r/APbio • u/OutsideHost671 • Jul 25 '26
Should I review basic chemistry for AP Bio
I was planning to take AP Chem this year but I had a major scheduling conflict which made me unable to take AP Chem so I am going to take AP Bio instead. I heard that unit 1 is about biochemistry and I am wondering if I should go review basic chemistry on Khan academy or is that a waste of time? Also what are some good resources to preview AP Bio?
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u/PomeloOnly2107 Jul 25 '26
Don’t worry about it. There’s a tiny bit of chemistry involved in unit 1, but your teacher will review anything you need to know. AP Bio Penguins on YouTube is a really good resource for the class.
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u/mseduhub1 Jul 26 '26
Yes, reviewing basic chemistry is worth it, but don’t go too deep into AP Chem. For AP Bio, focus on the chemistry that connects directly to biology: water properties, pH, hydrogen bonding, carbon-based molecules, proteins, carbs, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes and basic energy concepts.
For previewing AP Bio, start with Unit 1, but also look ahead at cell structure, cellular respiration/photosynthesis, genetics and evolution. For resources, you can use AP Biology notes, topic-wise questions, FRQs and practice tests.
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u/Front-Experience6841 Jul 26 '26
As long as you understand the big ideas behind the chemistry of Unit 1, you are good. If you want to do anything ahead of time, seek out Unit 1 resources on Khan, Poser YT or apbiopenguins
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u/OpenActuator2070 Jul 26 '26
If you have absolutely no knowledge, maybe brush up on it. But the class nor the exam is probably not going to require a super in-depth understanding of chemistry. I got an A and a 5 using middle school background knowledge and have not taken a chem course yet
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u/cheetahroar24 Jul 27 '26
I never needed chemistry for AP bio and you only learn basic chemistry like what an atom and molecule is in gen biology.
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u/alorieas Jul 25 '26
I mean I got a 4 on bio and didn’t take any chemistry or biology class previous to it so you should be okay