Older Student Seeking Help Learning Basic Chemistry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on resources and strategies for an older student seeking to self-study basic chemistry before returning to college. It includes recommendations for books, online resources, and considerations regarding the learning experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for books, tutoring software, or websites to help learn basic chemistry.
  • Another participant suggests "Chemistry as a Second Language" and "Organic Chemistry as a Second Language" as helpful resources, noting their clarity in explaining concepts.
  • A different participant argues that self-teaching lacks practical laboratory experience and recommends attending a community college, suggesting "Introductory Chemistry" or "Elementary Chemistry" based on the student's mathematical background.
  • Another suggestion is to buy a used introductory college chemistry textbook and utilize online resources and forums for assistance, highlighting the availability of information online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best approach to learning chemistry, with no consensus on a single method or resource. Some emphasize self-study while others advocate for formal education.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness of self-study versus formal classes, and there is no resolution on the best resources or methods for learning chemistry.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying chemistry, particularly older students considering a return to college, may find this discussion relevant.

vjf07106
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I an a older student that would like to go back to college. I want to teach myself basic chemistry before i go back. Could anybody recommend a book, tutoring software, or website that can help accomplish this task?
 
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vjf07106 said:
I an a older student that would like to go back to college. I want to teach myself basic chemistry before i go back. Could anybody recommend a book, tutoring software, or website that can help accomplish this task?

I read a series of books called "Chemistry as a second language" and "Organic chemistry as a second language" and both put the concepts in terms that anybody could understand. I can't remember the author but these books just made everything so simple that I finally got most of it.
 
Teaching yourself chemistry is dull and lacks the laboratory experience exercises. Attend a community college. If your mathematical development is low, study "Introductory Chemistry"; otherwise, try "Elementary Chemistry". None of them is a college transferrable course, but they are good in case you never studied Chemistry before.
 
Buy a used introductory college chemistry textbook and go through it. Use the internet and this forum if you have any difficulties. There is an amazing wealth of information on the internet and people willing to help if asked.

This link is very helpful:

http://www.shs.nebo.edu/Faculty/Haderlie/apchem/apchem.html
 
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