Learn Chemistry

Chemistry can be a tough subject to learn, especially if you aren’t going about studying this complicated science the right way. While there are no secret shortcuts to help you master Chemistry overnight, you can make it easier by studying the right way. Once you know the best ways to spend your study time and prepare for lessons, you can focus on understanding the concepts better.

Steps

Prepping for Chemistry

  1. Brush up on your math. There are going to be a number of formulas and equations that you need to solve in order to learn chemistry. If you can't remember how to solve logs or quadratic equations, it's a good idea to review some algebra problems. They will help you to do similar problems in your chemistry coursework.
  2. Memorize the periodic table. Learning the elements is essential to success in chemistry. Just as you would struggle with math if you did not know the difference between numbers, it is vital to learn the periodic table to learn more complex concepts in chemistry.
    • A band called AsapSCIENCE has a 3-minute song called "The New Periodic Table Song (In Order)" that may help you memorize the periodic table easily.[1]
  3. Study all the core concepts and learn how to solve problems step by step. This would begin with the basics of learning measurement systems, the scientific method, chemical nomenclature and atomic structure. The reason many people find chemistry difficult is they do not fully understand these fundamental concepts before trying to study more advanced subjects.
    • Many of the fundamental concepts of chemistry can be learned through university websites that provide learning materials free.[2]
    • You can also find helpful guidebooks, such as SparkNotes or the "For Dummies" books, at your local bookstore.
    • Write concepts out by hand.[3] Studies have shown that when you write by hand you're more likely to remember the concepts.[4]
  4. Make flashcards. Anytime you learn a new word or concept, make a flashcard for it. This is great for the periodic table as well as many other principles. Go through the flashcards several times a week to keep the information fresh in your mind.
  5. Learn mnemonic memorization techniques. Try thinking of each element as a different symbol, such as an apple or a football. It can be anything you can picture in your mind when you think of the element. It may seem counter-intuitive, but by creating strong associations you will have an easier time remembering information.[5]
  6. Think three dimensionally. Use visual aids to help understand the texts.[6] You are trained to read the textbook with 2D drawings of molecules, but keep in mind that chemistry is in the 3D world. Use a 3D model or train your mind to picture any molecular structure in 3D.
    • The University of Liverpool runs a website called ChemTube 3D that has free interactive animations and structures for many chemistry concepts. It will even run on your phone or tablet.[7]

Reading Textbooks

  1. Choose a quality textbook that covers all the important concepts. Don’t go for a book because it seems like it is an easier text. You may just feel like you have learned chemistry without really understanding the essential principles. [8] To find a good textbook, take a look at some university bookstores and see which texts their professors prefer.
  2. Solve text questions as you encounter them. Practice your problem solving skills by solving textbook problems as you come to them. These problems are inserted to solidify your understanding of the text. Work the problems until you can get the right answer and understand the steps that got you there. [9]
  3. Don’t skim the text. You need to understand the principles. If something doesn’t seem right, take the time to figure it out. Use the index to help you find answers to things you don’t understand.
    • If you're still having trouble, try to find a tutor or a friend who's better at chemistry to help you out.
  4. When you learn a new formula, ask yourself questions to be sure you understand the concept. Memorizing the formulas won't help you to apply them properly in lab or during exams. Ask yourself the following questions when learning a new formula:[10]
    • What system or change does this formula describe?
    • What do the variables mean and what are their units?
    • When and how should this formula be applied?
    • What is the significance?

Experimenting with Labs

  1. Practice the concepts. Getting a chance to physically create the abstract concepts of chemistry in a lab will help to build a stronger understanding.[11] Some people will find they have an easier time grasping the lesson when they are doing it instead of reading about it.
  2. Try to see links between lab studies and content in your reading and texts. If you are taking a class, the labs are designed to support your current lessons and lectures. Pay close attention to pre-lab and post-lab assignments, as you will likely encounter the information on an exam.
  3. Practice scientific methods. Chemistry is ultimately a science performed in a lab. Seize the opportunity to learn hands-on by experimentation. It will give you a chance to brush up on your knowledge of measurements and equations. It can even be fun.

Developing Good Study Habits

  1. Study for at least one hour every day. Reviewing your materials daily will help solidify your knowledge. Studying for a shorter amount of time every day for a week will give you better results than studying the whole day before a test.[12]
    • Just like athletes practice their sport every day to get better, you have to do the same to learn and get better at chemistry.[13]
  2. Take good notes. Writing down important information will help you to remember it. If you are taking a class, write down all the important concepts from a lecture. Write down central ideas in your textbook, too. Even if you feel like you know it, writing it down will help you to remember it later.
  3. Work with a study buddy. Two heads are better than one. Learning is much easier when you have someone taking the journey with you. If you ever struggle with a lesson they may be able to help you understand it by explaining how they figured it out. Likewise, you might reinforce your own knowledge by explaining concepts to them.
  4. Talk to your professor. Your teacher or professor will have office hours. Go visit them and ask questions about elements of the material that you don't understand. Teachers are happy to give students a little extra help if they ask.[9] Just don't ask your question at 10:45PM the night before your exam and expect an answer.
    • Your professor may also give you a copy of an old exam to look at. This will help you determine the type of questions you may see on your exams, but it won't tell you exactly which specific questions you'll have to answer.[14]

Tips

  • Don’t stress over your mistakes. They are just part of the learning process. Everyone makes them.
  • Plan on studying up to 15 hours a week if you are taking a Chemistry class.
  • Rest up! Learning Chemistry requires a lot of thinking. Make sure you have a good night of rest before tackling your studies.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.cnet.com/news/how-to-learn-the-periodic-table-in-3-minutes/
  2. ↑ https://www.shodor.org/unchem/basic/
  3. ↑ http://www.upb.pitt.edu/uploadedFiles/Study%20Tips%20for%20Chemistry%20Students.pdf
  4. ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/
  5. ↑ http://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2014/03/10/how-to-apply-memory-techniques-in-learning-organic-chemistry/
  6. ↑ http://www.collegeatlas.org/chemistry-study-tips.html
  7. ↑ http://www.chemtube3d.com/
  8. ↑ http://chemistry.about.com/od/studyskills/a/How-To-Learn-Chemistry-Fast.htm
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://www.chem.ucla.edu/harding/study_hints.html
  10. ↑ http://www.virtualed.org/kirkman/study2.html
  11. ↑ http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/videos/video_chem.html
  12. ↑ https://www.examtime.com/blog/how-to-study-chemistry/
  13. ↑ http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/chemistry/courses/chem211/thoughts.html
  14. ↑ http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/examtips.shtml
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