The biological processes learned in Biology are driven by chemical reactions. Therefore, a solid understanding of introductory chemistry is required to fully understand Biology. However, most Physical Science courses do not teach all of the necessary chemistry concepts. Instead, they often water down the chemistry content by including Earth Science topics that are not needed to prepare students for Biology.
In 2010, in an effort to increase the number of students who both understand STEM subjects and want to major in STEM fields, colleges renamed the Physical Science requirement Integrated Chemistry & Physics. This change was intended to clarify that the course should consist of one semester of introductory chemistry and one semester of introductory physics.
For this reason, unless the student is taking Algebra 2*, Dr. Shormann recommends, but does not require**, taking DIVE Integrated Chemistry & Physics before taking Biology.
*If your student is taking Algebra 2, and has not taken an Integrated Chemistry & Physics course, they can take Chemistry instead of ICP, followed by Biology, then Physics. Course Sequence for DIVE Science
**If your student plans to take the AP Biology Exam, DIVE Integrated Chemistry & Physics is required. Please see: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Need Help? Contact a Product Specialist
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.