at university. When you enroll in these chem classes it might be a good idea to read through the text and look up any information that is assumed to be known from high school--which isn't a whole lot in my experience.

+1.0

Take chem at university -- no need to spend time on it beforehand, IMO.

Welcome to the PF, BTW :smile:
 
Thank you for the welcome :)! And thanks for all the replies really means a lot getting feedback, considering I was receiving none before hand!
 
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