<p>How much math experience does one really need to be successful in physical chemistry?</p>
<p>At my school the highest level of math required for a chem major is calculus III. When I looked at the P Chem 1 course in the catalogue it said that it only required calc 3 as a prereq., but that it recommended a course in linear algebra and differential equations. So for those of you who have taken P Chem how much math is needed? A lot? or is it one of those prereqs that really doesn't matter?</p>
<p>You have to understand partial derivatives really well, because most derivations are based on them. You don't need diff-eq or linear algebra (at least for thermo and chemical potential, which is mainly what first semester is).</p>
<p>you could probably do it on calc 2 only. partial derivatives are a simple concept (for their place in undergrad pchem). more advanced concepts will be taught in the course if needed, since they don't expect chemistry majors to have extensive mathematical background.</p>
<p>Linear algebra is encouraged, but it's usually taught in with our Calc II classes. You can def. get through pchem on calc II, but if you have up through calc III, I wouldn't worry about anything.</p>