Are molecular model sets helpful for Organic Chemistry?

[DoctorWannaBe]

I got an A in the first semester of Organic Chemistry, but it was very difficult to accomplish this. I was wondering if a molecular model set would make it easier to succeed in the second semester. Any suggestions as to the value of these?

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[Angeliqua]

Mine was helpful during the first semester, but I barely used it in the second semester. The second semester covers a lot of reactions and and not so much specific stereochemistry, which is where the models are useful.

 

[14931]

i never used mine and the bookstore wont buy it back 🙄

 

[tBw]

I think mine was useful in trying to understand the boat configuration etc...and after that not at all (ie you've already passed the point at which it would help)

 

[dr. deez]

i guess it depends on your learning style... it never helped me. i just did my best to understand a concept and then memorize the way in which it occurs. good luck

 

[LittleMD]

i never opened the box to my molecular model set, and did just fine in both orgos.

 

[xaelia]

Everyone in my class who used molecular models used them only in first semester, for stereochemistry.

 

[FLY]

Originally posted by LittleMD
i never opened the box to my molecular model set, and did just fine in both orgos.

Same here.

 

[DoctorWannaBe]

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I won't waste my money as it sounds like it won't be helpful in second semester.

 

[CD]

I never bought a model kit during my sophmore organic class...never really needed it. However, when I hit advanced organic.....buying a kit was something I did the second week of classes. I would have never survived first term of adv. organic without it. If you only intend to take undergrad organic, I wouldn't waste the money on a molecular model kit.

 

[Samoa]

I bought one when I was taking organic chem. Like a previous poster said, it was helpful to understand the boat vs. chair configs.

For the second semester, I made a model of amphetamine, and set it on my desk for inspiration. 😀

 

[Doctor Octopus]

Originally posted by Samoa
I bought one when I was taking organic chem. Like a previous poster said, it was helpful to understand the boat vs. chair configs.

For the second semester, I made a model of amphetamine, and set it on my desk for inspiration. 😀

OMG! I did the same thing, only it was methamphetamine!

 

[sflynn]

Originally posted by Doctor Octopus
OMG! I did the same thing, only it was methamphetamine!

hmmm.....I made a model of a dog.

I actually used my models a lot. I had a lot of trouble visualizing 3 diminsions and found the models very helpful. I taught organic chemistry at the college level two years ago and we as a depatment required models. Some profs taught with them and some didn't. I belonged to the category that did.

So beyond first semester where they are very useful, I think it's personal preference. But if you come to my office with questions I'll tell you to build the model 🙄

Stephanie

 

[Samoa]

Originally posted by Doctor Octopus
OMG! I did the same thing, only it was methamphetamine!

Great minds think alike! 😀

 

[LoneCoyote]

Hey DoctorWannaBe,

Who are you taking 2nd semester O-Chem with? I took with McGrath last spring and he allowed people to bring models to the exams. Personally, I never found them very helpful even in first semester so I did not do this and I ended up with an A in the class. In fact, I think very few people in my class brought the models to the exams. If you're taking with Spurgeon it might be more helpful. A friend of mine thought models were good when going over practice tests since he likes to give such complex problems. I bailed on Sprugoen after 1 semester so I really don't know much about his 2nd semester course other than that. If you do have McGrath and want to talk about the class feel free to PM me. Good luck 🙂