10 scientific guidelines for majoring in chemistry

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10 SCIENTIFICGUIDELINES FOR

MAJORING INCHEMISTRY

1. Start your chemistry coursesright away

It is best to have the general chemistry and organicchemistry series under your belt before taking most

of the upper division classes. To do this and stillgraduate in four years, you need to start general

chemistry right away.

2. Don’t take 18credits of chemistry

in one semesterChemistry courses are

typically more difficult thanyour average college course.

Therefore, do not plan ontaking 18 credits every

semester.

3. Gain a quality educationThe professors are up to date on the latest researchthey are teaching and are engaged in research of theirown. Having a dynamic, working knowledge ofchemistry is so helpful to students once they graduate.

4. Prepare for high studentexpectations

Students are held to high expectations in thechemistry program. Chemistry is a difficult subjectmatter, but instead of dumbing down the conceptsprofessors expect students to rise to the challenge

and gain a firm understanding of the material.

5. Take advantage ofprofessors’ office hoursAsk questions about conceptsyou don’t fully understand andgain your professor’s insight oncareer opportunities and side

research you may be conducting.

6. Plan out your semestersIf you want to graduate in four years, you are going tohave to take multiple difficult chemistry courses atonce. Be aware that some of the courses are onlyoffered in the fall of even years or in the spring.

7. Complete your math seriesthrough at least Calculus 2

Completion of Calculus 2 is a pre-requisite for manyof the upper division chemistry courses. You may

have to take higher math courses if you want to doa professional chemistry emphasis or a health care

emphasis.

8. Use the GibsonFellowship for research

The Gibson Fellowship isavailable to students working onresearch. Students involved in aresearch project can apply forthis fellowship that, if awarded,will allow them to get paid for

their research hours.

9. Work at the SUU Water Lab

Working here is a great opportunity to study new labtechniques, acquire proper lab practices and learnanalytical chemistry.

10. Lots of career possibilities

Career opportunities in chemistry are diverseand multifaceted. Anything and everything we

make involves chemistry in the process. Exploreyour options through internships and on-

campus opportunities so you can be betterprepared for grad school and your future career.

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