<p>Hi, I'm an incoming freshman as a physical science major and my first quarter class is a Chem 20A class. My high school never had an AP Chem class and the year I took my chem class, my teacher left the school and we had a sub the entire semester that didn't know chem. </p>
<p>Anyways, I was wondering will it be impossible for me to pass Chem 20A with absolutely no background of chemistry besides what I learned through AP Bio? If so, what should I do to prepare for this class in the fall with my lack of knowledge??? I'm really scared of failing chem because I heard it's one of the hardest classes!!</p>
<p>I’m in the 14 series so I wouldn’t know specifically about the 20 series, but I know of people who bought AP Chem study guides/ prep books to get the basics down.</p>
<p>Chem 20A does not have too much to do with AP chem topics (like 14a does). This class is mostly memorization rather than problem solving. Some topics I remember remember:
-Basic chemistry topics such as unit conversion (this is covered in high school chem)
-History of the atomic model (this is covered in high school chem)
-Quantum mechanics (not covered in high school chem)
-Intro to orgo chem (covered in high school chem)</p>
<p>The majority of the class is spent on quantum mechanics and the structure of atoms. The subjects that were covered in high school chem are typically just memorization (who created each model of the atom, naming organic compounds, etc). However, the class is quite competitive. Most of the professors that I have on Bruinwalk give out fewer than 12% A’s, so having a background in HS chem is helpful.</p>
<p>Answer depends on what was learned in high school, and what will be taught by 20A instructor. In my experience AP Chemistry had 95% overlap with 20A. I had little quantum mechanics in 20A. Each student at UCLA comes with a different background and history. If you want to take 20A, take it. If you need to take 20A, take it. It is futile to ask because each person has a different aptitude and affinity for chemistry. </p>
<p>20A does not have AP chemistry as a pre-requisite. It is general chemistry and designed for freshmen. No matter what class you take, you will find people at different levels. If you apply yourself, then failure is not a possibility. </p>
<p>Chem is one of the easiest classes, especially 20A.</p>