Science Major in Chemistry

[melbperson]

If I were to major in Chemistry (from bachelor of science), do you think it's needed to do a maths subject? I didn't do specialists and I'm reading around that people do Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra. If I have to do maths, how would I do all 3 before or by end of 2nd year

[silverfox]

Calc 2 or Linear Algebra are not prerequisites, however they will definitely help. A lot of the chemistry subjects (particularly first year from personal experience) are very analytical and require some complex calculations. However, do not feel obliged to study all three maths subjects, but if you were, then you would have to study Calculus 1 in Semester 1 (since you didn't do specialists), then Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra in Semester 2 in your first year. Alternatively, you could split this up by doing one per semester or even Linear Algebra during the summer term!

A lot of students also take these subjects in case they want to do chemical engineering as their 'backup' major instead of actual chemistry, in which these subjects are definitely required. 

[melbperson]

Calc 2 or Linear Algebra are not prerequisites, however they will definitely help. A lot of the chemistry subjects (particularly first year from personal experience) are very analytical and require some complex calculations. However, do not feel obliged to study all three maths subjects, but if you were, then you would have to study Calculus 1 in Semester 1 (since you didn't do specialists), then Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra in Semester 2 in your first year. Alternatively, you could split this up by doing one per semester or even Linear Algebra during the summer term!

A lot of students also take these subjects in case they want to do chemical engineering as their 'backup' major instead of actual chemistry, in which these subjects are definitely required. 

Thank you so much! How would I apply for Linear Algebra for summer term?

[silverfox]

All good! Typically, you can only enrol for subjects in summer during the re-enrolment period that is usually around the end of each year (November up to the end of December). Essentially, after Semester 2 has finished. Good luck with it all! 

[melbperson]

Or would it be enough to just study Calculus 1 first year (as I am wanting to do Physics Fundamentals), then do Calculus 2 in second year?

[silverfox]

Yeah that should be fine - Calculus 1 is sufficient for first year Chem! You can definitely do Calc 2 in second year, but just be careful of how many first year level subjects you complete (there's a limit in Science!). 

[anhb]

Yeah that should be fine - Calculus 1 is sufficient for first year Chem! You can definitely do Calc 2 in second year, but just be careful of how many first year level subjects you complete (there's a limit in Science!). 

How many first year subjects can I do in second? If I were to do Calculus 1, could I do Data Analysis 1 (or is there anything similar) and Calculus 2 in second year?

[anhb]

Yeah that should be fine - Calculus 1 is sufficient for first year Chem! You can definitely do Calc 2 in second year, but just be careful of how many first year level subjects you complete (there's a limit in Science!). 

I'm planning on majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry (most flexibility if I don't get into Dentistry as I could go into like science business and research/pharmacy stuff). Could I just to Data Analysis 1 rather than any of the other maths subjects?

[silverfox]

I'm planning on majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry (most flexibility if I don't get into Dentistry as I could go into like science business and research/pharmacy stuff). Could I just to Data Analysis 1 rather than any of the other maths subjects?

Yeah definitely! Honestly I know some students who didn't do any maths subjects at all and did Chem, but that's not to say it won't be useful if you did. If you're looking down the Dentistry pathway then I recommend Data Analysis 1 for sure, it will probably be more suitable and relevant to what you want to be doing!