I was just wondering if it was necessary to remember each branch of chemistry learned.

Question

I can't really remember general chemistry and I'm sort of loosing the organinc. I mostly remember the calculations and the starting part of each course, but other than that it's hazy.

So, am I expected to remember everything that I learn, as I go along?

Answer 1

It depends upon the degree, the university, the professors, et al.
Most of us assume that we either remember what we have learned OR we know where we can find the information. If you won't have another test over the material, then short term memory will get you through the course but won't help much when you're out in the cold cruel world. You hope you will remember where to find that information later. For upper level degrees, short term memory helps get us through the course BUT then there is a big test for the Master's degree, and several larger tests for the Ph. D. degree and those definitely require long term memory.

Answer 2

(proceeds to slam head on desk)

I have all my books but if I'm not incorrect, this isn't going to help in the, "real world." =/
I knew I was supposed to actually remember everything. The thing is that you remember it during the sememster and then it starts flying out the window if you're not careful.

For the Master's degree, is the test, testing one on a specific area? (analytical/organic/biochem/physical etc.) or is it a general chemistry masters degree?
The same question applies to the Ph.D. degree tests.

I remember that you said that, one could in theory go from undergraduate to doctoral studies? I would assume that one with no bachelor degree in chemistry would be able to pursue this course of study, am I correct?

I am going to do an internship in a lab next semester and I'm afraid that I won't know things that I'm supposed to, when I'm called upon to do tasks. Thus, it will mirror the real world.

Thanks, Dr.Bob

Answer 3

For the Master's degree, the kind of test depends very much upon the university. The times have changed since I was a grad student but for my MA degree I had to take a test in organic, one in inorganic, one in analytical and one in p.chem BUT that was because this test was considered to be a pre-doctoral exam and it determined if we got the MA and left or if we got the MA and were "allowed" to stay and work on a Ph. D. Many schools NEVER operated that way and some that did have changed. So your best bet is to inquire of the actual university you want to enter. For the Ph. D. degree, GENERALLY, the test is only on the one area; i.e., analytical, p.chem, etc. For me, however, because my area was between areas, I had three (lucky me); i.e., one in spectroscopy, one in analytical, and one in inorganic (and the guy in inorganic asked mostly p.chem questions for some strange reason). As to the part about going directly into a Ph. D. program with no B. S. in chem, that depends upon where you want to go. Some schools may want to discuss it with you and others you may not get the time of day. For the internship, you remember things by repetition and you STILL have your books so I wouldn't worry about it. And for internships, MOST internships are learning experiences and MOST bosses are only too happy to help.

Answer 4

I never knew that you could have a, "between areas," Ph.D

Thanks for all the advice,
Dr.Bob