Yep, P-Chem is tough. As a mathematician myself, I don't fuss so much about whether something's not immediately applicable but I loathe this pseudointellectual tripe that infests academia.
The importance of an excellent professor/instructor who loves the topic and can teach it is huge. Teachers who can successfully convey the learning of the concepts of mathematical formulas goes a long way for students to comprehend and enjoy the material. Students often fail or drop those courses often because the instructor simply sucks at teaching.