<p>I checked on UW- Madison for intro chemistry since it was easy for me- interesting how things like timetables don't change for eons. One can do either first OR second semester intro chem in a summer session, but not both. The first course is offered all morning (well, around 9- noon, early enough by student standards), M-F for 8 weeks (the 15 hours x 8 weeks = 8 hours x 15 weeks in the semesters). Plenty of time for homework and enjoying the summer (5 credits comparable to 10 in the school year). Taking both intro semesters in the summer (but can't) would be like taking 20 credits- a huge load.</p>
<p>blue,
Are the courses to fulfill premed requirements? If so, it might not be a good idea, lots of discussion on this on the Premed Topics forum.</p>
<p>Taking chemistry at a different college when one needs more chemistry courses to follow it is not a good idea. You may not cover the same material and be at a disadvantage for the next course. Physician here (I don't usually read premed forums- son into math). I can see how someone might want to lighten their semester load by taking summer chemistry. But- anyone who expects to be ready for the rigors of medical school should be able to handle a full load during each semester (and work if necessary, as I did in later semesters). The only reason I would suggest the summer chemistry is if it would allow the student to fit a full load into their schedule that taking the class during the semester wouldn't allow. There is also no need to rush through college by taking summer core classes. My son got his biology credits locally during a summer as we wouldn't let him sit around home another summer doing nothing- he had to find a job, take some classes or do volunteer work. He could, but won't, graduate early.</p>
<p>entomom:</p>
<p>Nope, not premed. By knocking out Chem over the summer, it'll free up some spots for a language minor and study abroad, as well as a few more science classes within a social science major.</p>
<p>When my DD took O-Chem at Santa Clara last summer, she reported there were mostly PREMED majors in the classes from other schools including Stanford and several of the Ivy League schools. There were NOT a lot of Santa Clara students in the classes...mostly students from other schools.</p>
<p>I think packing one year of chemistry into one summer is too tough. You can learn but you can forget easily. If something does not go well then you will lose the summer. Would it be better to spend the whole summer overseas for foreign language immerson?</p>