doing poorly in chemistry classes

[ignorantsince2016]

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I had failed general chemistry and got a D+ in ochem, and this had a lot to do with my attendance when I had gotten into a car accident and lost my car. Currently, I'm taking biochemistry and I'm doing really well on my exams. My plan is to retake the general chemistry and ochem this school year. I know it helps to take upper-division classes and I'm really enjoying biochemistry classes, so I was wondering if it would help with my chemistry track record if I take some upper division biochem courses.

 

[Phoebus Apollo]

It will probably help. However, you will also need to retake general chemistry and ochem. do you have a plan to do that? Also, is there anything else you think you can do better, besides improving your class attendance? Reflect carefully about that before you start those classes again.

 

[rdyotz]

It looks like they plan on retaking. I would also be cautious with upper-division chem classes. I have heard from a few friends that they are far more difficult (analytical chem & physical chem that is).

 

[Angus Avagadro]

As a Chem major, I can attest there is little to no chemistry in biochemistry. Chemistry, has lots of math and physics. Bio chem not so much. Bio chem will not help you in chem classes Since you floundered in gen chem and orgo, I would not advise taking any upper level chem class. P Chem was the real equalizer amongst chem majors in my school.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

Don't take upper-division biochem classes unless you are really interested in it. As a substitute, just take upper-division science classes that interest you; e.g. medical physiology, etc.

 

[Moko]

As others have said, do NOT retake chemistry and ochem until you are positive you can ace them. Failing once looks bad enough (especially if you could have withdrawn but chose not to do so). Failing the same class twice would confirm a poor grasp of the material and raise further questions about your decision-making and judgement.

Figure out what went wrong apart from just poor attendance (unless poor attendance led to auto-fail's at your school regardless of test results). Many college students do not attend class but are still able to do well by just using the text. So attendance in itself is not necessary for understanding and applying the concepts. Also, isn't chemistry usually a prerequisite for organic chemistry? If so, how did you take ochem before at least passing gen chem?

I suspect that there were likely other contributors to your poor grades, and it would behoove you to address any potential contributors before re-attempting these two subjects. Good luck

 

[AnMDtoB]

It looks like they plan on retaking. I would also be cautious with upper-division chem classes. I have heard from a few friends that they are far more difficult (analytical chem & physical chem that is).

Can confirm - PChem/Quantum mechanics are a bad time, 2/10 would not recommend

 

[chemphysicsinstructor]

I had failed general chemistry and got a D+ in ochem, and this had a lot to do with my attendance when I had gotten into a car accident and lost my car. Currently, I'm taking biochemistry and I'm doing really well on my exams. My plan is to retake the general chemistry and ochem this school year. I know it helps to take upper-division classes and I'm really enjoying biochemistry classes, so I was wondering if it would help with my chemistry track record if I take some upper division biochem courses.

Go ahead and retake the courses that you did not do well in. Then take a few upper division courses. However, be sure to pre-study thoses courses so that you can do well in them.