Talk to me about chemistry!

TaraSC · Apr 19, 2004

So next month i'll be starting chemistry 1. I'm terrified at this point! I need to do really well, but I am so nervous!
Can anyone tell me what the course is about? What will I be doing/learning?
I've already ordered the Coles Notes for Chemistry, but it wont be here until next week.
Do you have any tips that I could use for this class? I'll be working my butt off, but any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!

I'm currently taking Chem I. Some of the things we are learning or have learned include:

Chemical Formulas & Composition Stoichiometry

Chemical Equations & Reaction Stoichiometry

Inorganic Nomenclature

Structure of the Atom

Chemical Periodicity

Chemical Bonding

Molecular Structures

Covalent Bonding Theories

Gases and Kinetic Molecular Theory

Liquids and Solids

Solutions

I find it helpful to attend every time and take good notes. Ask questions if you need to. Also do all homework that is recommended. That really helps me with the test as my professor structures the test questions similar to the homework. Be sure to attend your lab.

Hope that helps,

Tara

RNinProgress · Apr 19, 2004

I wish you well. I *hated* chemistry. I had an instructor the first semester who was very friendly in lecture, but would bite you head off in lab. Kind of scary. Barely got a C, and I am a good student.

Second semester, class average on exams was a 47%. Yeah, he had to curve. Thank goodness. Good teacher, tried hard, really cared, but for some reason, we BOMBED!

Your experience has got to be better than mine, so that's something to look forward to. You are preparing early, which I wish I would have done. If you have a choice in a lab partner, hook up with one that is a chem major AND someone that is willing to help. I never would have made it through without the good grace of my lab partner. Not a chem major, but he had an easier time with it than I did.

Good luck!

luv2yoga · Apr 19, 2004

I'm doing really well and actually enjoy Chem I. I find it terribly interesting to find out how things really work at the atomic level & I didn't expect that. My advice is don't ever get behind. Read the chapter before you attend the lecture. Attend every class. Do all the homework assignments. Study more than just the night before the test. In short, just make it a priority. You can't learn something new and challenging without putting effort into it. Many in my class are struggling but they are not doing these things, just complaining because the prof doesn't spoon-feed them every single fact in class. If it's in the textbook and was assigned, you're responible for it whether he gets to it or not in class.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2004

I enjoyed chemistry, especially the lab. Make sure you take advantage of the lab and relate it to your course work. I was nervous too, like you, and went to the public library to check out children's books (well, probably jr. hi) on the subject. When I got the basics down I was ready!

LauraLou · Apr 19, 2004

The hardest thing about chemistry is the math. If you haven't had algebra in a while, you will want to review it before class starts. I did well in chemistry because I am a strong math student. The people in my class who didn't do well either hadn't taken algebra in years or were not good with math.

Good luck!

FutureNurse2005 · Apr 19, 2004

thanks for the replies!

I am struggling with math, but i'm working my butt off and I am sitting at a 90% right now. I've been spending extra time on the math because I know I need it for chem.

Hopefully I will be ok!

Thanks again!

hobbes · Apr 19, 2004

First off, make sure you are very comfortable with algebra because you will use it a lot. I would suggest getting a beginners chemistry book and start reading it now before class starts so that you won't be seeing the material for the first time in class. Having a good grasp of chemistry really helps when you get to A&P, especially physiology. Acid/Base balance, blood gases, metabolism, and electrolytes all make more sense when you have an understanding of chemistry. A lot of people fret taking chemistry because they've heard how hard it is, etc. It's really not that bad, especially if you only have to take the survey level chemistry designed for allied health majors. However, the key is to be prepared and don't fall behind.

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Apr 19, 2004

I really enjoyed Chemistry I - received an A. Know your algebra (and your elements of course). Good luck!

Maisie · Apr 19, 2004

I am taking chemistry now. It is not bad, just a little boring when you compare it to other subjects. I purchased Chemistry for Dummies before I started the class. It is not very technical, but it will give you an idea of what to expect and maybe take away some of the fear.

Good luck.

MyReign1 · Apr 19, 2004

I believe that anyone can pass any class if you believe you can. (Outside of actually having a learning disability, of course.) If you go in with the attitude that it is too hard and that you cannot do it, you will FAIL. I remember when I first took chem 1, my sophomore year in college, I was frightened because of everything I had heard about chemistry. I Believed I talked my own self out of an A. By mid term I was making a C, so I dropped the class. The next semester, I made myself believe that I could pass the class. I came out with an easy A. The mind is a powerful weapon. It is your choice, to use it for good or evil..........lol! Just study and you'll do fine. It is absolutely nothing to stress over. After that class, I ended of taking several more chemistry classes: Chem 2, Organic 1 & 2, Biochem 1, quantitative analysis,

forensic science & instrumental analysis. If you would have told me that I would have taken all of those classes, I would have never believed it. I only needed to change my attitude and it worked. Good Luck!!

PS: I passed everything with flying colors except for instrumental analysis. It was too boring!! I could never quite psyche myself out about that class. In fact, that class is the reason why I graduated with a major in biology instead of forensic science........lol!

Catma63 · Apr 20, 2004

Yep, TaraSC covered what Chem is all about.....Practice with that algebra. I thought that was the most boooooring class!! ahah

Reminds me of this joke, though:

Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says "I've lost my electron." The other says "Are you sure?" The first replies "Yes, I'm positive." :chuckle