Chem background required for Organic

Nontraditional Premed Discussion
1

I took chemistry many many years ago (elements have been added to the periodic table since then). I need to take Organic I & II. I have heard that Organic chemistry is very different and you don’t use that much of what you learned in physical chemistry.


Is it reasonable to think I could review a chemistry textbook and then tackle Organic, or is the required chemistry background strong enough to justify the time and expense of re-taking the entire physical chemistry course?

2

Even if it not required for you to take Organic Chemistry and MCAT, it will probably be required before you apply. I don’t think that many schools (if any) will accept credits from so long ago.


Kasia

3

It is true that you do not really need G chem for O chem. However, there are certain trends that come in handy from G chem, along with lewis structures, and acid base reactions. Definitely recap on said subjects. The real question is if your G chem credits are still valid.


Happy studying!!


P.S. Do not forget to review VSEPR

4

My question would be this:


Can accurately depict Lewis structures, understand covalent/ionic bonding, cation/anion, and basic organic chem? Can you recognize the various basic organic compound groups? Carboxyl, esters, amides, aldehydes, ketones, etc?


If so, maybe you don’t have to retake it. BUT if you cannot read that and explain, it might be best if you repeated gchem 1 and 2. We get those at a rudimentary level in gchem 1.


Last, as the others have said, it’s on the MCAT. I was in advanced chemistry in high school where we built esters, polypeptide chains, etc and then placed into honors gchem… back before they added more elements to the periodic table.


I’m retaking it all.


G’luck!

5

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I better re-take the regular chemistry. And to think - I was actually considering attempting organic in the summer.

6
  • ITRefugee Said:
Thanks for the feedback. I guess I better re-take the regular chemistry. And to think - I was actually considering attempting organic in the summer.



I did well in general chemistry, but in no way would I ever consider taking Ochem in the summer...uh uh! From everything I read, doing well in organic chemistry even if didn't do as great in your other prereqs is a major plus when applying.

Better to get a good gen chem foundation, especially with Lewis dot structures, VESPR and acid/base will help. That's what I'm doing this summer!
7

Krisss17,


I agree with your logic here about retaking chemistry. I was in the same position. My chemistry was 9 years old when I started my post-bacc. It wasn’t my strong-suit (though I had done well in it in undergrad), so I chose to retake it. The post-bacc program I was in had you take chemistry I & II over the summer with orgo I in the fall and orgo II in the spring (It was a one year post-bacc program). When I was in orgo, I never for one moment regretted retaking chemistry.


Hope this helps…