Chem 1A or Chem 4A

<p>What's the difference between the two classes? If I've received a 5 on the AP test in Chem, should I enrollin Chem 4a? Is 4A second year chemistry rather than the basics? Pardon my rambling. I'm just VERY confused.</p>

<p>Chem 4A is for students in the College of Chemistry.
Chem 1A is for everyone else.</p>

<p>I'm taking chem4 as a mcb/psych double major. Don't even try comparing high school to college chemistry - there is very little overlap when it comes to chem4 and most other classes. Take this only if you really love the subject and desire more advanced lab procedures. This was my rationale, and no, I don't think it was worth it. I made a B+ the first semester (never showed up to lecture) and am looking at an A/A- this semester. The lab and it's corresponding reports take up a lot of time. </p>

<p>If you decide to take hobby or optional classes, always opt for the easier variants. You'll likely end up with better retention of the information as well as a better grade. Don't make someone else's weeder course your "fun" one.</p>

<p>1A - moderately difficult.
4A - just try to pass.</p>

<p>I thought the way Chem 1A was taught was really annoying. It's like the lectures were little games in which they'd toy at teaching you the fundamentals in problem solving but would never get around to it. The entire 1A class was taught by power point and not once did either of my professors touch the chalkboard. If I had a chance to do it again, I would take Chem 4A, just because they cut the BS.</p>

<p>Also, the PRS transmitter thing ****ed me off so much. It was a like a game show. So freakin stupid.</p>

<p>Both classes are first year, "General Chemistry" classes...and like Golden Bear said, 1A is for the general population of students whereas 4A is for students in the College of Chemistry (Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering majors). So it's one or the other...they're not sequential classes. If you are not in the College of Chemistry, 4A is not necessary, but if you have a strong interest in chemistry or might possibly switch, then you might want to consider 4A. But the course is more intense and in depth then 1A, so if you're just looking to satisfy a requirement, then 1A might be your best bet, and depending on your major, you might be able to satisfy that requirement with your AP test score and not have to take general chemistry at all.</p>

<p>My friend in ChemE said about 30% of his Chem 4A class failed out last semester. Nice, real nice.</p>

<p>Chem 4A isn't that hard, you just have to work harder because it's more time consuming. The labs are more complex and you get to work with more advanced instruments. This was a plus for me because you learn analytical and lab skills. I'm in L & S but taking chem 4 instead of chem 1 was worth it for me because of the lab experience and also because of the critical thinking skills acquired through learning the material.</p>

<p>How about Chem 112A? I am eligible to skip Chem 4a and Chem 4b.</p>

<p>Not advisable, take the entire chem sequences here at Berkeley. Berkeley chemistry is nothing like AP Chem.</p>

<p>I'm eligible to skip those classes because I'm taking A levels. I took the Chem AP test last year and I definitely agree that it would be nothing like Cal's Chem and also its very different from A Level's Chem.</p>

<p>No, you cannot skip it if you are in the College of Chem.</p>

<p>I plan to major in MechE. On the flow chart for the major curriculum, Chem 1A or 4A is a chemistry requirement and hopefully I'll pass the AP test which I take in two weeks. Does anyone know if I need more chem?</p>

<p>You guys are scaring me on even taking foot in a chem class!</p>