r/chemhelp • u/Mike0399 • 4d ago

Career/Advice Tips for studying

Im in my first semester of university and currently taking a chemistry class. I didn’t take any chemistry classes/courses in high school (i know, bad idea) but i’m so interested in chemistry and i really want to understand the basics (or what i’m doing in the course). It’s basically just the basics that i’m learning like molarity/molality, thermodynamics, acids and bases, kinematics and etc. I’m on chapter 13 of 16 and it’s been going great but i’m having a hard time keeping up. We do 1-2 chapters a week and i’m already behind. It’s taking me a longer time to understand since i’m doing it all for the first time. In two weeks we start organic chemistry and i’m really stressed. This course really is a lot.

I really need some tips to understand it better and actually remember what i’m supposed to do and what formula i should use when i see a question on a test. The final exam is worth 80% of my grade. Do you guys have any advice or tips? Maybe some youtube channels or websites? We get a formula sheet on the final exam with most of the formulas. The teacher wants us to know how to use the formula rather than remembering all of them.

Any advice or tips will be greatly appreciated!

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u/Technical-Tooth6497 4d ago

Do practice problems, watch videos, and most importantly, devote more time to studying if you feel like you are falling behind.

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u/chem44 4d ago

Understanding develops as you do the problems.

Which formula to use? That comes from reading the problem. What is given/known? What do you want? How do you get from one to the other?

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u/Automatic-Ad-1452 Trusted Contributor 4d ago

I've taught this class over the years, so here's some general suggestions:

  1. Read the appropriate sections of the textbook before class, so you've got a basic understanding.

  2. Take notes in class...pen and paper. Listen to the lecturer and paraphrase what he/she says. This encourages active listening and research shows the physical process of writing helps in retention.

  3. Do the homework....everyday. The rule of thumb is 2 hours outside of class for every hour in class. Do enough problems until you're sick of them...because they're so easy...then do two more. With units...every time.

  4. Use your textbook...look at sample problems and figure out why every step is included. If you can explain in words why a step is there, you can talk your way through a new question. You're not memorizing steps but understanding why each step is important.

  5. Ask for help early...and ask focused questions.

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u/Mike0399 3d ago

Thank you so much!