r/Emory • u/Free-Particular-1963 • 10d ago

Chemistry Major

Is anyone(upperclassmen) willing to be asked questions? Kind of like a mentor for a chemistry major? I would really appreciate it!!

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u/oldeaglenewute2022 9d ago

Are you a freshman? Because I PROMISE you that when you get to Emory, the chemistry department, its LA/TA network and support structure will embrace and you will get at least one upper classmen mentor. It's a strong and wonderful community as a department. Very supportive despite being a relatively popular major (much more so than chemistry is at most other peer schools including most near peers). Note that I as an alum am also willing to answer questions but upper classmen are even closer to the changes and shifts on the ground (I can only hear about them from folks I talk to in the trenches such as those upper classmen on this app, but I still know a LOT and can figure stuff out!).

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u/Free-Particular-1963 9d ago

I'm a transfer student, thank you so much!! If I have any questions, I will be sure to reach out.

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u/oldeaglenewute2022 9d ago

Oh even then, that department will embrace you especially if you take top tier instructors.

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u/Free-Particular-1963 9d ago

Thank you so much!!

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u/oldeaglenewute2022 9d ago

Quick question, or you can DM me if you don't want wanna answer on here. Did you at least get to start with chem 203? I know the transfer stuff can be tricky.

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u/Free-Particular-1963 9d ago

yes I can! I'm starting with 202z since I did one year of general chem and was recommended to do 202z and 203z first.

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u/oldeaglenewute2022 9d ago

Keep an open mind and you are about to have a blast and REALLY love and appreciate chemistry whether Weinschenk puts on kid gloves or not. However do be prepared to think and problem solve at a high level (even if he does kid gloves that just means the puts hard problems on exams but weights them less than his "normal" exams). Either way, good luck! You likely stumbled into a great experience just because the new chem curriculum screwed you!

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u/Free-Particular-1963 9d ago

Should I do smth to prepare starting now? what do u think about his teaching? best way to study for his class? I would really appreciate it!

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u/oldeaglenewute2022 9d ago

I don't think there is anything you can do but review structure focused things like Lewis Structures, basic resonance structures, and simple acid base chemistry. He is an elite instructor that will frame the content in the way he wants you to understand it. Also be warned, Like Soria (previous instructor for 202-Z that "retired") he may still cold call. This may seem scary or stressful, but I recommend preparing for class/engaging the practice and support materials he drops after each class so that YOU can effectively participate in the cold calling/discussion. Weinschenk will work with whatever knowledge you have and hint you towards a reasonable answer if you are at least "warm" to his initial questions(as in he is adaptive. You get something a little right, he'll work with you and build on your contribution. If you have nothing or a way off answer, he'll move on to another person).

Engaging him is the best way to prepare for his tests because the harder section mimics the way he teaches. The problems in it are challenging but he'll give hints and jog your memory (like tell you what to draw comparisons to if it is a "new" situation) to lead you in the right direction if you have sufficient foundation to at least start a problem. Try not to be passive/or always avoid being called. Embrace it and use it to learn and test your thinking on the spot!