Question Re: Starting Chemistry

Shay08 · Dec 9, 2007

hi there - I am just finishing up my chem for nursing majors, also my first chemistry class in probably 15 years! I went in terrified, because it really wasn't my strong suit at all...but even the math part is not bad, and it looks like I will finish up with an A in the class. If I can do it - anybody can do it! I would suggest a couple of things: do you know which textbook you will be using? If not, you could email the professor and ask, then try to get the book early and start reading ahead. You might also want to brush up a little on some basic algebra and dimensional analysis because I think most chemistry classes do problems where you have to convert from one unit to another.

Hope that helps! Good luck...

LeavingTeaching4RN · Dec 10, 2007

Math conversions from one unit to another and setting up proportions, which can make the conversions simpler.

Good Luck!

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 10, 2007

I agree, knowing how to do simple conversions, and perhaps reviewing the periodic table.

jewelshouse · Dec 10, 2007

Maybe brush up on metric conversions . .. I didn't know them when I started and it was just one more thing for me to learn.

icechick, RN · Dec 10, 2007

I just finished up my first Chemistry class & I haven't had chemistry for 10 years. I got an A in the class & I did nothing to prepare. Since it's the first chemistry class you are taking, I am guessing it will be like mine, basically beginning chemistry & everything gets explained to you. I don't think professors assume you already know certain things. It's pretty easy as long as you go to class & do the work. Good luck!

catzy5 · Dec 10, 2007

I just finished up my first Chemistry class & I haven't had chemistry for 10 years. I got an A in the class & I did nothing to prepare. Since it's the first chemistry class you are taking, I am guessing it will be like mine, basically beginning chemistry & everything gets explained to you. I don't think professors assume you already know certain things. It's pretty easy as long as you go to class & do the work. Good luck!

if you can get the book and look through it.

I had never taken Chemistry before and I got an A, we were taught everything like the poster said, however we were expected to know some basic Algebra, like manipulating problems and solving for "X". We were given a test the first day of class to see where our math abilities were, if you have forgotten things like Density equations and who to solve for either part of the equation then I suggest brushing up on that sort of thing.

itsa307 · Dec 10, 2007

Thanks soo much for all the suggestions! It gives me something to do while on winter break. I'll definitely get the book as soon as this semester ends so I'll have a little time to prepare with it. I'd rather be overprepared than under since I have 2 little ones and time is always an issue! Thanks again & Happy Holidays to all!

Dottie78 · Dec 11, 2007

Don't stress out about it. I just finished my Chem class last night, and I think I'll be finishing with an A, and math is also my worst subject! The math part isn't bad at all; it's mostly converting one unit to another, and there were formulas, but they were very easy. The instructor I had even provided us with the formulas on our tests. It also depends on what kind of instructor you have too. Don't worry, you'll do fine!

itsa307 · Dec 11, 2007

Thanks! I know I'm probably being unrealistic but I've set this goal for my classes to get A's and I'm worried about the sciences. I'm committed and I'll do what it takes, but not without some stressing! It's definitely reassuring to hear soo many of you thought the same as me and are ending up with A's too. That makes me think that it is definitely possible. The program/school that I want to get into is very competitive (as I'm hearing most are) and every grade really matters. Thanks again for the encouraging words!

graceomalleyRN, RN · Dec 12, 2007

I think this is a great question, and as I just took my final this morning for Chem for Health Science Majors I have a couple of suggestions.

First, get this book: http://www.amazon.com/CliffsStudySolver-Chemistry-Cliffsstudy-Charles-Henrickson/dp/0764574191/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197485763&sr=8-1

Without that book I would not have lasted as long as I did; at midterm I had an A but now I'll consider myself lucky if I get a C in the course.

Secondly, study Chem every day. Even if it's just for an hour here are there. Also, do all the assigned practice exercises and make certain you understand them well.

Finally, the INSTANT you get behind, get a tutor. In fact, check out the ways in which you can get help when/if you need it on the first day of class. Being prepared is half the battle.

Good luck to you! With your attitude I'm sure you'll be quite successful.

stinebean · Dec 12, 2007

Hmm, my best suggestion for studying over winter break is to go to this site: http://misterguch.brinkster.net/explains2.html and study each section. Pay the closest attention to Unit Conversions and Significant figures since both of those will be used throughout your class. He also has practice worksheets with answers at: http://misterguch.brinkster.net/practiceworksheets.html

Also, email your teacher now to find out which calculator s/he recommends (you want the one the teacher recommends because they're likely to be familiar with it and can tell you which button does which things... the one our teacher suggested was only about $12), buy it now and become very familiar with it. There were many people in my class who missed problems on homework and tests because they weren't familiar with their calculator or didn't notice that they made an error inputting numbers into their calculator. The more you use your calculator, the more aware you become of certain inputting errors you make and will remember on the test to enter numbers for those problems very carefully.

Good luck! I found that success in Chemistry is all about perseverance. If your experience is like mine, you'll have these periods where it seems like too much info and you'll want to give up, but give it time...reread your text... do some more practice problems (ask the teacher for more if necessary- especially if they'll give you a key to check your answers afterwards) the info sinks in and suddenly it makes sense.