My University is not allowing me to take Gen Chem 1

[Jack-of-all-trades]

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Hello, everyone! I'm having a bit of trouble with taking general chemistry 1 at my university. Long story short-I'm a non-trad student because I already have a BSN degree and I've decided to take my pre-reqs for medical school. The sequence of general chemistry at my university is "General Chemistry" and "Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry". The problem is that my university has a really odd rule and considers the introductory course "Basic Principles of chemistry" the same course as "General Chemistry". I took the equivalent of the basic course at community college for my nursing degree and now the university will not allow me to take gen chem1 because of this. The university has told me that if I take this course I will not receive a credit or a grade for it. I am really at a loss for what to do because I know I will not be prepared to go straight into what is technically gen chem 2, and I also do not feel as if medical schools would accept only taking one course of the general chemistry sequence.

Any suggestions for what I should do about this? I thought about possibly taking gen chem 1 through something like UNE's online pre-reqs and then taking gen chem 2 at my university, but I'm not sure how medical schools would view this. Thanks!

 

[dorster]

I think its definitely fine to take a gen chem 1 through UNE online course, or even to see if your community college actually offers the gen chem 1 equivalent rather than just the basic course you took. Otherwise just take the gen chem 2 course, I don't know that medical schools will know the difference or care that you took one at community college. Lots of students take summer courses or courses online while home on breaks to cut cost and also cut down on time spent on the med school pre-reqs.

 

[deleted480308]

Hello, everyone! I'm having a bit of trouble with taking general chemistry 1 at my university. Long story short-I'm a non-trad student because I already have a BSN degree and I've decided to take my pre-reqs for medical school. The sequence of general chemistry at my university is "General Chemistry" and "Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry". The problem is that my university has a really odd rule and considers the introductory course "Basic Principles of chemistry" the same course as "General Chemistry". I took the equivalent of the basic course at community college for my nursing degree and now the university will not allow me to take gen chem1 because of this. The university has told me that if I take this course I will not receive a credit or a grade for it. I am really at a loss for what to do because I know I will not be prepared to go straight into what is technically gen chem 2, and I also do not feel as if medical schools would accept only taking one course of the general chemistry sequence.

Any suggestions for what I should do about this? I thought about possibly taking gen chem 1 through something like UNE's online pre-reqs and then taking gen chem 2 at my university, but I'm not sure how medical schools would view this. Thanks!

You are likely not talking to the right person, go up the chain politely using a premed advisor and get a waiver

 

[KnightDoc]

You are likely not talking to the right person, go up the chain politely using a premed advisor and get a waiver

...And if this doesn't work because your school considers the classes to be equivalent and doesn't want to allow you to take it for a grade, but you still feel you need it to be prepared for chem 2, just audit it.

 

[allantois]

take it elsewhere

 

[deleted1005514]

You are likely not talking to the right person, go up the chain politely using a premed advisor and get a waiver

Second this, it’s really important as a non-trad to get a pre-med advisor ASAP to help you get into the right classes. Non-trads get lost in the shuffle sometimes, especially if you’re a transfer student or a post-bacc. Don’t be afraid to run stuff up the chain to the highest level you need either. You’re paying for this education. Be polite but assertive.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Keep moving up the chain as others have said. It's an unusual problem so it may take several people to finally understand it. I'm sure it'll get worked out, and if not, just take it at your local community college and save a few bucks anyway.

David D MD -USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[chemphysicsinstructor]

Hello, everyone! I'm having a bit of trouble with taking general chemistry 1 at my university. Long story short-I'm a non-trad student because I already have a BSN degree and I've decided to take my pre-reqs for medical school. The sequence of general chemistry at my university is "General Chemistry" and "Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry". The problem is that my university has a really odd rule and considers the introductory course "Basic Principles of chemistry" the same course as "General Chemistry". I took the equivalent of the basic course at community college for my nursing degree and now the university will not allow me to take gen chem1 because of this. The university has told me that if I take this course I will not receive a credit or a grade for it. I am really at a loss for what to do because I know I will not be prepared to go straight into what is technically gen chem 2, and I also do not feel as if medical schools would accept only taking one course of the general chemistry sequence.

Any suggestions for what I should do about this? I thought about possibly taking gen chem 1 through something like UNE's online pre-reqs and then taking gen chem 2 at my university, but I'm not sure how medical schools would view this. Thanks!

I recommend looking over the syllabi for the courses and seeing how they are different. I suspect that you can find several examples of how the courses are different. These differences should be sufficient to warrant the granting of your request to take Gen Chem 1 for credit. You will need to make an appointment with the department chair and explain your case.

I do not recommend taking Gen Chem 2 without having a solid understanding of Gen Chem 1.

 

[Talldoctor96]

Talk to the chair of the chemistry department.