Question for those who agree physics should be taught 1st, then chemistry, then biology, please read.?

Question

For those who agree that true understanding of biology requires knowledge of chemistry, which in turn requires physics knowledge; and that physics should be taught before chemistry and chemistry before biology, I have a question.

Assuming I hadn't taken any biology, chemistry, or physics classes in high school, but wanted to become a doctor or scientist, what courses should I take first. I understand that since "Physics is the basis for understanding the more abstract concepts introduced in chemistry and biology," it might be wiser to begin with physics courses and end with biology courses. Although that seems like a more logical order than taking biology 1st, chemistry 2nd and physics 3rd; the math requirements of those science classes seem to run in the opposite direction. Physics usually requires the most math. Knowing this, should I take all my math classes up to calculus first, then start with physics and then go on to bio and chem? Or what?

Answer 1

In high school the order should be Biology, Chemistry, then Physics. This is necessary because of the math required to properly learn each subject, as you suggest. However in college, Physics should be taken first, then Chemistry, and finally Biology. It makes sense to do it that way in college because while chemistry does depend on physics, it is not necessary to learn physics before chemistry. Until you get to the breakdown of atomic particles physics and chemistry don't really apply to each other, and then if you do get to that point to two disciplines blend into each other. Biology also requires some chemistry and very basic physics, however neither are necessary at the beginning stages. Later a command of chemistry will be necessary to understand biology and would be imperative for a doctor to know.

Answer 2

Usually you will be taking these classes simultaneously. It also depends on your major. If you're going to be a doctor, are you majoring in bio or chem? If you want to be a scientist or engineer you should probably majore in chemistry because you will need a lot of math. If you are a chem major you actually are not required to take any biology classes at all (or maybe just the basic biology class). And, you will have to take calculus-based physics as opposed to algebra-based physics for bio major.

Unless you want to be an undergrad for more than four years, I would not suggest taking these classes in the sequence: physics, chem then bio. This would take forever because each class is two semesters and usually these are pre-requisites to other classes. So take all your basic physics, bio and chem classes first because these are the intro classes to upper-level classes like organic chem, molecular cell biology, biochem, etc. Just make sure you have a solid math base first, then the rest will follow. If you are not so great at math you should go bio because you are only required to take up to college algebra.

Once you decide which major will be better for you, talk to an advisor at the college you are attending, and they will give you a guideline of classes to take and when to take them throughout your undergraduate years. Trust me, I am living this right now. Good luck.

Answer 3

I would go with AP Bio. I was in an Advanced Chemistry class last year and thought to take AP Chemistry this year. My teacher told me I could handle it. It is so much harder than regular chemistry and the work load is a lot. He said that he had prepared us for the class, but really he didn't. AP Bio is so much easier! Also, if you take AP Chemistry your senior year by the time the exam comes up you are already in college. I've had to spend many long nights this year because of AP Chemistry, and I've never had to do that before. I am very good at Chemistry like last year I made a 98 and 99 for the class. This year my average has suffered an i barely made the A that came so easily last year.

Answer 4

There is a such thing as conceptual physics. When in high school, I took a physics class first (ironically, it was because I didn't have the math requirement to take biology) and I felt like it helped me in understanding bio and chem later on. It wasn't a whole lot of math, mostly discussing concepts and ideas.

My physics class in college was the same way. So I would suggest you take physics first as long as it is a conceptual physics class.

Answer 5

your right that physics does require more math and calculus for that matter. but the unit of measurements in physics are quite different in calculus. for instance, physics uses degrees instead of radians and celius instead of farenheit. But that's another story. I really think it doesn't matter which way you take it because chemistry uses basic algebra, algebra that's taught in the 7th and 8th grade. Biology is conceptual, so its really not that hard. I'd say biology first, chemistry and physics. ;)

Answer 6

whatever you need it all....