Advice needed please

[mx41]

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I currently go to a public university and this summer I wanted to take General Chemistry II at a local community college (I already took Chemistry I at my university). Today in class I found out that my school's chemistry curriculum is different than the community college, so some concepts in Chemistry II were taught in Chemistry I, and vice versa. Basically, what I am saying that concepts like thermochemistry, electron configuration and orbitals will not be taught to me if after I take this class. Everything else will be there for the most part
What should I do? Should I continue on with this class? I fear that I wont be prepared for the DAT chemistry section. I cannot take this class at my undergrad this summer. Could I get some advice please?

 

[Hordel]

In my opinion you should NOT continue for a couple of reasons. First, most dental schools prefere to see that your core science classes were obtained from a university and NOT a CC. I had some credits from a CC, but none of them were my core science classes (all science I re-took from the University). Second, I believe that electron configuration and orbital theory are VERY important in chemistry overall. I even remember using these theories in O chem in the very begining. Third, the amount of information, and the level of the tests at a CC, is below that found in the university system. From someone who has gone to both a university and a CC I can say without hesitation that the university was MUCH harder. Now remember that this is just one persons opinion. You may choose to stay in the class and if you do that is fine. I know that you would probably prefere to stay in the class, but I believe in the long run you will be better off taking the extra time to get the class via a University. If you are worried about not graduating in four years I would not worry about it. I graduated in six years, due to the CC, and didn't have a single question about it.

Hope this helps and best of luck to you!

 

[Vicviper]

As far as the question of it being accepted from a CC, as long as you aren't heartset on one of the schools that refuses to accept CC prereqs - and isn't willing to bend their rules as many of the schools that say they don't take them are - I wouldn't worry on that count, especially if it will delay your graduation significantly.

As far as learning that material, that is a bit concerning, because those three are very regularly tested on the DAT. Granted they're not the most difficult of topics, and you could learn them yourself in your DAT studying, but I always found it better to have an initial foundation when reviewing for the DAT.

As far as the difficulty of the class, like Hordel said, it can depend on the professor and the college. I know for a fact that my sciences were equally as difficult if not more so at my CC than at my UC.

As someone who took all of my pre-reqs at my CC before I transferred (which I don't necessarily recommend), I don't think it will greatly effect you, other than the fact of not being as prepared for the DAT, which can be overcome with extra focus on that during your studies. And remember that you could always ask your professor for help on those areas if you want to review them before the semester starts or something.

Good luck!