Chemistry Involves Math
On top of handling chemistry concepts, students will also need to learn (or re-learn) mathematics. Calculus, statistics and math-heavy physics are all part of the curriculum, as many different branches of chemistry rely on complex equations and data analysis.
This combination of advanced math and the memorization of new chemistry concepts can intimidate new students. Even so, if you’re a prospective chemistry student who struggles with math, you don’t have to steer clear of chemistry as a major. With consistent practice, you can thrive alongside your peers. Plus, math is only part of the puzzle.
How to Improve Your Chances of Success
Is college chemistry hard? Not for the college student that comes prepared. Apart from practicing math and effective reading, here are some other ways to stay on top of your coursework as a chemistry student. These are great tips for students in any major, so be sure to remember them.
Attend Class and Take Notes Regularly
As tempting as it may be to sleep in, skipping class is a surefire way to fall behind. If you don’t attend a lecture, you might miss essential details that could appear on an upcoming test (or in your career as a chemist). And if your professor counts attendance as part of your grade, your GPA could suffer, too.
Just showing up to class isn’t enough to guarantee a good grade, either. Be sure to pay attention and take detailed, organized notes that are easy to reference later. If you struggle with typing and listening at the same time, try asking your chemistry teacher for permission to record the lecture.
Build a Study Routine
Collegevine places the average weekly study time for a chemistry major at 18.5 hours. While this number may not be the same for everyone, what’s important is building a study routine. Whether you find yourself needing 10 hours a week or 20, you can’t fit all of that into one evening. Instead, spend a little time each day, with a longer review session before tests and lectures.
The saying “work smarter, not harder” applies to studying, too. It’s not about how many hours you spend on chemistry each week—it’s about how you use that time effectively. Experiment with study tips or techniques and capitalize on what works for you; use flashcards, invent mnemonic devices or rewrite your notes three times after class.
Ultimately, consistency is key. Falling behind early on will come back to bite you, so start forming study habits at the beginning of your college career.
Ask for Help
No one expects you to complete a chemistry major all on your own, so ask for help when you need it. After all, the sciences are a collaborative discipline.
Throughout your time in college, take advantage of the brilliant minds that surround you. If one of the day’s lecture topics was unclear, go to your professor’s office hours to ask questions. If you need more practice with something tricky like stoichiometry, attend study sessions with teaching assistants.
Lastly, don’t forget about your fellow students. They may excel in areas that you struggle with, and vice versa. Work and study together, and you can all succeed.
Take Care of Yourself
A chemistry degree program takes roughly four years of diligent study. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—so take care of your mind and body. Your studies may be your priority, but don’t forget to:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise
- Follow a regular sleep schedule
- Stay hydrated
- Rest when you need it
Avoid all-night study sessions before an exam, as a lack of sleep can cause “a negative mood, low energy, difficulty concentrating and a general inability to function as usual” according to Medical News Today.
If you want to learn more about a chemistry major and have questions like, “Why is chemistry important?” or “What can you do with a chemistry major?” read our linked blogs.
Take the Next Step Towards a Chemistry Major
So, is chemistry a hard major? Ultimately, some students might find chemistry harder than others. It’s a field that combines many hard and soft skills, and a strong work ethic is a must-have.
With that said, chemistry doesn’t have to be impossible. If you make a solid plan and take advantage of all available resources, you can succeed in chemistry—just as you would in any other major.
When you study chemistry at North Central College, you’re already setting yourself up for success. North Central's ACS-certified chemistry program helps prepare you for an exciting career after college, and the experienced North Central faculty is there to assist you every step of the way. Learn more about the North Central chemistry program today.
Jacob Imm is a communications specialist in the North Central College Office of Marketing and Communications. He has 11 years of collegiate communications experience and has worked with hundreds of college students. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.
Sources:
Elbulok-Charcape, M., McCallen, L., Horowitz, G., & Rabin, L. A. (2021). Investigating Divergent Outcomes in Organic Chemistry I. Research in Science Education (Australasian Science Education Research Association), 51(2), 469–491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-018-9803-y
Johnson, J. How to tell if stress is affecting your sleep. Medical News Today. Retrieved September 15, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322994
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2021, September 8). Chemical Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2021, September 8). Chemists and Material Scientists : Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm
Ye, L., Shuniak, C., Oueini, R., Robert, J., & Lewis, S. (2016). Can they succeed? Exploring at-risk students' study habits in college general chemistry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice 17, 878-892. DOI: 10.1039/C6RP00101G https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2016/rp/c6rp00101g
The 10 Hardest and Easiest College Majors. Blog. (2021, June 24). Retrieved September 15, 2021, from https://blog.collegevine.com/easiest-and-hardest-college-majors/#
