Should I take general chemistry 1 and 2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a mathematics major, who has not previously taken any chemistry courses, should enroll in general chemistry 1 and 2 as part of a double major in Math/Physics or Math/Aerospace Engineering. The scope includes considerations of course selection, self-learning versus formal education, and the relationship between chemistry and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that since the original poster has never taken a chemistry course, it would be advisable to take the courses to gain foundational knowledge.
  • Another participant emphasizes that chemistry is fundamentally different from mathematics, indicating that familiarity with math does not equate to an understanding of chemistry.
  • The original poster expresses a willingness to self-learn and considers the possibility of passing an examination for credit instead of taking the courses.
  • The original poster also seeks recommendations for chemistry books that connect chemistry with physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that taking the chemistry courses would be beneficial for someone without prior experience in the subject. However, there is no consensus on whether self-learning would suffice.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the question of whether self-study could adequately prepare the original poster for the material covered in general chemistry courses.

MidgetDwarf
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So I have successfully transferred to a 4 year university from a community college. I am majoring in mathematics. I have completed: Calculus 1,2,3, Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations, Introduction to Linear Algebra, Introduction to Discrete Mathematics. I have also completed introduction to mechanics and electricity and magnetism ( Freshman physics sequence).

I plan to double major in Math/Physics or Math/Aerospace engineering. My school offers a joint Phd program with Claremont Graduate University. The Phd is a Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Mathematics. This is something I seem interested in, if I double major in Engineering. However, physics is something I am interested in.

Anyhow, in order to double major, I must complete the last introductory physics course and 2 semesters of general chemistry.

I am definitely going to take the last introductory physics course.

My question is, should I spend time taking the 2 chemistry courses? I have never had a chemistry course. I feel comfortable with self learning mathematics, and I can study for these 2 classes and pass an examination to receive credit. Or would it be more beneficial for me to actually take the course?
 
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If you never had a chemistry course, then you should probably takeethe course. Chemistry is quite different from math. Not more or less difficult, just different. You're used to math now so you can predict the nuances in the texts, you can't yet do that with chemistry since you have no experience.
 
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micromass said:
If you never had a chemistry course, then you should probably takeethe course. Chemistry is quite different from math. Not more or less difficult, just different. You're used to math now so you can predict the nuances in the texts, you can't yet do that with chemistry since you have no experience.

Thanks for the advice. Do you recommend any chemistry books? Is there such a book at this level, that makes connections with physics?
 

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