Most biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology classes have extensive prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, often including introductory chemistry, introductory biology, and organic chemistry coursework. But what is the function of these prerequisites? While it seems logical that a basic understanding of biological and chemical principles would be important to understanding biochemistry and molecular biology principles, the official answer to this question is not obvious. Perhaps the answer is to view prerequisites from the student's point of view. How is the material in this course connected to previous courses? What level of recollection should I have? Once we answer those questions for ourselves, we can help students bridge the gaps in their knowledge and construct a more complete picture of the field.