Physics 1, Orgo 2, and gen chem 2 in one semester?

[jellybean27]

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Hello! Is taking physics 1 (with lab), orgo 2 (with lab), and gen chem 2 (without the lab) too much to handle in one semester? Last semester I juggled microbio and orgo 1 but want to get my premed reqs out of the way so I can study for the MCAT. Thank you!

 

[polymerization]

You definitely don't want to get any of the requirements "out of the way" to study for the MCAT. To focus intently on learning the material the first time avoids a very predictable crash out when you start working MCAT passages and realize all those classes you were rushing to get out of the way were actually necessary to answer questions correctly...and now you wish you had a time machine...and maybe ankle weights.

 

[Goro]

Hello! Is taking physics 1 (with lab), orgo 2 (with lab), and gen chem 2 (without the lab) too much to handle in one semester? Last semester I juggled microbio and orgo 1 but want to get my premed reqs out of the way so I can study for the MCAT. Thank you!

I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[N3utr0ph!l]

Follow Goro’s advice. Years ago I saw a post regarding a non trad trying to hurry up and get their prereqs out the way. Goro said don’t do that. Me being young and dumb I did it. Burnt myself out, and only did well because it was COVID time and profs were veryyyy lenient with grading. Take your time. You’ll get the pre-reqs done eventually. Trying to get them done as soon as possible and risking messing up your GPA is NOT worth it.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

How is that even possible? Can you take gen chem and organic + labs concurrently??? What school allows such horrible academic scheduling for its students? Many places I know co-require labs for gen chem.

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[Anthodite]

Hello! Is taking physics 1 (with lab), orgo 2 (with lab), and gen chem 2 (without the lab) too much to handle in one semester? Last semester I juggled microbio and orgo 1 but want to get my premed reqs out of the way so I can study for the MCAT. Thank you!

Hi nontrad here,

PLESE SPACE THOSE OUT. Two chem classes in one semester WITH lab is going to have you wonder if you have time for breathing.

Whether you feel like you can take physics with a chemistry Class is a matter of your own strengths, did you take physics in high school? Was it AP/IB? If none of the above then don’t risk it. If you can space things out do so.

Also you never know if you have a health crisis and suddenly lost your insurance, that happened to me last semester when I thought I was healthy as can be.

 

[Anthodite]

What school allows such horrible academic scheduling for its students? Many places I know co-require labs for gen chem.

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Some schools have a very odd chemistry setup like mine. Once you take gen chem I and the separate lab you somehow unlock registration up to orgo I.

If you’re taking a class that requires a pre-req you could take it the same semester as a co-req instead (it’s crazy but an actual thing).

Gen chem labs at my university are co-reqs(unless retaking) but orgo labs are different courses.

OP, just because you can doesn’t me you should. I go to a school that is notorious for having a terrible chemistry program so please don’t do two chems at once.

 

[eigen]

The "1-2-1" model for chemistry is increasingly common. It's 1-semester of general chemistry (with a focus on bonding and structure), then the two-semester organic chemistry sequence, and then the other semester of "general chemistry" with a focus on the more quantitative aspects (gas laws, energy calculations, etc.).

It tends to work well since you don't need a lot of the more physical chemistry influenced aspects of general chemistry to succeed in organic chemistry, and it gives students with a poor background in math more time to build it up.

I've also taught in schools with a 1-semester general chemistry course and then an "introduction to analytical and inorganic" course that served as a "gen chem II" equivalent.

 

[nobadwaves]

Hello! Is taking physics 1 (with lab), orgo 2 (with lab), and gen chem 2 (without the lab) too much to handle in one semester? Last semester I juggled microbio and orgo 1 but want to get my premed reqs out of the way so I can study for the MCAT. Thank you!

This is the definition of academic suicidal ideation.

Take the classes at a pace that will allow you to absorb the material and perform well. There is no reason to rush through these things. There is a patient 8 years from now that will be happy you took time to master the basics (like why is carboxylic acid so important to the human body).

 

[bigboy318]

You could, possibly. I took biochem, A&P, neuroanatomy and genetics all in the same semester, it was a 19 credit sem, it was pretty hard but I got a 4.0 for that semester. At the end of the day, its depends on you and your strengths. Personally, I found orgo (both 1 & 2) and physics 1 to be pretty easy. Gen chem 2 is imho a difficult class. But if you believe you got this and are willing to put in the work, I believe you can get a 4.0.