Prep Chem before Chem 101?

[nctw]

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I took the placement chemistry test for my university online. To place into Chem 101, you were supposed to score an 18; I scored a 17. Because of this, I'm supposed to take the prequel course to Chem 101. I haven't had high school Chemistry since the first semester of my Sophomore year, so this might be a good thing, but will it affect the application process at all? I was scheduled to take O-Chem next semester, but now that'll have to change.

 

[235788]

I did the same thing, its not a problem. If anything its beneficial. You'll have more time to prepare the what was IMO the only hard prereq course. But it depends on the institution.

 

[NYRN]

I don't see why it would hurt you to take it as long as you do well in it. I wouldn't advise anyone to take ochem before inorganic chem at a science majors level anyway, so maybe it's a blessing in disguise that you are working your way up to ochem instead of taking it and possibly bombing it. We all have to start somewhere right?

 

[nctw]

I don't see why it would hurt you to take it as long as you do well in it. I wouldn't advise anyone to take ochem before inorganic chem at a science majors level anyway, so maybe it's a blessing in disguise that you are working your way up to ochem instead of taking it and possibly bombing it. We all have to start somewhere right?

Sorry, I worded that incorrectly. It was as follows:

Fall: Chem 101+lab
Spring: O-Chem +lab

Now it's:
Fall: Prep-Chem
Spring: Chem 101+lab

 

[GED2Doctor]

Same thing happened to me. I took the Chem preview course which was zero credits my first semester, and the next fall semester I finished Organic 2. 😀 It really helped me in General Chemistry I, because I had already learned the first three chapters.

 

[Person0715]

Out of curiosity, what would a prep course for an introductory course consist of?

I was in the same position as you (not having taken Chem since sophomore year of high school). I took Chem 101 first semester without a prep course, and I did fine. However, if you feel that you need the prep course, go for it. What could it hurt?

The only concern I would have is that it might push back some of your pre-reqs by a semester.

 

[nctw]

Out of curiosity, what would a prep course for an introductory course consist of?

I was in the same position as you (not having taken Chem since sophomore year of high school). I took Chem 101 first semester without a prep course, and I did fine. However, if you feel that you need the prep course, go for it. What could it hurt?

The only concern I would have is that it might push back some of your pre-reqs by a semester.

Students with a strong chemistry background are suitable candidates to enroll in CH101, Chemistry: A Molecular Science. Students who require more background in chemistry are encouraged to take CH111, Preparatory Chemistry.

CH111: Review of main topics from high school emphasizing nomenclature, vocabulary, the periodic table and problem solving. Emphasis on mathematical skills, data handling, reaction types, stoichiometry and solutions.
The requirements for CH101 also state a year of high school chemistry, preferably within the past year. My school does a block schedule, and, as I said, I had the course first semester of my Sophomore year. I didn't do extremely well (B-91). I was going to take AP Chem this year, but opted to take AP Bio instead.

 

[GED2Doctor]

The preview course I took was basically to cover the first three chapters of the chemistry book used in gen chem 1 and 2. This way you're familiar with changing moles to molecules, grams and whatever else, when you start the real course. The real course did cover these three chapters, but rather quickly.

 

[nctw]

The preview course I took was basically to cover the first three chapters of the chemistry book used in gen chem 1 and 2. This way you're familiar with changing moles to molecules, grams and whatever else, when you start the real course. The real course did cover these three chapters, but rather quickly.

I completely forgot how to do all of that, so maybe this is a good thing in disguise. I'd hate to screw up Chem 101, and the only thing that'll be pushed back is the order of my Chemistry courses (by 1 semester). Everything else is good to go

 

[ObLaDi]

Do whatever helps you get the best grade possible.

 

[Dotsin]

I took the Chem 100 before Chem 101 and it helped a ton. It was basically 101 just slower paced. If you have any interest in Chemistry, it will allow you to cruise through Chemnistry 101 and 102. I hadnt taken any chemistry coursed before then, and it helped me so much.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Sorry, I worded that incorrectly. It was as follows:

Fall: Chem 101+lab
Spring: O-Chem +lab

Now it's:
Fall: Prep-Chem
Spring: Chem 101+lab

You were going to take O-chem during your 1st year spring semester?

 

[nctw]

I took the Chem 100 before Chem 101 and it helped a ton. It was basically 101 just slower paced. If you have any interest in Chemistry, it will allow you to cruise through Chemnistry 101 and 102. I hadnt taken any chemistry coursed before then, and it helped me so much.

Thanks. This makes me feel better.

 

[nctw]

You were going to take O-chem during your 1st year spring semester?

Yes. It's what my school recommends for the 'degree planning.' Is this not wise?

 

[deleted244469]

Yes. It's what my school recommends for the 'degree planning.' Is this not wise?

No. Take Gen-Chem first. IMO of course

 

[nctw]

No. Take Gen-Chem first. IMO of course

Is Chem 101 not considered Gen Chem?

Here's my chemistry mapping plan that I drew out today:

Freshman Year- PrepChem/Chem 101+lab
Sophomore Year-O-Chem1+lab/O-Chem2+lab
Junior Year- Chemistry "A Quantitive Science" (201)+lab/Principles of Biochem
Senior Year- no chemistry courses

That completes the chem reqs for my major and covers all of the required chemistry courses to apply, right?

 

[KTownGT]

I wish I took the prep class over gen chem I my freshman year. Most likely would have led to me having a higher GPA.

But, I had absolutely zero drive to study and apply myself. If you can study well already, skip the prep class. If you have crappy study habits, go for the prep class first.

 

[deleted244469]

Is Chem 101 not considered Gen Chem?

Here's my chemistry mapping plan that I drew out today:

Freshman Year- PrepChem/Chem 101+lab
Sophomore Year-O-Chem1+lab/O-Chem2+lab
Junior Year- Chemistry "A Quantitive Science" (201)+lab/Principles of Biochem
Senior Year- no chemistry courses

That completes the chem reqs for my major and covers all of the required chemistry courses to apply, right?

Sorry, I was referring to your original post when you said you were taking Organic during the spring semester. Where is Gen Chem 2 on your list? Surely you would take Gen Chem 1 and 2 before taking Organic? Is the "201" class you listed Gen. Chem 2? Prep-Chem does not count as one of the Chemistry pre-reqs just FYI.

 

[nctw]

Sorry, I was referring to your original post when you said you were taking Organic during the spring semester. Where is Gen Chem 2 on your list? Surely you would take Gen Chem 1 and 2 before taking Organic? Is the "201" class you listed Gen. Chem 2? Prep-Chem does not count as one of the Chemistry pre-reqs just FYI.

Yes. 201=Gen Chem 2. The NCSU curriculum places Org1+2 before Gen Chem 2, but would it be better to do it the opposite way?

 

[deleted244469]

Yes. 201=Gen Chem 2. The NCSU curriculum places Org1+2 before Gen Chem 2, but would it be better to do it the opposite way?

If that's what NC State says to do, I see nothing wrong with it. Just make sure you at least take One Gen. Chem before O-Chem to get some background concepts.

 

[nctw]

It's up to you, but if thats what NC State says to do, I see nothing wrong with it. Just make sure you at least take One Gen. Chem before O-Chem to get some background concepts.

That's what I'm doing. I have Gen Chem in Spring 2012 and I'll start O-Chem in Fall 2012. Thanks for your help!

 

[deleted244469]

That's what I'm doing. I have Gen Chem in Spring 2012 and I'll start O-Chem in Fall 2012. Thanks for your help!

Ok good. Good luck! 😎