Intramolecular Reactions of Alcohols and Ethers
The Intramolecular Reactions Here’s a topic which doesn’t really fit neatly in with what we’ve discussed before but it’s essential to any discussion of alcohols
Read moreOrganic Chemistry Study Tips
“Compare Organic Chemistry To A Movie…”
Love this quote, from Organic Chemistry 1 as a Second Language by David R. Klein (fuller review to come) on organic chemistry and memorization. You
Read moreHow to Get An A In Organic Chemistry
When I ask my students what their goal for the course is, the most common answer is this: “To get an A”. I don’t know
Read moreOrganic Chemistry Study Tips: Super-Detailed Advice
The other day a student named Peter left several comments about his specific study methods in organic chemistry. I thought it was so useful that
Read moreWhere Memorization Helps in O-Chem
Although in my last post I basically poo-poohed memorization as a study strategy, I don’t mean to imply that it does not have its place.
Read moreLearning vs. Memorization In Organic Chemistry
“Learn the concepts! Don’t memorize!”. It’s one of the most common sentences found in the many examples of instructors’ essays on “How to Succeed in
Read moreThe World’s Cheapest Molecular Model Kit
I see a lot of students who have trouble visualizing how molecules appear from different directions. Probably the best way to solve this problem is
Read more“Make All The Necessary Mistakes As Quickly As Possible”
The beginning of a new semester is a quiet time. Time to resolve to do things differently. Try and fix problems from last semester to
Read moreHow to Succeed In Orgo: Collected Advice
The course syllabus is that sheet of paper you get on the first day of class that explains what the grading scheme is, the course
Read moreThe Power of Laziness
What would you do to save 5 seconds? Let’s say it takes 10 minutes to walk from the gym to class. Would it matter much
Read more