Powerpoint presentation by Dr. Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt How to Succeed in First Year Chemistry

1. How to Succeed
in
First Year
Chemistry
by
Dr. Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt
Associate Director,
First Year Chemistry Program

2. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU2
1. School is your job.
 The old axiom: study 3 hours
outside of class for every 1 credit
hour.
 Therefore,
12 hour courseload
= 36 hour study time/week
Total school time per week
= 12 + 36 = 48 hours
(This isn’t high school anymore.)

3. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU3
2. GO TO CLASS!
 Nothing can replace the
experience of “being” there –
o The explanations
o The demos
o The in-class quizzes
o Announcements
o Hints for the exams
 You can get the notes from
friends, the web or go to tutors,
but it’s not the same.
 Read before class

4. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU4
3. Don’t be afraid of your
professor
 Ask questions in class – sit in the
“magic T” (the front middle
section) to minimize the “fear”
factor
 Visit your prof before or after class
and during office hours
 Send her/him e-mails
 Get to know your prof – you may
be asking for letters of
recommendation in the future!

5. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU5
4. Take advantage of all
FREE help.
 TA Office Hours in Rm 116 HELD
(8:30-12:30 & 1:30-4:30 daily
Friday closes at 12:30pm)
 SI Sessions
 Prof Office Hours & Review
Sessions
 All info on the web page:
www.chem.tamu.edu/class/fyp

6. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU6
5. The Web Pages
You will find on your prof’s page:
o Sample exam questions (generic)
(Some profs put their old exams
on)
o A way to check grades on the web
o Math Review
o Class notes, syllabi, good info (my
page has notes for both Chem
101 and 102)
o Links to tutorials/help

7. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU7
6. Lab Web Page
 On the lab web page for each
prof:
o Hints on doing well in lab
o List of the TAs and e-mail
addresses
o Make-Up Policy & form
o AGAIN – link to the math review
– all TAs deduct points for
incorrect significant figures

8. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU8
7. How to do well in lab
(1/4 of grade)
 Give yourself enough time to
read the lab, complete the prelab,
report form and postlab so you
can get help. Don’t wait until the
hour before lab starts!
 Come prepared to lab –
Remember safety goggles and
correct attire.
 Do your own work – Academic
dishonesty is a serious offense.
It’s OK to work together, just use
your own data and your own
words.

9. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU9
7. (cont.) How to do well in
lab
 Listen to your TA during
recitation & ask questions
 Visit your TA during office hours
 Make copies of prelabs, report
forms and postlabs. You may not
get them back in time to study for
quizzes.
 Lab quizzes do reflect the theory
and calculations done in lab.
Some profs also include lecture
material.

10. Keeney-Kennicutt,
Department of
Chemistry, TAMU10
8. What Else?
 Try to recognize EARLY if you are
having trouble with Chemistry.
There is lots of help available –
but you have to know that you
need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for
help.
 If you are having personal
problems, visit with your prof
and/or see me (I’m a TAMU
Mentor) ASAP in Room 116C
HELD.