I'm majoring in biological sciences and might go into biotechnology, genetics, or cell biology. However, my I'm no mathematician. I know that I'm required to take two years of calculuds at the college I'm attending, and I have no problem with that. But do chemist use a lot of math in the field, besides algebra--which I'm pretty good at?
2006-09-01 07:02:45 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I'm a Ph.D. Chemist and I was always good at math - though I never considered myself an "expert" at it.
I've worked several jobs in industry, and none have required a lot of math. Certainly no calculus, differential equations or anything like that...that's the realm of engineering, not chemistry.
Good Luck with your career :-)
2006-09-01 07:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you plan on majoring in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, you will need Math through Calculus and Differential Equations to get you through Physical Chemistry as well as Quantum Mechanics. I am a chemist and have not used my Calculus in the work place, (mostly Algebra) but if I hadn't had it for all my classes, including my Physics classes, I would not have gotten the degree.
Theoretical Chemistry does use advanced mathematics, so it depends on where you want to be with your degree.
2006-09-01 07:34:17 · answer #2 · answered by nammy_410 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i work as a graduate biochemist (in my 10th year). i was reasonably good at maths, but you don't need to remember much. Algebra is very important ( i use that every day), an understanding of stats is useful, and the ability to work a calculator and an Excel spreadsheet takes care of the rest. I have NEVER again used calculus as computer programs generally do the Maths for you, but it is nice to understand it I guess. Don't worry. You'll find the field that suits your talents the best.
2006-09-01 07:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by laura w 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your course in "physical chemistry" (sometimes mistakenly called theoretical chemistry) requires very advanced math, far beyond the first two years of calculus. But you can still pass if you just memorize the steps in physical chemisty, at least enough to pass the class. But it was very hard for me. But I did it. All other chem courses below this level only require simple algebra.
2006-09-03 09:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by MrZ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take it from a chemist.................
You will rarely (if ever) use calculus as a chemist. Computers do that stuff now. I do use algebre from time to time so that is important. I do think I mainly use algebra because I am an analytical chemist.
2006-09-01 07:33:48 · answer #5 · answered by xox_bass_player_xox 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every scientific subject will require some knowledge of maths.
I am also going into the chemistry field.
2006-09-01 07:27:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Algebra, statistics, and logrithms are basically what you use. I don't believe there is anything more advanced than those. If there are it's probably highly advanced chemistry and computers will probably take care of those things anyway.
2006-09-01 07:50:06 · answer #7 · answered by Shaun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretical research in chemistry and population biology, in fact in almost any subject, is extremely math intensive.
2006-09-01 07:07:47 · answer #8 · answered by Answers1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it's mostly algebra based unless you get into theoretical chemistry. i'm not the best at math and i'm in grad school. i use calculators and it works
2006-09-01 07:08:40 · answer #9 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
not really
but you have to know some
you also need to have the logical thinking that knowing maths provides you
2006-09-01 07:34:09 · answer #10 · answered by girl24gr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋