Why is chemistry so hard? (2023)

Why is chemistry so hard?

The primary reason chemistry is so hard is because of the topic progression. You really have to fully understand several topics before you can fully understand other topics. It's important to keep in mind, memorization isn't the key here. There's a certain element of memorization.

Chemistry is famous for being one of the hardest subjects ever, so it's no surprise that a Chemistry degree is fiercely challenging. Just one topic in Chemistry (for example, organic chemistry) is incredibly complex.

Simply put, there is a lot to learn and only a limited time to get it into your brain. Some memorization is required, but mostly you need to think. If you're not used to working through how something works, flexing your mind can take effort.

Chemistry isn't merely a challenging science major; CollegeVine ranked it the most difficult of all the majors in its rankings of The 10 Easiest and 10 Hardest College Majors.

It is believed that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is the toughest course in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records along with courses like MBBS, BCom, IAS, IPS and Engineering, etc.

Physics. Generally, physics is often deemed to be the hardest of all the sciences, especially as an A level qualification. Physics involves a lot of complex maths content – an aspect that most students struggle with.

How many? On average about 25% fail general chemistry according to Cooper and Peterson (2012). Others have found rates from 40-60%. That's a lot of students and you don't want to be one of them.

Many students have a negative impression of chemistry and think that it pulls down their grade point averages. They also seem to have an inherent dislike for the subject. Therefore, even though they like science, they try their best to stay away from chemistry.

Failure rates of 50% and more in general chemistry courses have been reported by certain institutions (Chambers, 2005; Gafney and Varma-Nelson, 2008).

Is physics harder than chemistry?

Physics is the hardest major; it is harder than chemistry, biology, psychology, computer science, astronomy, biochemistry, and geology. The level of math and the number of abstract concepts in physics is unparalleled.

Is chemistry or biology harder? Chemistry is harder than biology. Chemistry is a harder major because it is more math-intensive and has a greater number of challenging concepts. Memorizing can take you quite far in biology, but not so much in chemistry.

Also like many of the sciences, chemistry has a bit of math. This set of readings and exercises will help prepare you for future chemistry courses. Some of the mathematical features of chemistry include exponents, scientific notation, orders of operation, algebra, unit conversion, and dimensional analysis.

There is relatively little mathematics required for a typical first year chemistry course beyond what most will have studied at school. A solid understanding of algebra, trigonometry and diffrentiation/integration is necessary.

Computer sciences and business and administrative studies are among the degree subjects with the highest drop-out rates; with around nine per cent of students dropping out by their second year.

A'level Chemistry is definitely more difficult than A'Level Biology.

I did Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A-level. I personally found chemistry the hardest. Physics is essentially a bunch of equations, you know them and when they should be applied, you'll be fine. Biology is largely a big info pile you just need to remember.

What should I do if I fail in chemistry?

1. College Algebra. The evil, despicable and terrible villain of early high school has come back to haunt you. That's right, students tend to struggle more with college algebra than other college math classes.

Organic Chemistry:

It shouldn't surprise you that organic chemistry takes the No. 1 spot as the hardest college course. This course is often referred to as the “pre-med killer” because it actually has caused many pre-med majors to switch their major.

Yeah, I definitely found Chem II to be harder than Chem I. Chem I is rote memorization and a bit of plug and chug equations, whereas Chem II requires a lot deeper understand of the concepts to be able to determine the proper path to take.

Empirical data has shown that lack of facilities, attitudes, absenteeism and drug abuse are some of causes of poor performance in chemistry. Teachers teaching experience was found not to be a factor causing poor performance in chemistry.

Many undergraduates fail a class in college and still go on to graduate. If you're at risk of failing, talk to your professor and meet with an academic advisor. Check your school's policies about retaking courses to remove an F from your transcript. Failing a class is a wake-up call that you may need to make changes.

The average college GPA is a 3.1 – or B average. This number has increased over time because of grade inflation. So, if your GPA is higher than that number, it could be beneficial to include on your resume as means to set you apart from the competition.

Chemistry courses are typically more difficult than your average college course. Therefore, do not plan on taking 18 credits every semester. 12 credits of chemistry courses in one semester, for example, is going to be a more challenging semester than most college students ever take.

Most recent answer

Chemistry is found in all other sciences.

Is maths harder than chemistry?

In general the answer to the question is subjective. If hardcore math like theorems and their proofs interest you, you will feel mathematics is easier than chemistry. If you like the application of these theorems, then chemistry is easier.

It's very much likely that biology is the best easy science course for you. That's because it focuses on the study of living organisms and how they are able to meet the challenges of living in their respective environments. Various things make biology one of the easiest college classes for just about anyone.

Chemistry is a logical science. You can master the essential concepts yourself. You can study these concepts in any order, but it's probably best to start from the top and work your way down, since many concepts build on understanding units, conversion, and how atoms and molecules interact.

How to study Chemistry in one day - to score the maximum marks!

Neither of them are easy, they are different kind of hard though :-) Chem is mathmatically hard, while A&P are more understanding and memorization hard.

Chemistry is considered very hard. In fact, Chemistry is considered one of the most difficult subjects in College. Some of the more advanced chemistry courses (like Physical Chemistry) have been determined to be the hardest classes in College. Period.

A new survey revealed that at least 89 per cent parents feel that Mathematics is the toughest subject their kids study.

Physics is the hardest major; it is harder than chemistry, biology, psychology, computer science, astronomy, biochemistry, and geology. The level of math and the number of abstract concepts in physics is unparalleled. Physics is more challenging than all other sciences.

In general the answer to the question is subjective. If hardcore math like theorems and their proofs interest you, you will feel mathematics is easier than chemistry. If you like the application of these theorems, then chemistry is easier.

How do you not fail chemistry?

Chemistry entails equations, formulas, and diagrams; some of these may have to be memorized, while others require a complex understanding of chemical structures and math equations. To excel in chemistry, you'll need to practice good study habits and pay attention during the lecture, lab, and while doing homework.

Algebra is the single most failed course in high school, the most failed course in community college, and, along with English language for nonnative speakers, the single biggest academic reason that community colleges have a high dropout rate.

A'level Chemistry is definitely more difficult than A'Level Biology.

Biology and chemistry have done far more to improve the quality of life for people than physics has ever done, chemistry has probably been responsible for the greatest loss of life of all 3 sciences, so biology wins by default.

It's very much likely that biology is the best easy science course for you. That's because it focuses on the study of living organisms and how they are able to meet the challenges of living in their respective environments. Various things make biology one of the easiest college classes for just about anyone.

Biology is so hard because of the massive syllabus, highly complicated interactions between various living systems, and unfamiliar terms and concepts. Many students find biology difficult because it requires a broad perspective as well as in-depth knowledge.

What is the highest level of chemistry?

Chemistry courses are offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels.

For the A Levels that I did, it's fairly easy so long as you don't slack off and have some natural aptitude for the subjects -- you won't be able to get A*s with four hours' revision like at GCSE, however.