Physics 1st, Chemistry 2nd, Biology 3rd, but what maths before physics?..please read..?

Question

My sister's in her first year of college. She tried to take biology, but on her 1st day, the teacher explained to the class that if they hadn't already taken chemistry, they would have a rough time in her biology class. My sister dropped the class a week later due to complete confusion. She then attempted chemistry, but also ended up dropping out of it within the 1st week since she never took chemistry or physics in high school; and doesn't even understand what an atom is! Yes, the school system has failed her, what to do now? I found that physics, since it's the basis for understanding the more abstract concepts introduced in chemistry and biology, would be the best starting point for her. But, physics (along with all sciences) requires lots of math. My sister's taking college algebra right now. My question is, what math courses/subjects are recommended to take/learn before taking a college physics course (assuming no prior chemistry or biology courses have been taken)? thanks

P.S. Although i'm also interested in a degree in physics and biology, i'm not using my sister as a cover for a question that's really for me..lol She really is in this situation and I want to give her some sound advice.

P.S. She's planning on majoring in biology.

P.P.S. Although i'm also interested in a degree in physics and biology, i'm not using my sister as a cover for a question that's really for me..lol She really is in this situation and I want to give her some sound advice.

Answer 1

there are different levels of introductory physics offered in college
-there is physics with minimal math
-physics with use of trigonometry
-physics based on calculus

If she does not plan to major in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics then basic physics with minimal math would be OK and should not represent a difficulty; however, if she plans to major in any of those areas then calculus & physics are highly recommended - at my college one can take the first semester of calculus and first semester of general Physics concurrently. It is pretty tough class, but does not rely on chemistry a lot.
She should talk with her academic adviser about her options.

Answer 2

You really need calculus to do well in physics, I found. I don't agree with your train of thought on this subject. Physics should not be taken before Biology or Chemistry. I would suggest your sister take some sort of summer Biology and/or Chemistry classes, then retake those courses during the next semester. They really are the introductory classes, or foundation classes for the Biology degree. Without a strong foundation in these two courses, your sister will not make it as a Biology major. The classes only get more difficult and more involved as time goes on. Perhaps your sister is not meant to be a Biology major? I am not trying to be mean or discourage her/you in any way, but it is a very difficult major. Not only is the material difficult, but it is also time consuming. I had to put my social life on the backburner in college in order to do well in my studies. Not only are there classes, but there are also labs, about 4 hours a week. Science majors are generally in class about 8-12 hours more a week than their friends. How does your sister know that she wants to be a Biology major if she never took it in high school? Maybe she should take some classes in all different subjects and see if Biology is really what she wants. If it is, she going to have to put in A LOT of time and effort to accomplish her goals. Good luck to her.

Answer 3

I think your sister should take pre-calculus after taking algebra. If she nails it, she should be able to take course in Physics. However, tell her not take hard pre-med physics, but Physics101.

She should also be able to take biology and chemistry 101. Since those classes are the very beginnings everyone who is taking them are on the same spot as your sister. If your sister has hard time with sciences than she should consider tutoring services, or take less classes the semester that she takes science class, so that she would have more spare time to work on it.

Also, I am sure that college provides a bulletin that includes the description of every class. In the description college should also provide the necessary prerequisites for that class. So, tell your sister to get that bulletin and make sure she takes the prerequisites.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I went back to school after many years out and also had never taken chemistry or physics in high school. It took extra studying, and I found a good lab partner who was able to explain some things to me. I took chemistry at the same time as my physics, and did OK. Chemistry, in my opinion, is terribly difficult, and even those who had it previously were barely passing. My physics teacher recommended that everyone have trigonometry before taking his class (which I did not.) I went to all the study groups and worked hard. I ended up with B's in his classes with only algebra and some calculus. She should talk to her counselor. He/she will be able to look at your sister's grades and see what class she might benefit starting out with.

Answer 5

Most college physics classes require calculus. But there should be basic courses in each subject that don't require many prerequesites. They might not count towards her degree (or prepare her for med school exams, if she is thinking about med school), but they should get her up to the same level as everyone else.