Difference between Chemistry for BioSciences and Chemistry 1?

[ultimateone]

Hi guys,

What is the difference between Chemistry for BioSciences and Chemistry 1 as I am not able to take them both since they're non-allowed subjects to each other, meaning that they are similar. Which is better for the pathway to MD?

[ally12579]

I believe chemistry for biosciences is a more advanced chemistry than chemistry 1. The prerequisites for MD are in second year and biochemistry requires Chemistry 1 as a prerequisite. So I would recommend that you complete chemistry 1 if you are interested in MD

[Alter]

I believe chemistry for biosciences is a more advanced chemistry than chemistry 1. The prerequisites for MD are in second year and biochemistry requires Chemistry 1 as a prerequisite. So I would recommend that you complete chemistry 1 if you are interested in MD

The MD prereq subject BCMB20002 only requires one of Chemistry 2 or Chem for BioSciences, so this is not true.

It looks like Chemistry for BioSciences is a direct clone for Chemistry for Biomedicine, but is taken by Science students instead of Biomed students. To that end, it looks like you can do this as an alternative to Chem 1 + 2 if you're only interested in Chemistry for meeting the MD pre-reqs. Obviously, Chem for BioSciences requires higher VCE study scores, which would indicate that it is slightly harder (which makes sense, if it's combining the content from Chem 1 and Chem 2). Have a nice day.

[ultimateone]

The MD prereq subject BCMB20002 only requires one of Chemistry 2 or Chem for BioSciences, so this is not true.

It looks like Chemistry for BioSciences is a direct clone for Chemistry for Biomedicine, but is taken by Science students instead of Biomed students. To that end, it looks like you can do this as an alternative to Chem 1 + 2 if you're only interested in Chemistry for meeting the MD pre-reqs. Obviously, Chem for BioSciences requires higher VCE study scores, which would indicate that it is slightly harder (which makes sense, if it's combining the content from Chem 1 and Chem 2). Have a nice day.

Thanks a lot, so do both Chem for BioSciences and Biomedicine have the same content? Since I assume you've completed Chemistry for Biomedicine, could you please comment on its difficulty and whether or not doing Chemistry 1 + 2 would be better in terms of my WAM (since that is ultimately what I'm trying to maximise)

[Alter]

Thanks a lot, so do both Chem for BioSciences and Biomedicine have the same content? Since I assume you've completed Chemistry for Biomedicine, could you please comment on its difficulty and whether or not doing Chemistry 1 + 2 would be better in terms of my WAM (since that is ultimately what I'm trying to maximise)

I thought Chemistry for Biomedicine was quite difficult, but very interesting and useful at the same time. I've never been good at chemistry, so take this with a grain of salt.

If you enjoy chemistry in general, then I think doing both 1 and 2 would be a good idea. That way you get more exposure for the GAMSAT S3 and you'll probably be able to learn more chem overall and it won't be condensed into a single semester. I'd imagine that Chemistry for BioSciences has virtually the same content as the biomed equivalent, and given that it has VCE study score pre-reqs, I'd even be willing to say it's probably more difficult than doing regular chemistry.

That being said, I'd try to find someone who has done the subject themselves to comment, as my opinion is based on a few assumptions. Hope this helps.

[Cantthinkofsomething]

Like alter said Chemistry for bio sciences is a direct clone of chemistry for biomedicine. Same lecturers, identical tutorial book (just different color), same textbook, and the exact same lecture slides. In all honesty I would recommend doing the chem 1 - chem 2 route, learning the principals can never be a bad thing.

[ultimateone]

Like alter said Chemistry for bio sciences is a direct clone of chemistry for biomedicine. Same lecturers, identical tutorial book (just different color), same textbook, and the exact same lecture slides. In all honesty I would recommend doing the chem 1 - chem 2 route, learning the principals can never be a bad thing.

I see, thank you. But in terms of preparing you for GAMSAT, which one's more relevant to the level of Chemistry assessed in GAMSAT? Is BioSciences' content beyond what is needed for GAMSAT?

[Cantthinkofsomething]

The gamsat only really requires you to Know first year chem, so you can't go wrong with the chem 1 - chem 2. If you want you, can still do chem for bio science cause it still gives you adequate prep for gamsat, but the subject just requires more effort. I didn't do chem for bio science, I did biomed, but if you think you are good enough to do chem for bio science, you good enough to "cruise chem 1-chem 2" (using the word  (loosely). This is simply because chem for bio science is just chem 2 with a "bit" of focus on biological things, like ur forced to remember the structure haemoglobin. The decision is up to you. All that you need to consider is whether you feel like you need the basics (if not just do chem for bio science) or simply cant be bothered to do two chemistry units in first year. However, in my opinion, doing chem1-chem2 just seems better because you have more time to digest concepts.

[ultimateone]

The gamsat only really requires you to Know first year chem, so you can't go wrong with the chem 1 - chem 2. If you want you, can still do chem for bio science cause it still gives you adequate prep for gamsat, but the subject just requires more effort. I didn't do chem for bio science, I did biomed, but if you think you are good enough to do chem for bio science, you good enough to "cruise chem 1-chem 2" (using the word  (loosely). This is simply because chem for bio science is just chem 2 with a "bit" of focus on biological things, like ur forced to remember the structure haemoglobin. The decision is up to you. All that you need to consider is whether you feel like you need the basics (if not just do chem for bio science) or simply cant be bothered to do two chemistry units in first year. However, in my opinion, doing chem1-chem2 just seems better because you have more time to digest concepts.

I see, thanks a lot! 
So did you find yourself struggling with biomed chem at some points then? Because I was talking to the course coordinator via email and they said pretty much what you said too. When you say a 'bit' of focus on biological things though, how much is a 'bit'? I'd be surprised if they made an entirely new subject for what is only a few extra pages of 'bioscience' related content