What should I do for Chem 3/4 during Summer holidays?

[fadzsta1]

Hey guys! First post ever (woot, ex-lurker now). I'm a semi-committed Chem student. I understood the concepts in Chem 1/2 (moles, stoich, organic chem, volumetric analysis, the lot) but didn't exactly do much practice and questions. I want to change that in year 12. So, instead of just doing the holiday homework over the break and rocking up to school knowing jack, I want to change my attitude to learning chemistry because I know Chem 3/4 is much, much harder than Chem 1/2, and I defs wanna aim for that 50.

My questions are:
- What can I do over the holidays other than the holiday work given to me?

- What is something that I should watch out for during the chem course or during year 12?

- What is some good advice that I can use to maximise my score in Chem?

- What are some do's and dont's that are important for the the end of year exam and for exam prep?

- What are some good resources (websites, books, questions that are not on the Chemistry Resources thread by pi) that I can use to really help?

And if you have any advice in regards to Chem or VCE in general, all would be greatly appreciated. 

[MagicGecko]

First of all 'woop woop' first post! 
So answering your questions:

My questions are:
- What can I do over the holidays other than the holiday work given to me?

Not sure how much you can possibly do with the remaining days left until school starts, but I would recommend doing more practice questions (do more questions relating to the set hw to make sure you understand the topic and starting the next chapter)

- What is something that I should watch out for during the chem course or during year 12?

If you are not doing biology then you should probably watch out for the biochem part. Thermo is not that hard but there are those tricky questions you ahve to watch out for. Also you might want to watch out for questions relating to calibration and spectroscopy (those seem to be the ones that most chem kids struggle on at first imo)

- What is some good advice that I can use to maximise my score in Chem?

Make sure you know your states, get used to writing them in EVERY chemical equation you write. Do at LEAST 5 questions a day and make sure not to put chem off.

- What are some do's and dont's that are important for the the end of year exam and for exam prep?

Do: Practice regularly, memorize the solubility table, complete at LEAST 20 practice exams.
Don't: Fall behind work, procrastinate, become cocky as this will make room for mistakes (effect varies individually), talk to anyone before an exam.

- What are some good resources (websites, books, questions that are not on the Chemistry Resources thread by pi) that I can use to really help?

Sorry I don't know any other resources other than your own textbook 

And if you have any advice in regards to Chem or VCE in general, all would be greatly appreciated. 

Don't be so eager to rush things in chem As long as you practice questions regularly you should be fine. It may also prove beneficial if you have access to two different textbook (this applies for all subjects not just chem), because some textbooks go into greater detail then other textbooks so just in case, you should study from two textbooks.

[Yacoubb]

1. I'd say familiarise yourself with the whole Chemistry study design. Understand the deep roots of what unit 3 explores. The first area of study covers chemical analysis, looking at quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses involving various chemical analytical techniques, including gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis (looking at both acid-base and redox titrations), spectroscopy, spectrometry and chromatography. The second area of study looks at organic chemical pathways. This includes looking at organic compounds (hydrocarbons) from C1 to C10 (meth- to dec-), and the various alkanes, alkenes and others organic groups. Furthermore, you look at reactions in the organic chemical pathways, including addition/substitution reactions, combustions, addition polymerisation reactions, the condensation/hydrolysis reactions, etc. You also look at Biomacromolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA.

2. Practice practice practice. Don't just assume that knowing the formula for calculating the number of moles is sufficient for a 50 (not that you do, just warning you to take heed). You must know the inner depths of your calculations. Understand the theory behind titrations, behind redox. Why do we balance the number of electrons in redox half-equations? Once you know the theory, the calculations become so much easier to visualise. Also, look out for questions you've done incorrectly. Document them, and when exam time comes, refer to these so that you've ensured that you've rectified all your errors.

3. Constant revision, ensuring accuracy, and rectify minute errors that could be the difference between an A+ score that could mean 49 or 50. Doing well in Chemistry requires hard work and dedication, a strong understanding of the theory and impeccable application of it.

4. Do: understand the theory, answer lots of questions, ask lots of questions.
Dont: underestimate Chemistry.

5. TSFX lecture notes are comprehensive. Mr. Goudie on YouTube also has some good clips called Chemisodes. They are good to watch if you find understanding a particular topic too difficult, and you require extra assistance.

I want to change my attitude to learning chemistry because I know Chem 3/4 is much, much harder than Chem 1/2, and I defs wanna aim for that 50.

Put the 50 in perspective and work for it Hopefully you get it. Your attitude has already improved by the fact that you are willing to. All the best
P.S. I know you *I sound so bloody stalker-ish. But I actually know you

[fadzsta1]

If you are not doing biology then you should probably watch out for the biochem part. Thermo is not that hard but there are those tricky questions you ahve to watch out for. Also you might want to watch out for questions relating to calibration and spectroscopy (those seem to be the ones that most chem kids struggle on at first imo)
Make sure you know your states, get used to writing them in EVERY chemical equation you write. Do at LEAST 5 questions a day and make sure not to put chem off.

THIS IS INVALUABLE. Awesome! Thanks a ton MagicGecko Unfortunately I'm not doing biology - cheers for the heads up! Will defs look into calibration and spectroscopy in detail. Thank you for your advice. Congrats on your 50!

Understand the theory behind titrations, behind redox. Why do we balance the number of electrons in redox half-equations? Once you know the theory, the calculations become so much easier to visualise. Also, look out for questions you've done incorrectly. Document them, and when exam time comes, refer to these so that you've ensured that you've rectified all your errors.

Dont: underestimate Chemistry.

TSFX lecture notes are comprehensive. Mr. Goudie on YouTube also has some good clips called Chemisodes. They are good to watch if you find understanding a particular topic too difficult, and you require extra assistance.

Hey Yacoubb, nice to see you around here haha! This advice is fantastic! Gotta get me some of those TSFX notes. Mr. Goudie? Hahah never heard of him but I'll search for his Chemisodes! Thanks heaps for your advice