Courses Should I take general chemistry 1 and 2?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether a mathematics major, who has completed significant coursework in calculus and physics, should take two semesters of general chemistry despite having no prior chemistry experience. The consensus suggests that taking the courses is advisable, as chemistry differs significantly from mathematics, and prior knowledge of chemistry is essential for understanding the subject's nuances. Self-studying for the exams may not be as effective without foundational coursework. Additionally, there is a request for recommendations on chemistry books that connect with physics. Overall, enrolling in the chemistry courses is deemed beneficial for a well-rounded education in the intended double major.
MidgetDwarf
Messages
1,574
Reaction score
696
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes symbolipoint
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?
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
Back
Top