How to Succeed in First Year Chemistry

How to Succeed in First Year Chemistry by Dr. Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt Associate Director, First Year Chemistry Program

1. School is your job. • The old axiom: study 3 hours outside of class for every 1 credit hour. • Therefore,12 hour courseload = 36 hour study time/weekTotal school time per week = 12 + 36 = 48 hours(This isn’t high school anymore.) Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

2. GO TO CLASS! • Nothing can replace the experience of “being” there – • The explanations • The demos • The in-class quizzes • Announcements • Hints for the exams • You can get the notes from friends, the web or go to tutors, but it’s not the same. • Read before class Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

3. Don’t be afraid of your professor • Ask questions in class – sit in the “magic T” (the front middle section) to minimize the “fear” factor • Visit your prof before or after class and during office hours • Send her/him e-mails • Get to know your prof – you may be asking for letters of recommendation in the future! Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

4. Take advantage of all FREE help. • TA Office Hours in Rm 116 HELD (8:30-12:30 & 1:30-4:30 dailyFriday closes at 12:30pm) • SI Sessions • Prof Office Hours & Review Sessions • All info on the web page: www.chem.tamu.edu/class/fyp Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

5. The Web Pages You will find on your prof’s page: • Sample exam questions (generic) (Some profs put their old exams on) • A way to check grades on the web • Math Review • Class notes, syllabi, good info (my page has notes for both Chem 101 and 102) • Links to tutorials/help Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

6. Lab Web Page • On the lab web page for each prof: • Hints on doing well in lab • List of the TAs and e-mail addresses • Make-Up Policy & form • AGAIN – link to the math review – all TAs deduct points for incorrect significant figures Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

7. How to do well in lab (1/4 of grade) • Give yourself enough time to read the lab, complete the prelab, report form and postlab so you can get help. Don’t wait until the hour before lab starts! • Come prepared to lab – Remember safety goggles and correct attire. • Do your own work – Academic dishonesty is a serious offense. It’s OK to work together, just use your own data and your own words. Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

7. (cont.) How to do well in lab • Listen to your TA during recitation & ask questions • Visit your TA during office hours • Make copies of prelabs, report forms and postlabs. You may not get them back in time to study for quizzes. • Lab quizzes do reflect the theory and calculations done in lab. Some profs also include lecture material. Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

8. What Else? • Try to recognize EARLY if you are having trouble with Chemistry. There is lots of help available – but you have to know that you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. • If you are having personal problems, visit with your prof and/or see me (I’m a TAMU Mentor) ASAP in Room 116C HELD. Keeney-Kennicutt, Department of Chemistry, TAMU

How to Succeed in First Year Chemistry