Getting The “A” In Organic Chemistry: Study Guidelines

Posted by 5x5 on June 14, 2010 under Geek Talk, Random Science | Be the First to Comment

Have you heard organic chemistry is hard? It’s not true! Here are a few study guidelines to get you to that “A”.

1. Start with a positive attitude. Organic chemistry can be easy. Like math, you need to learn the rules and apply them.
2. You are completely capable of getting an “A” in organic chemistry. To do so, you have to decide to make it priority and dedicate the time to learn it.
3. Make yourself a priority. Getting enough sleep and eating healthy keeps your body and brain functioning top notch. Your brain needs glucose to function. If you are hungry or ate a lot of junk food, your brain is not getting the consistent amount of quality fuel it needs. (For more information read “Nourish – Carbohydrates Fuel Your Brain” http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/carbs.html)
4. Repetition is your friend. There are a number of functional groups to remember. These need to be memorized and spit back like you do with multiplication tables. If you have difficulties memorizing them, carry a print out of the functional groups in your back pocket. When you have brief moments to spare, like standing in a line at the grocery store, pull out the chart and focus on 1-3 of the function groups at a time. Limit yourself to 1-3 at a time, allowing yourself to concentrate on each one fully. Say the name (Not out loud, but inside your head. You wouldn’t want people thinking you are crazy.) Describe the structure. Think about any attributes that make it unique to the others. Picture drawing the structure. Make up useful mnemonics, if needed. Before you know it, you’ll know the functional groups like the back of your hand and it was a pain free experience.
5. Learning the basic concepts makes learning the new concepts easier. A lot of things in organic chemistry build upon one another. By having a solid grasp on the basics, you already have the foundation for many additional concepts.
6. If you get stuck, ask the teacher or a tutor to explain it a different way. A little bit of clarification will often wipe the confused look off you face and put an “Ah ha!” smile in its place.