Has anyone been allowed to take P Chem with only one semester of Physics I and Calculus I?

Question

Also, is it possible to do well in P-Chem with only one semester of Physics and Calculus? What is P Chem like? Is it a lot of memorization or mostly calculations? I hope I could take it without having Physics II and Calculus II and just take them concurrently. Otherwise I'll be one class short (P-Chem II) from graduating next fall.

Thanks!

If I can't I think I'll just get a dual degree in Chemistry and Psychobiology. Or do you think it would be a waste of time to get 2 degrees. I'm planning on going to law school to become a patent attorney.

Answer 1

For my college, this is the class description:

Physical Chemistry I: PR: Chemistry II, Physics  II, and Calculus II. Rigorous treatment of atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical bonding.

I wouldn't recommend taking it with just calc I and physics I, unless you really want to work your butt off. But, I never took this class, so I don't know how much of these courses you actually use in this class.

Answer 2

At some schools it is possible but often needs the professor's approval.

You might want to go to a bookstore or college library and look at the textbook used for the class.  Often Physical chemistry is taught with an applied mathematics approach.  This can get very difficult in a hurry if you are not previously prepared.

P-Chem is the single course that changes the minds of many students who wanted to become Chemists.  Instead, they switch to Law or Medicine, neither of which requires the math.

A good patent attorney only needs to be able to understand how to read technical science for comprehension.  The Internet and libraries can always be used to pick up details.  I suggest that you limit your focus and go for the highest grades possible to get accepted into law school.  Anything else might be a waste of time and effort.