Question about course load while taking Organic Chemistry

[mjg713]

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I already graduated and currently am doing a post-bacc. For the Fall I registered for Organic Chemistry I and A&P2. I also work part-time and was wondering if this will be too much to handle? I don't know what to expect because I never took Organic Chemistry before and always hear about how hard it is.

 

[bumpntrunk]

Organic Chem was easier then all the hype, at least for me it wasnt a big deal. Neither was A&P, also an easy A, if you did well in Bio. I did Org Chem in night school while working full time and raising my kid and got an A and Im not the sharpest tool in the shed. As long as you make school your priority and make sure you are studying when not working (not going out and partying all night so your next day is shot) then it will be fine.

 

[mjg713]

Good to know. How would you compare it to Physics? People also hyped that up but I ended up grasping it better than Gen. Chem and got a B+.

 

[bumpntrunk]

I took Calc based physics and it was very difficult because the lecture professor did not teach anything, fortunately the lab professor was great and spent the first 1.5 hours of every lab going over my questions not covered in lecture. I got the A but needless to say the other lab students did not like me very much since they could have been done alot sooner. I thought Org Chem was easier then physics but again I dont know which physics you took (algebra or Calc based) and how good your profeessor was. My Org Chem professors were awesome. Really broke it down to a level that was easy to understand vs other professor who use the technical jargon but dont break it down.

 

[wcombs]

Good to know. How would you compare it to Physics? People also hyped that up but I ended up grasping it better than Gen. Chem and got a B+.

I feel like organic chemistry is definitely overhyped. For me, orgo was easiest, followed by gen chem, with physics being the hardest.

 

[DDS Perez]

Physics w/Cal>>>>Organic Chem=General Chem

 

[zackc19]

It's different for everyone. For me, Ochem was a beast. I studied very hard for it. It all just depends, who your teacher is, what school you are at, what your aptitude for it is. Just work hard when you can and you will be alright.

 

[cluckyducky]

I already graduated and currently am doing a post-bacc. For the Fall I registered for Organic Chemistry I and A&P2. I also work part-time and was wondering if this will be too much to handle? I don't know what to expect because I never took Organic Chemistry before and always hear about how hard it is.

For OChem, I found the best thing was to shop around for professors. You definitely want someone who is a great lecturer, but where it's not ridiculous to pull an A. OChem truly doesn't live up to all the hype, which is a good thing. Wish I knew about Chad's videos when I was taking the course though! He does a great job of helping you see the big picture. I haven't taken A&P yet, so I can't tell you much about that. But if those are your two most time-consuming classes, it sounds possible.

 

[LaughingGas]

two courses and part time. You will do fine. Just don't fall behind.

 

[Parklife]

Just those two you'll be fine. But what is your GPA? How have you preformed in A&P 1? How did you do in your other science classes? What was your schedule like then and what is it like now?

bump is half right. It may work for some, but it doesn't for most. Statistically speaking, organic 1 and 2 are weed out classes(as are most pre-reqs). So go in expecting the worst and hoping for the best.

Organic chemistry as a second language = life saver! It's highly recommended to study for MCAT, DAT. It's a very thin book. I think that book is the reason I'm working in an organic chemistry lab right now. Best 30 bucks I ever spent. I know a few schools actually asigne it with the textbook.

Def worth it. Also, invest in a small whiteboard. You'll need to practice. Organic requires discipline. It's like math. Practice makes perfect. If I hadn't used a whiteboard, I would have gone through too much paper. a white board is much more convenient and fun!

Good luck!

 

[mjg713]

Thanks for all the input guys, I am actually registered for two highly rated professors so I think I'll be okay. Currently I have a 3.3 GPA (working on raising it in my post bacc), I recieved an A in A&P 1, I did fairly well in my other science classes (Lowest was definately Gen Chem, I just had a lot of problems with it), and I would say my schedule was harder then because it was full course loads all of the time so I can get my degree and I was working.

 

[HeadgearBraces]

I know how tough ochem will be varies from teacher to teacher, but would anyone who's already taken it recommend buying chads videos, ochem as a second language, both, or are neither necessary?

 

[cluckyducky]

I know how tough ochem will be varies from teacher to teacher, but would anyone who's already taken it recommend buying chads videos, ochem as a second language, both, or are neither necessary?

I've only used Chad's but I like it a lot. It helps you grasp the bigger picture, and really emphasizes some important areas to know. But it's tailored to the DAT, so it's not going to give you every detail you need to know in class, but it'll help. And it'll help point out the areas you really need to know for the DAT later on. So it's great to use as a supplement, I just wouldn't rely on it.

 

[mjg713]

How is Organic Chemistry as a second language meant to be utilized? Read it before the class or while taking the class?

 

[bumpntrunk]

I didnt use any additional study aids, didnt find it necessary beyond the teachers notes and text.

 

[Parklife]

How is Organic Chemistry as a second language meant to be utilized? Read it before the class or while taking the class?

Honestly, I read o-chem as a second language the month before school started and just did went to class and did practice problems from there on out. I didn't even open my book. I highly recommend it! At least stop by B&N and give it a look. It has very clear explanations and practice problems after each mini-section. The way the book organizes concepts is great! You can also read your book, but I'd just stick to the prof notes and ochem as a second language.

I haven't used Chad's videos. Obviously, they're great for the DAT - but I'm not sure how great it is for learning organic the first time around.

 

[DentalHopeful28]

It's different for everyone. For me, Ochem was a beast. I studied very hard for it. It all just depends, who your teacher is, what school you are at, what your aptitude for it is. Just work hard when you can and you will be alright.

I completely agree 👍. I also used ochem as a second language, and it helped quite a bit.

 

[Msmouth]

I like Orgo way more than gen chem! I also struggled in Summer physics....I ended up with a B+ in physics while orgo I got an A both semesters. I studied my but off as I do in all my courses but for Orgo I prepared for an exam at least 2 weeks ahead of time. I also studied with a couple of friends and used a whiteboard.

edit: I discovered Chad at the end of Orgo 1. I was having trouble with mechanisms and he cleared that right up and was a valuable resource for understanding reactions and concepts. I highly recommend his videos, they are a bargain and a life saver!