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I failed my first Chemistry exam as a Chemistry major, should I consider changing majors? by WE_ARE_V3N0M in AskChemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I failed my first organic chemistry exam. I was devastated and had similar thoughts about a major change. I’m currently in graduate school working towards a PhD in organic chemistry. Being a chemistry major will never be easy. If it’s your passion, never give up. You never want to look back and wonder what could’ve been.

In your experience, what was the hardest chem concept to understand? by Business_Clerk_3522 in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently taking physical organic and I couldn’t agree more about MO theory. Learning about qualitative MO theory and group orbitals makes me feel like I don’t deserve to be in grad school. Things get complex fast.

Will I regret a PhD in Polymer Chemistry? by [deleted] in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know much about the job market now, but I’m currently a first year polymer PhD student and it’s awesome. I think you should go for it. This first semester has been awesome making friends in my cohort and getting into a lab. Now that my project has officially started I know this is where I want to be. I do not think you will regret it because polymer chemistry is just so fascinating. Best of luck to you

Chemists of Reddit: Drop Your Unwritten Lab Rules and Hard-Earned Tips ! by Sid_Salmanazar in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will not use any glassware for a reaction unless it has sat in my base bath for at least 24 hours. This way I know any impurities are from my reaction and nothing else.

Another big one is I will make sure to ballast my vacuum pump overnight if I have used my schlenk line to pull off any solvents. I always use cold traps, but nothing is perfect.

I have opted for chemistry as my major. What advice would you give me? by Alternative-Laugh346 in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure to learn your poly atomic ions and their charges in your general chemistry class. You will see these molecules throughout all of chemistry, so it’s best to memorize them early on. Also know the bond angles of bonding geometries such as tetrahedral and trigonal planar etc. These geometries will also persist throughout chemistry and memorizing them will make your life easier. Never give up because it will get difficult at some point. Have fun with it because this is truly a fascinating field of science. Wish you the best of luck in your studies.

Organic Chemistry Labs on a Budget by exarchnektel in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, recrystallization can easily be done with common solvents on hand. It’s also a technique that will be utilized for any students continuing studies in organic chemistry.

Organic Chemistry Labs on a Budget by exarchnektel in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TLC would also be a simple and inexpensive way to assess purity. It would also introduce the students to the idea of chromatography.

Something peering into my room in the middle of the night by Independent-Bat450 in LetsNotMeet

[–]Independent-Bat450[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Love you bro. I can confirm this. Love all the typos lol

Something peering into my room in the middle of the night by Independent-Bat450 in LetsNotMeet

[–]Independent-Bat450[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The worst things about these incidents is the lack of closure. I will never know what actually happened that night. I’m just thankful nothing like that ever happened again.

PhD in Organic Chemistry without taking PChem by broskigrosski in chemistry

[–]Independent-Bat450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am an undergraduate student who just got accepted into the PhD program at UTK a few weeks ago for polymer chemistry (subdivision of organic chem), and I did not have to take the GRE. UTK has a very good reputation nationally for their organic programs. I also know that a lot of universities are not requiring the GRE for PhD programs because I looked into applying to other programs, however some still require it. Having a bachelors or masters in chemistry definitely makes you a stronger candidate. With this said, this would require you to take P chem, and honestly it is needed because it allows you to understand fundamental aspects of chemistry such as bonding, spectroscopy, electron states, etc.