Algebra Based Physics I vs Comparative Physiology

[medschoolhopeful99]

Hello Student Doctor Network!

I am a pre-med at the University of Miami. To date, I have completed:
General Biology I - A+
General Biology II - A+
General Chemistry I - A+
Statistical Analysis - A

Next semester, I will be taking General Chemistry II, but since I don't have to take Bio II next sem since I did it last sem, I was thinking of starting Physics. Should I take Physics I? I was also thinking of taking comparative physiology since physiology seems interesting to me, but I don't know much about the class itself and its not really a requirement for me unlike Physics. I suppose if I do declare a Bio major it will be required but I am not a Bio major yet.

So my questions are...
1.) Is Physics I and Gen Chem II (two math-based classes) too much in one semester?
2.) What is the difficulty of Physics I relative to Gen Chem I - especially in terms of mathematics required?
3.) If you have taken Comparative Physiology, would you recommend the course? What was your experience?

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[Blanky]

Gen chem 1 is baby algebra. Physics 1 is a little harder but still algebra. Gen chem 2 is going to be harder and more math than chem 1 and then physics a little more although I feel like you may compliment each other if your algebra skills are solid. Are you comfortable rearranging formulas using algebra? Are you familiar with basic trig like sohcohtoa? If you feel comfortable with your algebra skills and sohcohtoa, then I would say take chem2 and physics 1 together.
Physiology is going to be pure memorization just like Bio, and it seems you are good at that. Instead of comparative is there a standard human physiology?

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

I concur with Blanky.

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@Blanky @IsleyOfTheNorth thank you for your responses! Yes, there is a human physiology, which I would prefer to take, however, it is offered by the Kinesiology department and seems to only be available for Kinesiology majors next semester which is a bummer. I'm also not sure if I am good at memorization or if I just study a lot HAHA

In terms of my algebra skills, I did get an A+ in Gen Chem 1 this semester, but as you said the math is likely simpler (although we did do acids/bases and equilibrium which involved quadratics and ICE tables). In regards to re-arranging equations, I am comfortable in this (at least for what was required again, in Gen Chem 1). However, I have forgotten a lot of my trig which is concerning. I could, however, attempt to review this over my break?

 

[Blanky]

Acid base chemistry and ice tables are decent enough, I’m sure you will be fine.
You can find a 5 min video on sohcohtoa and be done with it. I skipped trig and went right into physics, all I needed was a professor for physics to sign the override.

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

However, I have forgotten a lot of my trig which is concerning. I could, however, attempt to review this over my break?

I was in the same boat - you'll be fine. It's only basic trig so a quick review should do it.

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@Blanky @IsleyOfTheNorth thank you so much for your inputs! I have found the advice helpful. I think I will take Physics and just brush up on the math this winter break. Is there anything like the sine rule or cosine rule LOL or is it just basic sohcahtoa?

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

If I remember correctly, it's just SoHCaHToA and maybe inverse tan.

Also, brush up on log and ln (natural log) for Chem 2.

 

[Blanky]

If I remember correctly, it's just SoHCaHToA and maybe inverse tan.

Also, brush up on log and ln (natural log) for Chem 2.

My man said he did acid base chem so he might already be comfortable with logs... good call though if he’s not

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@Blanky @IsleyOfTheNorth no you guys are right i should. When I was doing equillibrium, acids/bases and aqueous ionic equillibrium in Chem 1 I was using the formulas as given by the class. Meaning I was plugging in lets say the concentration of H+ to -log (-log[H+])to find the pH after doing an ice table. But I don't really understand the actual math behind it if you know what I mean