Which chemistry should I take?

[funeralcrasher]

I need to take Chemistry for my degree, but I've never had it before. Should I start with the Survey of Chemistry course, or Principles of Chemistry?

Survey of Chemistry:
Prerequisites: Exit or exemption from Learning Support
mathematics and exit or exemption from Learning Support
reading or all ESL requirements except ENSL 0091.
Co-requisite: CHEM 1151L
This course is intended for students in physical education,
business, humanities, social sciences, and allied health
(Nursing or Dental Hygiene) planning to pursue baccalaureate
degrees. The primary topics covered are measurements,
nomenclature, atomic bonding, states of matter, solutions,
equilibria, acids, bases, and pH. This course lays the
foundation for understanding of biochemical processes.


Principles of Chemistry:
Prerequisite: Exit or exemption from Learning Support
reading or all ESL requirements except ENSL 0091.
Prerequisite: MATH 1113 with a C or better or
Co-requisite: MATH 1113. Co-requisite CHEM 1211L.
First course in a two-semester sequence covering the
fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for
science majors. Topics to be covered include composition of
matter, stoichiometry, periodic relations, and nomenclature.

Comments

[pkbarbiedoll.livejournal.com]

So are the two classes vastly different, so that taking the first one wouldn't have any bearing on how I'd do in the second (if I took them in succession?)

[ldygrinningsoul.livejournal.com]

I think it's more likely that they're two different approaches. The first one sounds more approachable, and I think there will be more patience with people who don't have a natural passion for chemistry specifically. The second one sounds like it will be populated with people who already took a bunch of AP Chem classes in high school. If you like Chemistry and WANT a really intense class, then go ahead and take the second one.

As for taking them in succession - well, if you take the first one and like it and think it's easy, then you'll know if you WANT to take the second one, and by then you'll have some familiarity with the elements and formulas, so it should definitely be easier to digest. The question is whether you'll be gaining something by doing this, ie: will it be like taking the advanced version of the same class rather than advancing to the next thing.

Can you ask the professors about this? They'll probably have a good idea of the benefits of each class and whether it makes sense to take one as a precursor to the other.