Chem before Bio 101?

[JESSFALLING]

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Hello ~ I was wondering if people here recommend waiting to take BIOL 1 until after a semester of general chemistry? I am registered for CHEM 1 this spring, but I'm undecided on BIOL 1. What's best? I'd like to take BIOL 1 w/ Chem 1 if it's doable. Thanks so much!!

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Here's the course desc:

BIOL 1 Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology

Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 1 or concurrent enrollment.

Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3.0 hours laboratory, 3.0 hours lecture.
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[Cruzerthebruzer]

I personally would take both of them, both classes are prereqs for a bunch of other classes that you'll have to take.

 

[deleted357625]

I'm taking bio 1 and general chem 1 right now for spring. Both, it's fine.

 

[JESSFALLING]

Thanks, this is reassuring. I just want to do good.

 

[deleted357625]

Thanks, this is reassuring. I just want to do good.

Yea don't worry. Pay attention, put forth the effort and you will do fine. A lot of people take bio and chem at the same time and they even take a whole bunch of upper level science courses together in the future.

 

[sonia1177]

Hello ~ I was wondering if people here recommend waiting to take BIOL 1 until after a semester of general chemistry? I am registered for CHEM 1 this spring, but I'm undecided on BIOL 1. What's best? I'd like to take BIOL 1 w/ Chem 1 if it's doable. Thanks so much!!

+++
Here's the course desc:

BIOL 1 Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology

Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 1 or concurrent enrollment.

Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3.0 hours laboratory, 3.0 hours lecture.
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I took both Bio + Chem combined. But I don't really think having a Chem class before bio would help you in anyway. However, if you hold off one of the courses, like others have mentioned, you are going to have problems getting in upper level bio courses (i.e. Genetics) and upper level Chem courses (i.e. Orgo). Consider all your options. If you can handle it (know that if you work hard you can get A's in both), then go for it.

 

[Geneticist]

I took Bio and Chem together as well and got A's in both. They aren't that hard to do together.

 

[JonnyL]

Very doable.

Some tips:
Chemistry - Understand the concepts. If you understand the concepts and the problems become much easier. Chemistry is not a class where you memorize formulas, because if you only do that, it will bite you in the long run. And with that said, do a TON of problems. Practice makes perfect.

Bio - Watch A LOT of videos. They will give the big picture of the stuff you need to know.

 

[deleted357625]

Very doable.

Some tips:
Chemistry - Understand the concepts. If you understand the concepts and the problems become much easier. Chemistry is not a class where you memorize formulas, because if you only do that, it will bite you in the long run. And with that said, do a TON of problems. Practice makes perfect.

Bio - Watch A LOT of videos. They will give the big picture of the stuff you need to know.

Thanks helps for me also. Taking the courses this term

 

[Big Dog]

...many colleges require Chem as a prereq - not concurrent -- to Bio, including Stanford, for example. Other colleges recommend taking both together, particularly for Bio majors. But if you are not a biological science major, it won't much matter.

 

[Reticent]

...many colleges require Chem as a prereq - not concurrent -- to Bio, including Stanford, for example. Other colleges recommend taking both together, particularly for Bio majors.

Which is kind of wierd when you think about it. The amount of chemistry you need to understand a general bio course is pretty trivial.

You might need to know what, endergonic vs exergonic and have an idea of at least what a redox reaction is? Am I missing anything (it has been a while)?