So I really want to learn chemistry so I can be able to handle premed coursework. I never took chemistry in HS. I'm 18 and I have a pretty decent math background. I'm positive math is not the problem, but when I look at chem videos online I get confused. What are some ways I learn the material at a faster rate?
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Answers (2)
first of all.. premed usually requires
.. general chemistry... 2 semesters coursework + 2 semesters labs
.. organic chemistry... 2 semesters coursework + 2 semesters labs
.. biochemistry.. 1 semester coursework.. no labs.
capice? that's 5 semesters of college level chemistry CLASSES + 4 semesters of college level labs. not only is studying for the class time consuming but so are labs. 2 hours per week prep + 8 hours per week in lab + 10 hours per week write-ups minimum that's 1/7 of your time gone just for labs.
Now.. see if you can find copies of these 2 textbooks
.. Zumdahl Chemistry 7th edition
.. Morrison and Boyd organic chemistry
See how long it takes you to answer the questions in the back of chapter 1 of each of these books.
my point is this. It will take you two years of hard work to learn this material.
In order for self-study to be successful, you have to have a plan on what exactly you're going to study and whether or not that plan will give you a good enough understanding. Since you haven't taken Chemistry and probably really don't know much about it, I would say take an Intro Chem course to get all the basics down. General Chemistry will expect you to know all the basics. The only way to understand the material "fast" is to study more everyday. You'll cover more material if you study 2 chapters a week instead of 1, though you do have to be careful about rushing your studies and fail to get a good understanding of the material. There are no shortcuts.