College Science Success Linked To Math And Same-Subject Preparation

Original Article

There shouldn't be surprise here. However, all of these does not reduce the importance of physics and chemistry.

There shouldn't be surprise here. In order to explain chemical reactions through physics, it will take a high level physic knowledge which most introductory physics courses will not cover. The same is true in trying to explain biological effect through chemistry.

The role of the math has two fold: the quantitative skill and the logical training, which is the base in deriving today's scientific conclusion.

However, all of these does not reduce the importance of physics and chemistry. At the higher research level, the knowledge of physics and chemistry become crucial. With the advance of computer, Physics can start to calculate and predict chemical reactions and chemistry can begin to predict biological effects.

From the educational point of view, learning begins with things students familiar with. We do not teach student (math) group theory and expect it to benefit students in biology. The order of these course isn't as import as if students is ready for the material. For physics, even acceleration in mechanics requires algebra or calculus skill. I think this is how the order of the classes should be considered.