Which Should I Take First: Analytical Chemistry or Physical Chemistry?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the decision of whether to take Analytical Chemistry or Physical Chemistry first in an academic setting. Participants explore the implications of course sequencing, the relationship between the two subjects, and the structure of course offerings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that taking Analytical Chemistry first may be beneficial as it involves a review of General Chemistry, while noting that it does not significantly aid in understanding Physical Chemistry.
  • Another participant argues that while Analytical Chemistry will not help in Physical Chemistry, the reverse may be true depending on the syllabus.
  • A different viewpoint highlights that if Physical Chemistry 2 is only offered in the spring, it may be wise to prioritize taking Physical Chemistry 1 and 2 consecutively to avoid delays.
  • One participant asserts that the two courses are fundamentally different, with Analytical Chemistry focusing more on laboratory techniques and Physical Chemistry being more theory-driven, suggesting that success in one does not necessarily correlate with success in the other.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the relationship between the two courses and the importance of course sequencing. There is no consensus on which course should be taken first, indicating a range of perspectives on the matter.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific course offerings and scheduling constraints that may influence the decision, but these factors are not universally applicable.

chanv1
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I will be picking my Spring courses on Monday and I just want to know which class you would recommend me taking first: analytical chem or physical chemistry? does it matter which I take first? I will have to take physical chemistry 2, so should I take physical chemistry first because of that? I'd really appreciate your opinion! Thanks.
 
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chanv1 said:
I will be picking my Spring courses on Monday and I just want to know which class you would recommend me taking first: analytical chem or physical chemistry? does it matter which I take first? I will have to take physical chemistry 2, so should I take physical chemistry first because of that? I'd really appreciate your opinion! Thanks.

I took Analytical Chemistry , however it really did not help with Physical Chemistry , the latter takes more time however the lab of the former is going to be more demanding. It may be better to take Analytical Chemistry since it involves a lot of review of General Chemistry.
 
I would say that Analytical Chemistry will not help in Physical Chemistry, while Physical Chemistry _may_ help in Analytical - depending on the syllabus.
 
If your school was like mine, PChem 2 was only offered in the spring so that the cohort could move smoothly through. If you didn't grab PChem 2 when you could, you had to wait a year for another chance. Analytical chemistry was offered more often. I would take PChem 2 as soon as you can after PChem 1. You can always get around to Analytical Chemistry...
 
I don't think it matters which one you pick first; these are two very different courses. In A.Chem, laboratory technique is very important and theory takes a back seat (or it should anyways...). P. Chem on the other hand is mostly theory and the lab (if one is even offered) takes a back seat. Apples and oranges, success in one probably has little to do with success in the other.
 

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