Preparing for Grad School: A Organic Chemistry Review

AI Thread Summary
Starting a PhD in Organic Chemistry requires a solid review of undergraduate material, especially for those who haven't used their knowledge recently. A comprehensive plan should include revisiting key concepts and mechanisms, focusing on stereochemistry and synthesis problems. Utilizing old Chemistry GREs can provide insight into exam formats and question types. Recommended resources include the textbook by Clayden, Warren, and Greeves, which offers a wealth of problems for practice. A structured approach to reviewing these topics will help ensure preparedness for the challenges of graduate school.
kekulekangaroo
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I’m starting my PhD in Organic Chemistry this Fall. I want to review all of undergraduate Organic Chemistry and I’m trying to develop a plan of attack. I did alright in lectures but not perfectly and did quite well in labs. I don’t want to be bombarded in grad school and want to have a proper review. In addition, I finished undergrad a while ago and haven’t used my Organic knowledge for sometime. Looking for advice on how to be well prepared.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would probably at least go through old Chem GREs and grab an OChem book and start reviewing problems. You'll want to make sure you have a good handle on different mechanisms and how they affect things like stereochemistry, in addition to doing synthesis problems.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes kekulekangaroo and DrClaude
Maybe go through the problems in Clayden Warren Greeves?
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes kekulekangaroo

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Thread 'Tips for a CS and physics major'

Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
View full post »

Similar threads

Studying Advice for success in organic chemistry ....
Replies
3
Views
1K
Other How to Afford Moving to Another State For Grad School?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Chemistry undergrad attempting to go to graduate school in physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
Admissions Can a chemistry undergrad go to condensed matter physics?
Replies
2
Views
3K
At a Crossroads Between STEM Majors (narrowing interests)
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
Replies
20
Views
2K
Should I retake Organic Chemistry 2? Got a C-
Replies
5
Views
4K
Other Physics PhD after working for few years
Replies
12
Views
3K
Admissions Graduate school admission chances
Replies
7
Views
2K
Studying Any tips for getting GPA over 3.7 in grad school?
Replies
9
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top