<p>If so, do you think it can be treated like a 'pre-chemistry' class? I just know I'll fail general chemistry (yes, GENERAL chemistry) if I jump straight into it. Chem was my least favorite class =/</p>
<p>I’m not sure what you mean by “treating” it like a pre-chemistry class. If you think you’re going to have trouble, I would suggest either buying the textbook early and trying to get a head start, or look through old AP Chem textbooks to refresh the material.</p>
<p>… I think you can maybe enroll in Chem 2 if you want. I’m not sure on the usual space available or anything beyond this course description. See here for more info:</p>
<p>[UCLA</a> General Catalog 2010-2011](<a href=“http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog10-11-190.htm#145157064_pgfId-1000034]UCLA”>http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog10-11-190.htm#145157064_pgfId-1000034)</p>
<p>Chem 20A IS general chemistry…</p>
<p>Chem 2 hasn’t been offered in the last year.</p>
<p>^ Hm… that’s too bad. And the issue agtc11 is bringing up is that (s)he’s afraid that they are not ready for general chem, and was wondering if 20A was “noob-friendly” or was hoping for a more introductory course. </p>
<p>This actually isn’t too uncommon. I always meet people who sometimes can’t balance an equation and have trouble with stoichiometry. </p>
<p>I suppose you can look into the Peers workshops (Chem PEERS 98XB… lab 1 I believe) to see if they have one for chem, but I’m just grasping. Beyond that, you would have to rely on tutors, your TA or your professor. (Tutor may be most helpful since TA/professor is a mixed bag.) I don’t really recommend relying on classmates because even if you do manage someone who is patient enough, they may not have the time or skill to help someone with little background in chemistry.</p>
<p>Quite honestly, I don’t think 20A is really meant as an “introductory” course for someone with little to no background in Chemistry, but I’ve seen many people who knew nothing about Chemistry do fairly “decent” to really well so it’s highly doable, albeit, with extra work and effort. Just know your strengths and weaknesses and find help any way you can. Maybe if you stalk the professor long enough, he might even give you a pity pass. (Though, don’t depend on it.)</p>
<p>Yeah, when I took 20A the professor said a previous course in Chemistry was assumed.</p>
<p>Same. I guess another option would be to take a “Intro to Chem” type class at a community college this summer… basically, the earlier you start getting prepped for 20A, the better.</p>
<p>Is 20A the “lowest” chemistry class you can take, how about 14series?</p>
<p>The 14 and 20/30 series are equivalent. 14 is for life science majors and the material isn’t as in-depth. But, if you are physical science major or engineering major then you have to take the 20/30 series for chem and it is a little more in-depth. You aren’t able to take both since they cover basically the same material in maybe a little different order.</p>
<p>chem 20a is the worst class i’ve ever taken, especially with baugh. basically quantum mechanics. chem 20b is like ap chem</p>
<p>Chem 20a is a huge class, so your TA will make or break for your grade. </p>
<p>Scerri is a great professor, and I happened to have a decent TA.</p>
<p>Scerri pwned me, but I have to say he’s the better one of the other professors.</p>
<p>“I don’t deny logic I teach logic motherfcker!”</p>