Chemistry.... I have no clue

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2005

I'm not sure why your advisor said that. Some type of math/algebra is usually pre-req for taking chem.

Maybe you can just take time out and go to your school's tutoring before or after class.

Good luck!!!!!!

My first class of Developmental Chemistry was last night, my counselor put me in this course and said i didn't need a strong math background, i haven't ever had algebra, but i feel that i got the shaft after looking through the book and the professer said i would need to know about math. I HAVE to get through this course, anyone have any suggestions because now i'm not feeling so hot about this class.

Micci · Aug 24, 2005

I'm not sure why your advisor said that. Some time of math/algebra is usually pre-req for taking chem.
Maybe you can just take time out and go to your school's tutoring before or after class.
Good luck!!!!!!

I remember Chem from high school. It was all algebra based. I recommended some math sites to someone in another thread, for brushing up on algebra. You might want to pick up an algebra tutorial book. You can also post specific problems and I might be able to help.

stressgal, RN · Aug 24, 2005

Basic algebra is an asset with chemistry. Check into your school's math lab and/or learning center. My school offers tutors free of charge, but you must request the tutor. There is no shame in asking for a tutor and it can only enhance your learning experience. Good luck!

Princess74 · Aug 24, 2005

There is a thread here call ***Chemistry fall 2005***, it is the pre nursing forum. We all plan on helping each other with chemistry. Come on in and join us.

smk1, LPN · Aug 24, 2005

My first class of Developmental Chemistry was last night, my counselor put me in this course and said i didn't need a strong math background, i haven't ever had algebra, but i feel that i got the shaft after looking through the book and the professer said i would need to know about math. I HAVE to get through this course, anyone have any suggestions because now i'm not feeling so hot about this class.

is this an intro to chem type of class? My advice is to get a tutor early on, because everything in Chem builds upon previously learned ideas and formulas, and if you don't get the basics down you will never get the more advanced concepts. An algebra background would help, for the equations. If you can't get a tutor, then make up flashcards for memorizing formulas and definitions. Practice the problems in the book and think them through. When you use a particular formula for solving a problem, know why you chose that formula and the clues that helped you choose that formula. If you are having problems GET HELP EARLY ON IN THE QUARTER! Good luck.

mdbarker · Aug 25, 2005

i did sign up to get tutering i'm not to proud to ask for help when i know i don't know what i'm doing, and my professor is a sweet man god love his heart but i think the man has slight memeory loss because he talks in circles and starts on on thing and jumps to another ALOT of people in there last night just looked at each other i was just sitting there thinking I"M SCREWED. I wanted to cry i just don't understand some of it. i'm determined i will pass this class or die trying. I know it's not that hard and it is interesting it's just some of these questions on the homework are driving me NUTS!

Like: is the following property physical or chemical and explain your resaoning

Alcohol is very flammable

or

a 1 in.cube of aluminum weighs less tha a 1-in.cube of lead.

oh well i'll be up til time to go to work trying to figure this stuff out

casi, ASN, RN · Aug 26, 2005

pick up a couple of prealgebra type books to help you along.

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

Seriously, this may sound like I'm kidding, but I took chem last semester and got an A. The reason I got an A was because I learned not to ask why. For real, if you're like me, you just have this burning NEED to know WHY things are the way they are. Don't ask. Just nod, smile, follow the rules, and there ya go, passing grade. It's when you question too much that you get confused. For me anyway.

oregonrene · Aug 27, 2005

Like: is the following property physical or chemical and explain your resaoning
Alcohol is very flammable
or
a 1 in.cube of aluminum weighs less tha a 1-in.cube of lead.

The first one is a chemical property. If you light alcohol on fire, a chemical reaction will occur (burning), which changes the alcohol into something else (heat, smoke, etc.).

The second one is a physical property. An inch cube of lead is heavier than an inch cube of aluminum. It cannot be changed.

I hope your instructor gets better. I have taken chemistry with a few different instructors, and I appreciated the good ones sooooo much.

Mommy TeleRN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

I took Chem (general) my very first semester in college. I almost CRIED the first lecture because I felt like an IDIOT! lol

But I studied my butt off and I had a very helpful teacher who would always help explain things I didn't understand, usually via email as I was studying. Most of the time you get hung on one detail and once you get an explanation it's like AHA! it clicks.... I did study very hard and did all the practice test and things my teach gave us.... I made a 97 in that course!

If you get a chance for any extra credit... DO IT!!! Then you don't have to stress so much on finals.

BTW...I SUCK at Algebra. I homeschooled in HS and did a correspondance Algebra course... aka didn't learn anything LOL. I did a lot of algebra I studying the summer before college so I could test out of developmental math (http://www.mathmax.com is great) You can pick up an Algebra book cheap on Ebay (i got the one that goes along with mathmax per our adult ed dept)..or get a study guide at a bookstore. At my old school the Adult Ed dept was great and would work with you on Math and they also had tons of free tutors.

So if *I* can do it anyone can!!!

stpauligirl · Aug 28, 2005

My first class of Developmental Chemistry was last night, my counselor put me in this course and said i didn't need a strong math background, i haven't ever had algebra, but i feel that i got the shaft after looking through the book and the professer said i would need to know about math. I HAVE to get through this course, anyone have any suggestions because now i'm not feeling so hot about this class.

I completed Intro to Chem, a course specifically designed for nursing majors,

algebra is not really what you will be dealing with.... the math in this course is all about conversions of weights and measurments also , know your metric ssystem, you will do alot with moles. I'ts basically memorizing a ton of formulas. Get a tutor if you get stuck, nothing wrong with that. It's a hard class. Good luck :specs: