Taking a chemistry course with no chemistry background

[Zoroaster]

Hello all

I am a physics student who just finished the second year of my BS. I am looking to get into oceanography, and therefore I am considering taking (among others) a course in chemical oceanography next semester. A two-semester freshman chemistry course is a formal prerequisite to the chem oceanography course.

Unfortunately I have no background in chemistry whatsoever. I have obviously seen a periodic table or two in classes like QM and atomic physics, but that's really it. I don't even have high school chemistry courses. However, I have been accepted into the course as I am going to be an exchange student, and I thought this could make an excellent opportunity to learn a bit of basic chemistry in the summer (although I know by experience that this studying will be very sporadic and unstructured, unfortunately). My question is: how difficult is freshman chemistry? Compared to freshman physics for example? Are the subjects hard to grasp? And am I being stupid to attend a chemistry course without the right background?

I otherwise have a decent background in physics and math, and I've taken the required course in general oceanography. I have an ok GPA but nothing outstanding.

Thank you for your help, any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[mcdowellmg]

Compared to physics, it's much easier IMO. Freshman Chemical will begin with the basics, so you shouldn't have to study beforehand. Maybe learn why the periodic table is laid out the way it is and how to name different compounds. You should be fine; easy A for me.

 

[Angry Citizen]

I was in the same situation as you, with the same apprehension. Maybe your freshman chemistry is different, but mine was largely an exercise in memorizing formulas and a few polyatomic ions. It was algebra-based, so any engineering or physics student should be fine with the math. Compared to my calculus-based physics (which I also didn't have any prior experience in), it was almost a joke, although I learned a lot.

Freshman chemistry will almost inevitably start at the beginning. Hell, mine started out with dimensional analysis, significant figures, and basic non-chemistry stuff. However, if you're studying in Europe or somewhere like that, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they start at a more advanced level. Universities in America like to coddle the folks who didn't pay attention in high school.

 

[Zoroaster]

Thanks for your help! Enlightening and encouraging answers.

Just to clarify - the course I am planning to take is not freshman chemistry, but a chemical oceanography course that has freshman chem as a prerequisite (which it is possible to lure ones way around as an exchange student..). I'm guessing it won't be a very heavy course though, and since the freshman chemistry seems manageable, I think I'll give it a shot.

 

[QuarkCharmer]

khan academy has a great series of videos on gen chem I/II. If you just familiarize yourself with those and know the basics of scientific measurement and lab protocol you should be fine if freshmen chem is the prerequisite.

 

[Angry Citizen]

Also, don't be afraid to go and ask your professor at office hours about concepts that he or she blew over. If you explain the situation, they will almost certainly understand. In fact, they may even be a little impressed with you if you end up doing well in the course. Always a plus to have a professor look favorably on you.

 

[Zoroaster]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated!