OChem + Physics

[Eggs n Coffee]

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Hey guys,
So after this year I have to tackle OChem and Physics, but I have two options:

1. Take OChem and Physics together during next year

or

2. Take physics during the summer, and the Ochem next year.

Which option would be better? Number 1 is doable, except it would be stressful for me because:
1. Ochem lab at my school is A LOT of work - more than most 4 credit classes. Physics labs are also quite a bit of work too.
2. On top of Ochem+lab, and Physics+lab, I'll also be taking 400 level classes for my major (non science however)
3. I'm not one of those science or math whizzes. I actually have to work at it unless I get an easy teacher.

However, I'm afraid that taking physics accelerated over the summer might even be more stressful and it might be impossible to get A's...

So, what would you do? Your experience is also appreciated.

 

[gumboelephant]

I was forced to take Ochem and physicsII my senior spring to finish up my requirements. I also had to finish writing my thesis at that time. I don't think I would have survived had I done that freshman year. I'd recommend lightening the rest of your classes though if you want to do well in these two-I only took ochem, physics, and a thesis course. I convinced my advisors to waive one of my requirements for my major so that I could take these three classes and still graduate. In the end, senior spring went well!

 

[NickNaylor]

I'd avoid doing both courses at the same time if possible. If it's not a big deal to do physics in the summer, then do that. Plus you can minimize the pain and anguish that encompasses physics since the summer courses are shorter.

 

[Eggs n Coffee]

I'd avoid doing both courses at the same time if possible. If it's not a big deal to do physics in the summer, then do that. Plus you can minimize the pain and anguish that encompasses physics since the summer courses are shorter.

That's true. 😀 I'm pretty sure that of all the sciences, physics is the one I hate most, so the idea of completing it in 3 months sounds nice... But I am afraid that covering everything in 3 months will be overwhelming. I've heard summer courses tend to not go as in-depth, though. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, is it true for all/most schools?

Has anyone taken physics + labs over the summer? How was it?

 

[Buzz Me]

It all depends on your strengths and weaknesses.

I took o-chem with calc-based physics as a freshman, and while I only did so-so in o-chem, I loved physics (and subsequently became a TA).

So only YOU know if you'll be able to handle the workload.

 

[lstone13]

I was in a very similar situation as you last year. I am a non-science major, and during my senior year, I took ochem and physics together along with my upper level major courses. It's definitely challenging but doable. PM me if you want to know more about my experiences with the classes.

 

[BlueElmo]

I took both at the same time, and it was no problem, though a lot of hard work. But I'm good at physics, so it depends on your strengths and weaknesses.

 

[gymtanlaundry]

I say take everything in the usual order and don't stray too far from the norm. Unless there is a significant advantage it is best just to go through the process with everyone else. You can rely on other people for help and if you do well it is easier to compare that to everyone else.

I took physics and orgo in the same semesters and honestly it was pretty much hell, but i managed to get 4.0s both semesters. You kind of just have to put your head down and keep plugging away.

 

[FloatOn]

My schedule was staggered in that I was taking Ochem II with Physics I, so it really wasn't that bad. However, Ochem II + Physics II at my school would have been rough in terms of workload. Maybe you could do something like this too? Take Physics I this summer, and continue Physics II in the fall and just take all of Ochem during the school year. That'll make your summer and academic year lighter. I've never taken summer classes, though, so I don't know anything about that.

 

[appmed2011]

I am currently taking Physics II and Organic Chemistry II in the same semester. I took Physics I and Organic I last semester. Most people I know are doing the same. These subjects are not as difficult as many people would have you believe. Organic Chemistry and Physics tend to be unlike some other science classes in that they stress understanding concepts rather than memorization; both are very intuitive subjects. They are rather like learning a new language.

I would recommend against taking Physics in the summer. It doesn't really matter what class you are taking, you will not learn the material as well as you would if you took the same class during a normal semester. I speak from experience, as I am studying for the MCAT and my weakest area is General Chemistry (both parts of which I took during summer 2009).

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I am currently taking Physics II and Organic Chemistry II in the same semester. I took Physics I and Organic I last semester. Most people I know are doing the same. These subjects are not as difficult as many people would have you believe. Organic Chemistry and Physics tend to be unlike some other science classes in that they stress understanding concepts rather than memorization; both are very intuitive subjects. They are rather like learning a new language.

I would recommend against taking Physics in the summer. It doesn't really matter what class you are taking, you will not learn the material as well as you would if you took the same class during a normal semester. I speak from experience, as I am studying for the MCAT and my weakest area is General Chemistry (both parts of which I took during summer 2009).

Which is why the famous o-chem prep book is organic chem as a second language.

 

[Narmerguy]

It depends which physics your taking I think. If it's the first one, I think it is very doable, especially if you're not taking calc-based.

I'm a physics major so I always had physics classes when I was took organic chemistry but it didn't seem unreasonably hard. If it's Physics II, a lot of people find that more challenging and thus I would question whether or not you'd want to do that to yourself, especially if you don't feel you're good at math etc.

Good luck 🙂 Nothing wrong with summer physics, I've generally heard that it's easier actually.

 

[nonsciencemajor]

Which is why the famous o-chem prep book is organic chem as a second language.

it is definetly doable IF you are ready to invest in some books

Ochem
your textbook assigned by your prof
Ochem as a second language
3000 solved problems in ochem (schaums)

Physics
your textbook assigned by your prof
3000 solved problems in physics (schaums)

I Used all these books, and it helped me tremendously... ( i recommend these books for any premed taking ochem and physics).. practice is key and that is why the schaums book's are great after you read the textbook... if you are ready to iinvest your money in these books and spend the time doing these books, i believe you will do very well in both courses.... but let me tell you, it will not be a fun semester... 😳

 

[nonsciencemajor]

try to buy them used if you can...

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

it is definetly doable IF you are ready to invest in some books

Ochem
your textbook assigned by your prof
Ochem as a second language
3000 solved problems in ochem (schaums)

Physics
your textbook assigned by your prof
3000 solved problems in physics (schaums)

I Used all these books, and it helped me tremendously... ( i recommend these books for any premed taking ochem and physics).. practice is key and that is why the schaums book's are great after you read the textbook... if you are ready to iinvest your money in these books and spend the time doing these books, i believe you will do very well in both courses.... but let me tell you, it will not be a fun semester... 😳

its very doable but im still debating taking o-chem and physics together next year even if im going to be taking just a psychology class with it. I think that its very much possibily that i might take physics sophmore year + bio and then junior year take a o-chem. Or i could sacrifice my whole summer and take o-chem during the summer.

 

[BlueElmo]

its very doable but im still debating taking o-chem and physics together next year even if im going to be taking just a psychology class with it. I think that its very much possibily that i might take physics sophmore year + bio and then junior year take a o-chem. Or i could sacrifice my whole summer and take o-chem during the summer.

I think taking OChem in the summer could be good idea too. That way you can soley focus on it.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I think taking OChem in the summer could be good idea too. That way you can soley focus on it.

which is why im considering that haha ... however.. science class + lab over the summer usually are like from 8 to 4. I haven't a clue if i could possibly pull that off.. But i'll have to see about this all.

 

[nonsciencemajor]

which is why im considering that haha ... however.. science class + lab over the summer usually are like from 8 to 4. I haven't a clue if i could possibly pull that off.. But i'll have to see about this all.

Serenade,
Dude man. Its possible to do both. I would do them over the regular year than do a science class over the summer. The summer is the time to enjoy and chill, and not worry about something like physics.... That is not going to a fun summer...

But if you do orgo (or physics) in your school year, that will also not a fun academic year cause orgo takes up time. For example, since you are not having fun anyways during the year you are taking orgo, you may as well consider adding on physics. this way you can enjoy your summer, and work hard during the academic year. Taking physics over the summer, will not really free up your time, as even when you have time over the academic year, you will think to yourself I could be doing orgo... so thats why dont do science class over the summer

and it is not impossible to do, and you will still have time to have fun during the year despite taking orgo and physics. If those are the only two classes with one more class, you will have plenty of time.

Just really follow my recommendation and invest in some books:

Orgo:
Your textbook
Orgo as a second language
3000 solved problems in Orgo (Schaums)

Physics:
Your textbook
3000 solved problems in physics (Schaums)

You read the textbook, and do practice problems both in the textbook and in the accompanying supplemental books, you should have no problem. Practice is key to these classes. And you will see that even when you read your book and do all the practice problems, you will still have plenty of time for fun.

So my recommendation to you is just do them both at the same time over the year and enjoy your summer.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

enjoying the summer is for the WEAK!!
but no.. i honestly will take a class over the summer regardless.. because i have major issues with doing nothing and sleeping till 12 every day. Issues like becoming a over philosophical freak and forgetting what day it is lol. But yah right now for me im debating either taking p.e + art ( session 1) then taking p.e + math(alg or something) v.s o-chem or physics.

 

[Verloren]

I'm doing Orgo II and Physics I right now. I knew it was going to be tough, so I'm taking a lighter course load so I can focus on getting A's without ripping all my hair out and while reserving some time to work on research and volunteering: Orgo II, Physics I, both associated labs, and one bio class.

I think if you have to take two tough classes at once, with no other option, maybe this would be the way to go for you, too?? Good luck 🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Thats what i am doing
Sop year im taking 13 or 12 credits ( o-chem + physics + experimental psychology)

 

[jm192]

I took both at the same time. I think it's the most common way to do things at my school if you're pre-professional.

I took Organic I/Physics I together
and Organic II/Physics II together

It wasn't terrible.