GRE Chemistry subject test preparation help

[Saraharris38]

GRE Chemistry subject test preparation help

Hello!

I am a physics major with a passion for chemistry that I might want to pursue. Unfortunately I do not have time to complete both a physics degree and a chemistry degree in the 1.5 years I have left as an undergrad. I would however like the option, as a chemistry minor, of taking the chemistry GRE's. I'll probably have taken General chem I/II, Organic Chem I/II, Physical Chemistry I/II, Quantitative analysis, and all the accompanying labs, as well as one course in chemistry computer applications or something of that nature. So My question is, can anyone suggest any other areas of chemistry (along with good textbooks) where I might lack due to my limited classroom time? I have taken all required math classes for a chem major (and then some as a physics major). Thank you!

 

[espen180]

For General Chemistry, I recommend Brady's book.

For Physical Chemistry, Atkins/dePaula does the job.



Quantum Chemistry? I don't know the difference between a QC course and a QM course in physics though.

 

[wajagawa]

It seems as though you may have taken enough classes to do well on the GRE Chemistry subject test. I took the test last November and it in no way went into any amount of detail.

I found completing the GRE sample chemistry test to be helpful, as it helped me to identify areas where I lacked understanding and/or forgot how to successfully complete. You may also find it helpful to take a look at ACS chemistry tests in general, analytical, and organic chemistry. The types of problems on the ACS tests are in the same style as the GRE. Also, the ACS tests are helpful as they will look like the qualifying tests you must take as part of most graduate chemistry programs.

That said, the following are books I recommend for enjoyment, study, and reference:

[Physical chemistry] Physical Chemistry 5th Ed., Ira N. Levine, McGraw-Hill
[Quantum chemistry] Quantum Chemistry 2nd Ed., Donald A. McQuarrie, University Science
[Inorganic chemistry] Inorganic Chemistry 3rd Ed., Gary L. Miessler, Wilson Publisher?
[Organic chemistry] Organic Chemistry 6th ed., John McMurry, Brooks-cole
[Biochemistry] Biochemistry 6th Ed., Jeremy M. Berg, W. H. Freeman

 

[Amok]

Funny, I'm a chem major with a passion for physics. Certainly going to be doing some physical chemistry in the future. Anyways, I don't even know what a GRE test is, but I can recommend some good chemistry books:

- "Modern Quantum Chemistry" by Szabo and Ostlund. It's a much more in-depth look at quantum chemistry than McQuarrie's book, it's real quantum chemistry, no introductions to quantum mechanics or anything (most introductory QC courses and books are actually mostly about about QM with a bit of QC at the end).

-"Molecular Modelling: Principles and Applications" by A. R. Leach takes a comprehensive look at computational chemistry, including quantum chemistry and molecular mechanics.

-For Biochemistry I recommend Stryer's "Biochemistry" (really good, easy-to-read book)

-For a comprehensive look at biophysical chemistry check out "Biophysical Chemistry", Cantor and Schimmel, Vols 1-3 (Freeman, New York 1980) and "Physical Biochemistry", K.E. Van Holde (Prentice Hall, 1985)

 

[Saraharris38]

Ahh thank you guys so much! This is very helpful. I think I'll probably just be lacking mostly in some advanced inorganic/organic knowledge, but if the GRE test doesn't go into that much detail then I should be fine. Thanks again!