Ask any chemistry student (that is, almost any O level or A level student), and they will tell you: Organic Chemistry is the killer topic.
Sure, some students may find Organic Chemistry fun! But there’s no arguing that it is one of the biggest topics, with many subtopics, chemical reactions to remember, and lots of application questions that can come up.
So, rather than regurgitating the textbook or your chemistry notes right here, we’ll share what few will tell you about actually studying Organic Chemistry. Here are some tips by our expert tutors on how to study this gargantuan topic, and how to walk into your next quiz or exam ready to NAIL – not fail – Organic Chem!
1. Try to understand, rather than memorise
Before you turn to rote learning and forcing your brain to memorise everything at once, try your best to understand it.
- Why does this reaction occur?
- Is there a real-life example I can easily relate this to?
- How is this related to something I’ve already learnt? (e.g. other Chemistry topics like chemical bonding, acids and bases)
- Can I create a mnemonic to help me remember this?
When you have an understanding of the concept, or something to ‘anchor’ your memory to, it will become easier to memorise these equations.
If you are having trouble understanding Organic Chemistry, speak to a Secondary Chemistry Tutor or even discuss the concepts with your classmates. They may be able to provide a different perspective, or even create a memorable conversation that will help you remember the concept.
2. Build up speed using flash cards
Flash cards are not just for kids! You can easily make your own to test yourself on the core concepts in Organic Chemistry.
For example, write out the reactants on one side of the card, and the products on the flip side. Test yourself by trying to recall the products as soon as you see the reactants, or vice versa.
Some fundamental concepts you may want to use flashcards to practice are:
- Structure of organic compounds (how to draw, name, and write the chemical formula)
- Reactions & equations
- Experiments to test for by-products
3. Treat it like Math – Practice is key
Organic Chem is a bit like Math. To get better at it, you need practice.
If you are not confident of remembering all the reactions yet, have a cheatsheet (or use your flashcards!) of all the reactions and equations by your side when you attempt practice questions. After a while, you should become more familiar with the reactions and type of questions that commonly come up.
When you feel more ready, try not to refer to your cheatsheet. Challenge yourself by placing your cheatsheet at the far end of the room, and ‘force’ yourself to recall the right reaction before resorting to reaching for the cheatsheet.
Don’t shy away from repeating practice questions from your textbook, assignments. Do them until you can answer all of them without help!
4. Practice wisely
Depending on how early you begin studying, the best studying strategy will be different.
If you have the time, work on identifying your weak areas and building confidence in them. There’s not much point practicing too hard on concepts you already know and are familiar with.
Nearer to the exam (or if you are doing some last minute revision), it is better to focus on the areas that you are already familiar with. It is difficult to cram in new information at this point, and you may just end up confusing yourself more. Instead, refresh your memory and build on your areas of strength so that you can at least secure the marks from those subtopics.
5. Put in consistent work
This is one advice that no one wants to hear, but it’s true. Due to the content-heavy nature of Organic Chemistry, it is not something you can expect to cram and learn in a day or two. (If you were going to do that, we’d say it’s better to just give up and put the time to study another subject!)
Students who do well in Organic Chemistry really put in the consistent work to revise their work. Review your notes after each class or at the end of each week. Clarify your doubts as soon as possible with your teacher or Chemistry tutor, so that these misconceptions don’t build up.
This will make your exam revision much easier. By then, all you need to do is practise questions and build up your speed, rather than have to re-learn everything again.
Conclusion
Attaining good results comes with hard work and discipline. As they say, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’!
If you need help getting motivating or keeping on track to study for challenging topics like Organic Chemistry, we can help. Our trained and qualified tutors bring with them MOE teaching experiences and prior tutoring experience to use the best methods that will help students understand, be inspired to learn, and gradually build up their confidence in the subject.
Besides tuition for students in the O level track, we also provide IP Chemistry tuition, which caters to IP students or accelerated learners. These classes include more focus and discussion on challenging application questions.
Your key to better grades could be right here. Enquire with us today to schedule a class!