Chemistry Questions

[hugs]

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Hi all,

Apologies in advance if this is in the wrong place, I'm currently trying to decide between Dental or Physical Therapy and no I haven't shadowed either as of right now, I'm also pursuing an Environmental Science Degree but may change that to a Medical Technologist degree, I have a bachelors in Information Technology Management, but intially went back to school for Nursing, but didn't like it so here I am with very little science, or biology experience and still in the deciding factors on what I want to do, also I'm aware I could do Masters or post bac, but want a second degree where I can work in the meantime If I don't get into advanced schools right away or not at all, also would like to go into the military as an offficer and they will take both Enviromental Science and Lab Tech....and the reason I'm posting in the Dental Forum is because you guys seem by far the most knowlegable and quick on answering questions for undergrads, and yes I know the above seems a lil confusing and that I dont' know what profession I want to pursue at this point, its by far annoying, so please don't dwell on that🙂.

So this semester, my first semester in the sciences, I made the mistake of signing up for 3 lab classes not realizing that the lab courses are a class in itself if that makes sense, due to me not being use to the heavy class load, I didn't fare well, luckily I am in the early stages so hopefully that won't hurt me too much, only thing that sucks is that 2 of the classes were Zoology and Botany, uhhhh part of the prerequisites for either Physical Therapy or Dental, so that doesn't get me to a great start, in addition I have no background in Chemistry and took the first sequence of General Chem one a couple of years ago in a summer term, not realizing that class was not the introductory course so another strike...okay so here is the point of my post:

I would really like a little more help on Chemistry and I read alot about Chad's Videos and would like to study those before Spring Semester next year, where I will take Gen Chem 2, and was hoping to take Organic Chem over the summer terms next year and then BIOChem in the Fall 12 term..I was hoping if I diligently study Chads videos over the Fall 11 term, then it would help, if I decide to do that any recommendations on how many hours a day I should be inputting into that to build up the knowledge background I would need taking organic over the summer 12 terms, I don't think my course load will be that bad Fall 11, also what is the approximate cost of the videos and do you feel its appropiate for general study like I have in mind or mostly just a good resource for the DAT or good for both?

the following is what I plan on taking over the next three years, suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks....also I included all classes required for Enviromental Science and Lab tech and prereq's since I haven't made up my mind completely....I'm sure they will change quite a bit once I decide...

1)Math 1233
2)Enviromental Science Intro (Lab Course)
3)Chemistry Intro Class the one before Gen Chem 1
4) Zoology Retake (Yes I know if I end up with a C, I don't need to retake, but if I pursue Med Lab need a higher GPA for their interview (Lab Course, never mind on this one, need to retake over summer 11 possibly
4) Principles of Biology first Sequence (Need for Enviromental Science and for Clincal Lab (Lab Course


Classes for Spring 12

1) Second gen chem
2) Pre Calc (need for Enviromental Science)
3) Enviromental Law (need for Enviromental Science)
4) Bio 3064 (Second Sequence need for both E.S and Clinical Lab)


Summer 1, 12 Might possibly take Spanish Requirements here instead) and move organic to long semesters, but haven't decided
1st sequence organic chem

Summer 2, 12
2nd sequence organic chem

Fall 12

Bio Chem (Lab Course
Physics 1 (Lab Course)
Geology Class (need for Enviromental Science) Lab course
Calc one (Need for Enviromental Science degree)


Spring 13
Intro to Clincal Lab, not sure if this is a lab course, and required for Med Lab
Physics 2 (Lab course)
Analytical Chem (Lab course)
Immunology (Required for Lab tech)

Possible interview to begin Practicum Portion of Med Lab (41 hours required)

Geology Seminar (1 credit course, required for Enviromental Science

Summer 1 13

Spanish 1134

Summer 2 13

Spanish 1234

Fall 13 (Start studying for GRE to possibly go for a Masters)


Enviromental Chemistry (Required for Enviromental Science), not sure really what else to take this semester maybe a couple of upper Biology classes suggestions?

Spring 14 (Start studying for Dat and take possibly April or May) start application process for Dental School) and apply for Master Programs in case I don't get into Dental the first time, and in case med lab doesnt work out

Summer 14

Enviromental Science Internship (Required for E.S degree), graduate with

E.S degree and Clincal lab degree possbily Spring 15

If I don't get in the first time reapply for Dental Spring 15

so again sorry for the long post just wanted to give a general overview, and for those of you who read this whole post thanks....

Note: Have already take A and P courses, cant recalll if they are needed for Dental off my head...

Also suggestions on Extracurricalars at my school: I'm an older student in my thirties and would feel a little out of place in a sorority, etc.......

 

[bing12]

So your thread is way too long for me to want to read, I read the first paragraph. go SHADOW..you said you havnt done that, but thats the best way to get exposure to each field. so why havnt you done it already?

 

[sacapuntas]

Wow that is a lot of questions in one thread.


I think you need to pin down your career choice first. I went back to school pre-med, but after shadowing both professions, getting to know more dentists and doctors, and understanding the business side of both, it made my decision to switch over to dentistry easy. Once you get more informed, your path will take care of itself.

2nd, be realistic if you can get into that career. If you have a 2.7 science gpa, determine why you do. If it is bad study habits improve them. If that is your capability then don't waste the prime time of your life taking classes for a school you won't get into.

3rd, if you are likely to get into that school, be it Dental or phys. therapy or whatever, don't get another degree. You aren't that young and if you don't need to waste more time in your undergrad, then don't.

Lastly, next time break your questions up into smaller questions utilizing separate threads and you may have better luck getting a response.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Next time please structure your questions into bullets or something. That is a lot of info to take in.

However, here are my thoughts....

I personally think that getting a second degree is a waste of time. Just go balls to the wall and bust out the prereqs.... don't waste your time with these environmental and lab tech courses. If anything do a masters, but a second undergrad degree is a waste in my opinion.

Botany is not a prereq and only general zoology will substitute for general biology. Double check to see if the zoology you are taking is the right one. Don't retake Botany...

If chemistry is a worry i would not recommend doing 2 summer sessions of O-Chem. There is a lot of material to cover in those classes and to crunch it in 4-6 weeks will be tough.

As another poster mentioned.... you need to shadow! Shadow lots of dentists and PT's and see which you like better.

You should also ask yourself how much work you want to do. PT schools are less competitive than dental schools, only require the GRE, don't have as many science prereqs, and are only 2-3 year programs. So depending on where you are at in life, that may help.

Good luck!!!

 

[hugs]

Sorry for the length of my previous post...

The last poster answered my Chem question so thanks, which is one of the things I wanted answered...

and to the last poster, I disagree that a second degree is a waste of my time...

Reasons

I really want to go into the military as an officer and They will take either Enviromental Science or Med tech to do that, but my ultimate goal would be either Dental or Physical Therapy and then enter the military, but that may not happen...

Admissions to Dental or Physical Therapy school is not guaranteed, and acceptance takes awhile sometimes..( I read a post on here, where it took someone 5 tries to got get accepted to Dental School....

In response to knowing my capabilities, I underestimated the difficulty of the science courses and took 3 lab sciences my first semester out, I will cut back to only two science lab courses a semester to build up my stamina for them.

To the post who said they think I'm too old to get a second degree, I disagree with that as well: Since I want to go back into the military they subtract out the years I have in which was 6 years so 20-6 =14 years I would have until retirement, so hypothetically add 3 years for second degree puts me at 35, be around 36 if/when I go into Dental or physical therapy, 4 years of Dental School puts me at 40, join the military and put 14 years in for retirement puts me at 54...yes i get that I'm older than most Dental Students and Physical Therapy students...and of course I will be sure before I delve into a profession just giving a hypothetical....on the other hand in civilian sector would be 40, and maybe mid 60's upon retirement, still don't see how that is too old???

Looks like I got carried away again.....when i post next time will when make sure to be more condensed...

 

[sacapuntas]

I never said you were too old to become a dentist, I suggested essentially that life is short, you are in the prime of your life and questioned the wisdom of getting a 2nd degree at this point.

You know your situation better than any of us, doesn't sound like you actually have questions, just are thinking out loud. Which is more than fine.

Good luck with your decision and thank you for the service you have already done for this country.

Sorry for the length of my previous post...

The last poster answered my Chem question so thanks, which is one of the things I wanted answered...

and to the last poster, I disagree that a second degree is a waste of my time...

Reasons

I really want to go into the military as an officer and They will take either Enviromental Science or Med tech to do that, but my ultimate goal would be either Dental or Physical Therapy and then enter the military, but that may not happen...

Admissions to Dental or Physical Therapy school is not guaranteed, and acceptance takes awhile sometimes..( I read a post on here, where it took someone 5 tries to got get accepted to Dental School....

In response to knowing my capabilities, I underestimated the difficulty of the science courses and took 3 lab sciences my first semester out, I will cut back to only two science lab courses a semester to build up my stamina for them.

To the post who said they think I'm too old to get a second degree, I disagree with that as well: Since I want to go back into the military they subtract out the years I have in which was 6 years so 20-6 =14 years I would have until retirement, so hypothetically add 3 years for second degree puts me at 35, be around 36 if/when I go into Dental or physical therapy, 4 years of Dental School puts me at 40, join the military and put 14 years in for retirement puts me at 54...yes i get that I'm older than most Dental Students and Physical Therapy students...and of course I will be sure before I delve into a profession just giving a hypothetical....on the other hand in civilian sector would be 40, and maybe mid 60's upon retirement, still don't see how that is too old???

Looks like I got carried away again.....when i post next time will when make sure to be more condensed...