How to Succeed in First Year Chemistry

1
How to Succeed in First Year Chemistry

• by
• Dr. Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt
• Associate Director,
• First Year Chemistry Program

2
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 isnt high school
  anymore.)

3
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 its not the same.
• Read before class

4
3. Dont 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!

5
4. Take advantage of all FREE help.

• TA Office Hours in Rm 116 HELD
• (830-1230 130-430 dailyFriday closes at
  1230pm)
• SI Sessions
• Prof Office Hours Review Sessions
• All info on the web page
• www.chem.tamu.edu/class/fyp

6
5. The Web Pages

• You will find on your profs 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

7
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

8
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. Dont 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. Its OK to work together, just
  use your own data and your own words.

9
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.

10
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. Dont
  be afraid to ask for help.
• If you are having personal problems, visit with
  your prof and/or see me (Im a TAMU Mentor) ASAP
  in Room 116C HELD.