<p>Hey, I'm at a school where the bio major requires me to take only two courses in another science (physics or chem). I.e., I could just take two semesters of physics and never have to take chemistry. </p>
<p>I really, really don't like chemistry. I'm not looking to go to Med school or Vet school (as of now), so I was wondering if there was a downside to not taking chemistry or organic chemistry.</p>
<p>I'm sure many will say that I could use some basic knowledge in chemistry and should take classes BECAUSE i don't like them, but I'm curious if anyone has any advice... </p>
<p>I'd just rather take classes I'm more interested in.</p>
<p>A lot of cell biology will make more sense if you've had some background in chemistry. So will things like genetics. </p>
<p>The old saying is "biology is really just chemistry, chemistry is really physics, and physics is really just math" does hold true and you need understanding in the level below your chosen field in order to really excel.</p>
<p>My questions to you are these:</p>
<p>Why do you not like chem - bad experience in HS or something else?
What do you hope to do with your Bio degree? What is your main interest within the field of biology? If it's something like mating rituals of South Brazillian field mice, that's probably less likely to necessitate a strong chem background than if you really want to study the genetics of beta-thalassemia.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, I don't like Chem because I'm not that interested in it. In high school, I took a Chemistry class and, even though it was challenging, I did well. I took Physics and didn't do very well, but thought that the Physics was more interesting. I know that the Chemistry classes (and labs) here are supposed to be very difficult and boring, and I'd rather take Physics because it interests me a bit more. I really think that if the Professor was interesting and enthusiastic, I'd be fine, but that is rare in an intro, lecture-style class. </p>
<p>And while I'm not sure what I want to do with my degree, I probably will focus on the "larger" issues, like interactions, etc., as opposed to cell-biology or something...</p>
<p>Not finding it interesting and not liking it to the point where you want to avoid taking it are two different things. Keep in mind that you may have a professor that makes it interesting. If you don't have to take it, and it's not a pre-req for other bio classes, you have the benefit of being able to pick who, and when you take these courses. You can wait a couple semesters and find out who is a good prof and then take it from them. Also be aware that chem might be a requirement for you to take other upper level bio courses, or to get you in to intro courses that are pre-reqs for upper level courses (you need to look into this - many science majors have hidden requirements that while not part of a stated required curriculum, certain intro classes are required if you want to take more interesting upper level courses in your major. The classic example at my school was that chem majors needed Calc III in order to register for physical chem, but none of the requirements for a major in chemistry mentioned taking calc III)</p>
<p>I think you'd be better off if you took at least a semester, probably two.</p>