Has anyone taken Clinical or Analytical Chemistry?

[American Shero]

How was it?

Which would you rank the most difficult and why?

Clinical Chemistry
Analytical Chem
Biochem

Clinical Chem seems like it would be fun, but I don't want to destroy what's left of my gpa. However, I need to take upper-level chem courses to make up for prior C's. Any advice? 😳

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[circulus vitios]

If analytical chemistry is the same as quantitative analysis (which I think it is), it's not too bad. It's more or less an entire class on equilibria and acid-base chemistry. Lab is running titrations over and over again. It's boring as hell, but pretty easy.

 

[kpcrew]

Analytical chemistry was easy for me. If you're good with low level mathematics and general chemistry, then it shouldn't be a problem for you (unless your C is in gen chem). I also enjoyed biochemistry. Take it if you want to learn more about proteins and DNA. I am not familiar with clinical chemistry.

 

[madchemist89]

Analytical chemistry is usually not the same thing as quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis is bascially general chemistry. You will go beyond some of the simplifications you were taught in general chemistry. The major difference between quant and gen chem is the lab. Lab for quant can be quite difficult depending on your professor/school. To receive an A in our lab, we had to have not only perfect technique but a little luck.

Although I have not taken analytical, I know people who just took it. Analytical is not the same as quant. Quant is all about learning laboratory techniques to quantify samples. On the other hand, analytical will teach you how chemical instruments work. From what I have heard, analytical is quite difficult.

What is clinical chemisty? Is that medicinal chemistry?

 

[American Shero]

Analytical chemistry is usually not the same thing as quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis is bascially general chemistry. You will go beyond some of the simplifications you were taught in general chemistry. The major difference between quant and gen chem is the lab. Lab for quant can be quite difficult depending on your professor/school. To receive an A in our lab, we had to have not only perfect technique but a little luck.

Although I have not taken analytical, I know people who just took it. Analytical is not the same as quant. Quant is all about learning laboratory techniques to quantify samples. On the other hand, analytical will teach you how chemical instruments work. From what I have heard, analytical is quite difficult.

What is clinical chemisty? Is that medicinal chemistry?

I think so. Here are the catalog descriptions for both courses:


Analytical Chemistry

Ionic equilibria, electrochemistry, and their application to chemical analysis. Advanced separation techniques, including GLC and HPLC, electrochemical analysis and spectroscopic analysis.

*Clinical Chemistry.

Introduction to analytes, pathophysiology, assay methodologies, and interpretation of clinical chemistry diagnostic data. Case study approach demonstrates correlation of diagnostic data to disease states. Also listed as MTP 394.

 

[willen101383]

Clinical chemistry is going to be your analysis of blood and body fluid specimens. So stuff like RIA, chemiluminescence, and all the various chromotographic methods we use in the lab to do our analysis.

Its likely not going to be that difficult and if you are lucky you will start med school with a little added insight about what goes on in a clinical chemistry department.

Clinical lab science was my prior career before med school so this stuff is near and dear to my heart!

Merry Xmas!

 

[Lil Mick]

Avoid analytical chemistry. My school's class was pretty insane.We had to draw and label diagrams of our equipment for lab exams (our first exam had a range of 9-72%). It's easy at some schools and hard at others. Talk to upperclassmen before signing up.

 

[circulus vitios]

Oh, analytical is called "instrumental analysis" at my school. Definitely avoid it. It sounds boring as hell.

 

[ACE Rx]

How was it?

Which would you rank the most difficult and why?

Clinical Chemistry
Analytical Chem
Biochem

Clinical Chem seems like it would be fun, but I don't want to destroy what's left of my gpa. However, I need to take upper-level chem courses to make up for prior C's. Any advice? 😳

I have taken all three of these courses.

Analytical Chemistry
This class is very heavy on calculation and details. You have to learn about how equipment works and what function each part of that machine works. You also learn about different types of analyzers as well as calculation. The first four labs were basically titrations but then it gets hard. Overall, this was probably my most difficult class in undergrad.

Biochemistry
Overall, its a very interesting class. Involves a TON of memorizing. For example when you are learning about glycolysis and kreb's cycle, you have to know which enzyme does what and at what step, what the molecule looks like afterwards, what is the mechanism at each step, how is it regulated, what happens if something is messed up, etc. You also learn about proteins and acid/base for buffers. Practically the only equation you need to know is the HH equation. You will cry the first time you take the course -- it is a MUCH harder beast than organic chemistry. I personally loved the course and got my degree in biochemistry.

Clinical Chemistry
This course is very similar to medicinal chemistry. It is not very hard as long as you just understand the main concepts you will be just fine!