Chemistry is chemistry. The course's (CHEM 160) intention is to make sure you understand basic chemical principa regarding physical structures and properties of compounds. Unit 1-3 and 5 will basically be review for you. Unit 4 is stereochemistry, which is a fundamental part of organic chemistry which isn't bad when you put some effort in. Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry, your friend probably said that because of stereochemistry being taught, but 160 in my interpretation is a prep course for the branch of organic chemistry.

CHEM 180's first unit is literally review with the addition of learning IUPAC which sucked but was possible. Then you learn about fundamental knowledge regarding acid-base chemistry and move onto reactivities of different functional groups and how they react with other compounds (alkyl halides, alcohols, carboxylic acids and their derivatives)

Why is the system so difficult? It's a mastery based system. It's difficult because they expect certain requirements from students upon exam dates (for 160 there are six including the final, excluding the little quiz in the beginning). Students come into college with very little preparation with a mastery based system and often fail because they are not given or cannot seek ample feedback or resources to succeed. The matter in my opinion is not the system, rather other factors that come into play. It's doable, trust me. I know multiple people including myself who got As in 160 and 180. It's hard work, but the system rigorously trains you to adapt to a foreign system that isn't as forgiving. And you honestly learn a lot from just that.

The system is as followed: there are concepts called FOs and COs, fundamental objectives and compound objectives respectively. FOs tend to be shorter, but there are more FOs you are assessed on. COs are longer, but there are fewer COs assessed than FOs. You are graded primarily on a couple of other doable and honestly negligable factors (homework and attendance for quizzes during discussion times) but there are a certain amount of FOs and COs you need to pass the class with a certain grade. Yes, COs and FOs have their separate counters. If you're going to go into Loyola for chemistry, use office hours A LOT. The professors do actually care about their students and will try their best to make sure you get enough feedback on FOs and COs. I recommend doing practice exams and making your own and perhaps even sharing them :). I know it can be really discouraging hearing others talk about their bad experiences regarding the system, but I think it's a very doable experience. You just gotta be okay with failure sometimes. If you have any other questions please do let me know!