2008

Why learn OChem (w/o taking a class)?

Q: How can I learn organic chemistry without taking a class?
I am not a pre-med student, nor am I a chemistry major. I am studying environmental engineering, and organic chem is not required. However, for my own edification I would like a crash course that would make me understand key concepts. Can anyone recommend a book, or list of topics I should learn to achieve my goal? Thanks.
A: This is interesting as I was just thinking about how organic chemistry is really about … Read More...

Why is organic chemistry so difficult?

Q: Why is organic chemistry so difficult? I don't understand what's going on. My professor is confusing and I can't afford a tutor. Her tests are unpredictable, and she tests on random things she never went over in class or in the book. I thought I wanted to major in chemistry and become a doctor. What should I do?

Read More...

How I improved my class performance in organic chemistry

As you can see from the graph, my classes have improved their scores on the ACS organic chemistry exam. How did I do it? On reflection, I think I did several things that combined to improve the scores…

Read More...

Science and scientific thinking

I saw this blog link on another page about science and scientific thinking. The author, Chad Orzel, a physics professor at Union College has something things right and others not. I agree with some parts of what he says, but here is my take. Read More...

Organic chemistry help?

This is my reply to the title question posted on Yahoo Answers … Read More...

What is a good book for learning organic chemistry?

This is my reply to the title question posted on Yahoo Answers … Read More...

eBook version of "A Guide to Organic Chemistry Mechanisms"

An ebook version of "The Language of Organic Chemistry" is available.

Read More...

How to use Spotlight without searching the trash

A simple way to exclude the trash from your spotlight searches.

Read More...

Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans... David Cay Johnston

My comment on a review of, "Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill)" on Amazon by David Cay JohnstonEditted 2/2/08

Read More...

Boiling chips, sticks and stones

Someone asked why boiling stones were used for a simple distillation. This is my answer.

Read More...

What topics are covered in an organic chemistry college course?

Yahoo question:

What topics are covered in an organic chemistry college course?

Read More...

Flash Cards

Flash cards are such a popular device for learning organic chemistry. Why don't I like them?

Read More...

Nick Kim Cartoon and Chemistry

Nick Kim Cartoon Read More...

OrgoCards: Organic Chemistry Review; by Wang, Razani, Lee, Wu, and Berkowitz

The content of the OrgoCards is in agreement with organic chemistry textbooks. Flash cards encourage connecting the start and end together without a middle. The middle is the explanation of why the reactions take place. My question is, "How will a flash card improve your organic chemistry thinking?" Read More...