Preparing for Chem

[Teneo]

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Alright, so next Fall I'll probably have transferred to university, and I'll be taking Biology and Chemistry. I'm well prepared for biology, but I haven't taken high school level chemistry (and for various complicated reasons, I won't be able to.) I inquired as to whether or not it was necessary to have taken high school chemistry in order to take general chemistry, and I was told, "No, it is not required, but it is helpful."

Since I won't be able to take high school chemistry, and an equivalent of that is not offered at the university, what should I do to prepare myself for general chemistry (besides learning the basics of the periodic table, which I'm already doing)? I want to go ahead and take the initiative now so that I'm not swamped when the time comes. Obviously I know that I'll have to apply myself quite a bit and work hard once I'm in the class; basically I just want to know what sort of chemistry knowledge I should already have going into it.

 

[Dannyw]

The only thing I would recommend is practicing algebra, understand the concept of moles, molecular weight etc, and practice dimensional analysis.

Why not pick up a cheap general chemistry book off ebay (any book) and read the chapters and practice the problems?

 

[traumasurg]

The only thing I would recommend is practicing algebra, understand the concept of moles, molecular weight etc, and practice dimensional analysis.

Why not pick up a cheap general chemistry book off ebay (any book) and read the chapters and practice the problems?

I agree with this completely. Moles and dimensional analysis are extremely important. You being able to calculate %yield is dependent upon it. I'm in organic right now and we still use these concepts. They don't go away.

 

[MexicanDr]

What kind of math is used in g.chem? Advance algebra or your regular algebra?

 

[ronakp10]

😴

Dimensional analysis is probably the foremost important thing you'd want to be good at.

Gen chem covers basic algebra almost all the time. I think the most complex thing we had to deal with mathematically is the quadratic equation when learning about ICE Tables. Some conceptual geometry is also learned (bond angles, geometric structure).

It's good that you want to get ahead, but I'm sure you'll be fine. Read the material weekly (not a week before the test), form study groups, and ask questions/go to office hours if needed. Good luck!

 

[traumasurg]

😴

Dimensional analysis is probably the foremost important thing you'd want to be good at.

Gen chem covers basic algebra almost all the time. I think the most complex thing we had to deal with mathematically is the quadratic equation when learning about ICE Tables. Some conceptual geometry is also learned (bond angles, geometric structure).

It's good that you want to get ahead, but I'm sure you'll be fine. Read the material weekly (not a week before the test), form study groups, and ask questions/go to office hours if needed. Good luck!

That was the most "advanced" math concept in my gen chem class too.

 

[QAtoPA]

Pardon my question, but what is this Dimensional Analysis stuff?

The Mole concept seems so confusing..

 

[ronakp10]

Mole: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_(unit)

It's just a number, but the concept is important as well.

Dimensional Analysis: http://www.chem.tamu.edu/class/fyp/mathrev/mr-da.html

Good example. Important to remember the conversion factor between units (e.g. 12 in = 1 ft., 5280 ft = 1 mi, etc...)

 

[Tots]

The only thing I would recommend is practicing algebra, understand the concept of moles, molecular weight etc, and practice dimensional analysis.

Why not pick up a cheap general chemistry book off ebay (any book) and read the chapters and practice the problems?

Algebra and Dimensional Analysis. That is all you need.

 

[orthomyxo]

It's alright. My chemistry background was not too strong, but I'm doing fine in gen chem. You really just need to know how to manipulate ratios and do fairly basic algebra...no big deal.

 

[Disinence2]

No need to pre-study for a 101 level course.

You'll do fine if you stay on top of the material.


Don't stress!

 

[Lovemybabies]

I never had chemistry in hs.. I didn't prepare for it at all, I just pay attention in class and work practice problems. Im currently averaging a very high A and I don't really study for it much.. like pp have mentioned.. just keep up with the material (and do a few problems each day) and you will be fine.

 

[vin5cent0]

Absolutely nothing was needed in my case. In high school, I learned the very basics of what moles were. That was probably the only thing that potentially helped me.. but we learned it all over again in gen chem, so it was unnecessary.