Geology Major -> Upper division chemistry + Physics?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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<p>Hi everyone, I'm currently a first year student at Cal looking to major in geology with a focus in isotope geochemistry. It might sound a bit specific, but I really do love both geology and geochemistry.</p>

<p>I've only taken AP Chemistry in high school and it seems like the geology major does not include any upper division chemistry coursework, which I might find very useful in my field of study in the future. The same applies to physics (no upper division physics requirements). However, physics, chemistry, and math are essential for most physical sciences right? Those subjects might be even more important than the geology classes themselves.</p>

<p>Anyway, my question(s) are... Are upper division chemistry classes readily accessible for those who have only taken AP Chemistry? Do I have to go through a series of prerequisites? Lots of courses "require" certain prerequisites, but are accessible without the prerequisite courses (at least in geology). Is this true too for chemistry? Does the same concept apply to physics? My advisor recommended I take some inorganic chemistry/quantum mechanics/particle physics/etc upper-division chemistry/physics/math classes in addition to my geology classes whenever possible.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

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<p>Don’t know about physics, but upper-division chemistry courses should be okay for you without taking chemistry pre-reqs. There’s a lot of chemistry courses out there that require two semesters of organic chemistry, but that doesn’t really apply to you, so you don’t need to worry about those.</p>

<p>For quantum mechanics and molecular spectroscopy, check out Chem 120A and 122. For 120A (the quantum course pchem course), you’ll need to have taken Physics 7B (E/M), Math 53 and 54 (multivariable and linear algebra…very key to success in this course), and Chem 4B (which I would argue you don’t really need, as long as your general chemistry knowledge is sufficient). Chem 122 focuses more on spectroscopy and group theory. </p>

<p>Also try to take Chem 104A/B; those are two inorganic chemistry courses that will give you a good foundation to coordination compounds, group theory, and d-transition metal molecular orbital theory. </p>

<p>Lastly, you may want to look in EPS C182/Chem C182 (the atmospheric physical chemistry lab course), which is probably the most relevant course for your studies.</p>