COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
Tips for Success in Organic Chemistry Organic chemistry is a complex course that builds upon foundational concepts learned in introductory chemistry and biology courses. This course involves the study of many chemical structures and reaction mechanisms that cannot be fully understood through memorization. Connections have to be made to understand how molecules will react and why. It is important to understand the mechanism behind each reaction. The following tips are provided to help enhance your understanding of the course material and to assist you in successfully completing the course. Make organic chemistry your priority!! This course requires many hours of studying outside of class each week. Use your time effectively and stay organized. Ask a lot of questions. Interact with your professor, your peers, tutors, Learning Assistants, and Supplemental Instruction leaders. Work on organic chemistry every day. Cramming is not an effective study method for this course. Practice drawing organic structures and work lots of problems. Don't rely on memorization. Focus on gaining an in-depth understanding of the material. Use flashcards to help you learn reactions. Write the name of the reaction and reagents on one side and the reaction mechanism on the other side. Regularly attend faculty office hours and help sessions.
Form study groups and quiz each other frequently.
Read the textbook!!!!
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