Surviving Chemistry, Important steps toward a Health Professions Career

General Chemistry ~ HS Chemistry, but more detailed and more intense

Organic Chemistry ~a new language that will be vital for your career

Biochemistry ~focus on molecules and mechanisms involved in biological functions.

D. Crumrine, Chemistry Dept. 9/3/09

General Chemistry

Attend all lectures, discussion sects, & Labs. ‘Skim’ the material before lecture. Discover your learning ‘style’ and work appropriately e.g.

Read, in detail and annotate…soon after lecture. Work all the suggested problems wo using the

answer key. (Yes, it does take more time…) Ask questions in discussion and with friends. Ask questions of faculty, TAs, tutors etc. BTW, Don’t stay up all night before an exam, etc. REALLY!

Organic Chemistry

Attend all lectures, discussion sects., & Labs. Review Gen. Chem. material ~first 2 chapters so that you

are prepared on the first day of class. ‘Skim’ the material before each lecture. View Organic as a new language and work every day! Depending on your learning style: take notes; make flash

cards; annotate book; make graphic organizers; work problems; search the web for material; etc.

Get a model kit to help with 3D perceptions and split it. For questions, attend discussion section, develop a study-

buddy, see a tutor, talk with professor, etc.

Biochemistry Biological actions explained through use of

molecular structure, enzymes, kinetics, reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics, etc.

Cell Biology is a good precursor for the class Lots of information(~1000 page textbook) in

a, currently, v large one semester class. Former students say ‘..best approx. to med

school class.’ Skim, read, work problems, ask questions...

Activation of Adriamycin by AN-9

www.latrobe.edu.au/.../lab/phillips/index.htm

If you have studied, organic & biochem, this anticancer drug activation mechanism should be understandable.

Why do this? These classes are easier than professional school, so

you develop good study habits now (better student)! Your level of understanding will be tested by national

admission tests. Study now and save your money (better student and better consumer).

Competence in these areas will help you better understand details in biomedical classes as well as worldwide environmental, health, and safety issues (better citizen).

Serious study in all three sciences will improve your chance of getting admitted to professional or graduate school.

Research will help you decide if you want to be a healthcare professional or a Ph.D. (clinical practice vs research) or something else.

Research Opportunities Follow your interests to see if you will enjoy

research work. At LU start asking and sign up early as the

opportunities & scholarships are limited. Check out summer opportunities elsewhere

via REU etc. www.netguru.neu.edu Spend at least two semesters to really get

into the work and show your dedication.

Resources – Use them!

Textbook Study guides Faculty Teaching Assistants Tutors/ Fellow Students Web (maybe more important for

you?) Best Wishes for your future success!