Really...how hard is Chemistry?

lightsnoise · Aug 16, 2009

It is one of the easiest classes ever...and it should be one of your easiest pre-reqs. As long as you your good with your basic algebra and have some reasonable critical thinking skills then the class shouldn't be too hard. A lot of people struggle with the math and the nomenclature, so if you can memorize some names and are decent with math then you should be okay.

waterpaint · Aug 16, 2009

It's not that bad!! I would recommend you do all of your assignments i.e. readings, problems, etc.

Reading PRIOR to class is really vital to your success. I found that other students who read prior to class had a better understanding of the material.

GrayMatter · Aug 16, 2009

My advice is to not underestimate the benefit of a little memorization- when your teacher writes Fe on the board you need to know it's iron without spending a second thinking about it. Make sure you understand the periodic table what the groups are and why they are grouped together as it will make your life much easier in the longrun.

Try to visualize it in your head and definitely do assigned homework. Try not to get stuck on pictures put into books, atoms don't look anything like a stupid 2D drawing, picture everything in your head as they really are- as 3D structures. Intro chem wasn't my favorite, but it lays down the foundation for much more interesting topics like organic chem or biochem. Anyway, good luck!

nurseman78, BSN, RN, NP · Sep 25, 2009

I think it's silly for people to just say classes like chemistry, calculus and pathophysiology are "easy". Based on my experience in these classes, very few people get through them with good grades without putting in a lot of effort. Even those with photographic memories that have breezed through other classes would often show frustration because they actually had to study now.

As far as chemistry goes, I wouldn't say it's an easy class. But it's not impossible. I got an A in general/organic chem, but i had to put in the effort. It definitely helps to have your math requirements done first, so I'd recommend getting your algebra classes out of the way. You will have to do a lot of conversions and some equations in chem (half-lives, converting from moles to grams, calculation solutions, calculating pH), but they are pieces of cake compared to stuff in college algebra.

I would just say to check your instructor's syllabus, and ask them advice on the best way to study. I read every chapter, using my lecture notes as a guide for what was pertinent to the test and what wasn't. Some chemistry books cover a lot more that you need to know for your tests, so if you come across some concepts that they didn't seem to mention in lecture, I would ask the teacher if you really need to worry about learning them. My chemistry book was really straight-forward, and had a lot of practice quizzes and such at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend doing all of those problems, as they usually are very similar to the test questions you will have. Some teachers even lift test questions verbatim from the text.

Also, like anything in health professions, if you come across a concept and you don't grasp it, talk to your teacher or get a tutor and work with them until you do. I think a big problem students make is when they find something they don't understand, they simply memorize it to do well on the test. The problem is that if you don't understand why something works, you will forget it.

Hope this helps.

LeahMarie · Sep 25, 2009

Im actually taking my Chem prereq right now and I think it's fairly simple. As long as you pay attention in class you shouldn't have too much trouble. My lecture is awesome.. and my teacher has a great way of explaining things in a way we understand it. I was initimidated going into my lab.. but im heading into week 6 and its easier than I thought. I had my first "quiz" last week and thought I wouldn't do that great... I ended up getting a 90%. Really, if you may attention in class, you will learn more than you think you know. I would suggest reading the material, but I only read the first 2 chapters and then decided to just rely on what I learn in class and I've been doing great.

Good Luck!

litchi · Sep 26, 2009

I agree with sam and GrayMatter. I'd like to add that I think some of it depends on the quality of the instructor. I've had chemistry with good instructors and had a relatively easy time of it, but chemistry with a bad instructor can be hell on earth. My advice is- if your school has more than one chemistry instructor for the class you need, ask around campus and find out what other students have to say about them. That way, you can go with whoever has the best recommendation when you sign up.

nurseman78, BSN, RN, NP · Sep 26, 2009

Yes, the instructor definitely matters. Some instructors are incredibly smart people, but horrible teachers. Check out ratemyprofessor.com, and make sure you pick one that is highly rated. I did that for my Chem teacher and it made a huge difference.

Coriander, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2009

I took the Chemistry class for nursing majors that was general, organic and bio-chem all in one semester. I did every assigned problem (even though he didn't collect it), went to every tutoring session, studied at home, and busted my butt to get through that class.

The hardest part for me was the organic chemistry... remembering how many carbons went where, and what the structures were. Whew!

missninaRN · Sep 26, 2009

I'm taking chem online. It's pretty much self-taught. There is no lecture, though the instructor does include power points in the online materials.

I have an A average right now, but it's not been easy for me. The calculations aren't that bad-just basic algebra really, and I am NOT a math whiz by any means-but there are a lot of formulas to memorize.

Make sure you've got a good understanding of algebra. Buy some index cards if flashcards help you to memorize. Take good notes, read the assigned chapters and do all of the exercises. You'll get through it.

BeanTrees · Feb 22, 2010

If math makes you anxious and you are a more visual learner, then this class has the potential to be more challenging for you. For me, I am able to read and fully understand the material and do the assigned homework and study questions with no problem. BUT the challenge for me is the exams - I struggle to develop a deeper, working understanding of the material. If you can get comfortable with the material, this class is not that bad. I have yet to get there. *sigh* The lab is enjoyable and interesting if you are lucky enough to get a decent partner. General Chem is totally doable, just do the work assigned, and then do whatever you have to in order to really get a working knowledge of the material. You'll do great - don't stress out. :rolleyes:

nurseman78, BSN, RN, NP · Feb 22, 2010

The study tactics used for Math and Chem are comparable. I found the best way to understand the material was to do all the homework questions / problems assigned, and then some, and then double-check my answers (i.e. do the odds and look in the back of the book).

The organic stuff is a little different, a lot of memorizing, but not nearly the level of memorization as an anatomy class. I thought it was really interesting.

But Chem is definitely not a class you can cram for the night before. If you don't study, you're sunk.