How hard is high school accelerated chemistry compared to accelerated biology?

Question

I am a junior in high school and am going to take accelerated chemistry this year. I heard its a lot of math, and very conceptual based, rather than memorizing terms and facts in accelerated biology. I took accelerated biology, and didn't think it was too bad, though I had to study hard.

It would be helpful if you could share your experiences with the two, and how they compare in difficulty.

Thanks

Answer 1

This is a good question.

I did AP Chemistry last year.  You have it right.  Its extremely math based and conceptual.  Sometimes your equations will help understand concepts, but some things are pure concept (esp. the in-depth solid, liquid, gas properties).   Be prepared to ask questions, to take good notes, and to read your book.  That will help soooo much.  I don't know if your class is part of the AP Program so it could be easier.

I have not done an AP Biology class and that's my school's only accelerated biology class. The first biology class was very scattered.  We did biochemistry, anatomy and ecology. A lot was not learned.

Sorry i couldn't give you much info on Bio

Answer 2

I have taken both honors biology and honors chemistry.

Similarly to what you have heard, for me, biology was a lot of memorization and basic concepts.

Chemistry was definitely a harder class, because the level of thinking required was a couple of steps up (more complex problems, new ideas and ways to solve problems).

So for me, chemistry was definitely harder.

Answer 3

Biology and Chemistry are very different indeed.  Biology was more on teaching you about stuff.  How things work in organisms.  Why organisms act and behave the way they do.  While Chemistry is more about the elements and physics and how to apply them.

I took biology 2 years ago and took chemistry 1 year ago and noticed a very big difference between the two.

Biology is more memorizing and you gotta be book smart to remember terms and processes.

While chemistry is more about formulas and math and physics, making you think more, instead of just memorizing.

Being good in math doesn't necessary mean you're gonna do great in Chemistry, but it sure does help =)