<p>Hi, I'll be a freshman this fall studying AEM, and am having trouble choosing whether to take CHEM 1560 (intro) or CHEM 2070 (general) to fulfill my CALS distribution requirement after failing to get a 5 on my AP Chem exam. </p>
<p>Here's my embarrassing chem history: I took IB Chemistry SL in junior year. Our class went more into orgo and specialized topics (our chosen units were drugs and enviro) at the expense of skimming much of AP Chem material: labs, solubility laws, etc. So taking the AP test meant some self study. I definitely underestimated the exam and got a 3. I then thought I'd try again in senior year (no chem class) but lacked self-discipline. My last minute cramming earned me a 4. (I should have learned the first time around, right?)</p>
<p>So, my worries:
1) Given my chem history, would it be a struggle to earn an A in CHEM 2070? I'm trying to get distribution requirements out of the way in my first semester with a 20-credit schedule, and think relatively easier courses would balance out the additional workload.<br>
2) Is there any benefit in taking CHEM 2070 over CHEM 1560, since I'm not a science major/premed? I think I have a high school habit to take the harder course just because you can. But since I'm not science-inclined, why go unnecessary suffering...</p>
<p>Thank you for any thoughts!</p>
<p>In case anyone points it out: Sorry, I should really learn the check schedulizer first since 1560 directly conflicts AEM 2200. My questions still stand though; I may just put off taking CHEM 1560 if that’s the best choice.</p>
<p>I would strongly reccomend unless you are planning on taking any kind of strong physical science major to NOT TAKE CHEM 2070. I am currently in a prefreshman summer program thats spending a bootcamp 6 week type training in the mere hopes of having us get a B-, which is extremely difficult. Only about 8% of the 2070 class can get A’s, and the class is mainly geared toward premed/prevet students or chem/ other high physical science majors. The professor I’ve heard is extremely difficult and aims to make people struggle as much as possible with little sympathy of failing or giving low grades to hard working students. It has often been referred to as the class where premed/prevet dreams come to die. And since you are not a science major having a higher level chem won’t really benefit you at all. Also, in case you didn’t know- freshman are not allowed to take any more than 18 academic credits in their first semester (technically u can take 19 if u include 1 credit of PE). Unless you absolutely love chemistry, don’t take chem 2070 especially if your’e gonna try to take a deadly 18-20 credit courseload in the fall (which im still unsure that u can take 20) or else you’ll have very little chance of making it out alive.</p>
<p>^Yes, Chem 2070 is not an ‘easy’ class. However, since you have a strong chem background, you should have a very big advantage over your classmates. It is certainly very doable if you put in the necessary work. </p>
<p>If you choose AEM and you’re confident you’re going to be sticking with it, then Chem 1560 might be a better option, but definitely get that confirmed before signing up for the class. There also might be other options for satisfying the CALS distribution req so definitely look into that as well. Good luck!</p>
<p>Chem 2070 and 2080 aren’t really that bad. I had a good chem background, and while it was a lot of work I got an A+ both semesters.</p>
<p>I know I don’t necessarily need to take Intro Chem, but (for the chem/physics requirement) it seems like the easiest chem course and General Physics scares me even more, haha. From the responses, it sounds like Chem 2070 may be doable, but really not something I should take with a heavier first-semester schedule. I think I’m taking it off, thanks! </p>
<p>@collegecondor: Good luck with your summer prefreshman program - I hope your hard work pays off! It actually is possible to take 18+ credits if you can manage to get approval from your advisor. I’m thinking of taking more credits since I’d rather get easy requirement classes out of the way and be able to concentrate on harder, major-specific courses later on. But if I can’t handle it, I imagine I can always drop a course or two. (:</p>
<p>I got a 4 on AP chem and then found Chem 2070 to be manageable but actually pretty tough. I got a B- I think. I was a bio major though so I had no misgivings about taking it (since it was required).</p>
<p>if you’re not a premed or any sort of science major, take CHEM 1150. Complete joke class with zero homework, 3 prelims and a final. As long as you review your notes, you’ll be golden. Surprisingly too, one of the most interesting classes i’ve taken at Cornell. Must take</p>
<p>^Interesting suggestion, thanks! I’ll definitely look into it if I still need a chem credit next fall since, unfortunately, it also conflicts with AEM 2200. </p>
<p>For this fall, I think I’ll be replacing my chem slot with ECON 3130.</p>