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Undergraduate Chemistry

Learning Resources

Learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom. That’s why the Department of Chemistry offers free learning resources to every student in a chemistry class, including a dedicated "Resource Room" where free tutoring is available. Penn State offers countless other resources to help students develop good study habits and writing skills. Explore resources for academic success below!

 

The Chemistry Resource Room

The Chemistry Resource Room is located in 205 Whitmore and is dedicated to helping students from General Chemistry to Organic Chemistry courses. The open room has several tables and whiteboards helps to facilitate group learning. Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Learning Assistants (LAs) Monday through Friday to help you with your chemistry courses – for free! Their expertise and help are invaluable since the TAs and LAs have either taken or are integrated into almost every chemistry course. Check the your Canvas course page for TA/LA help schedules and stop by to get the help you need today!

Students should consult their course syllabi and Canvas for additional detailed information, including professors', LA, and/or TA office hours and locations outside of 205 Whitmore.

Need additional help or one-on-one tutoring? Check out the Chemistry Department’s approved Private Tutor List - stop by 219 Whitmore to obtain the list.

General Chemistry eBook

The Department of Chemistry at Penn State University has custom-designed a highly-interactive general chemistry eBook specifically for our students and our courses to promote active learning in support of our learning goals. It was designed to be lower-cost, greener, and more sustainable than traditional paper textbooks. The eBook uses an “atoms first” approach where we first examine the structure and behavior of substances on the atomic level, and then connect these concepts to observable macroscopic properties. It includes a suite of interactive tools, including simulations, animations, stand-alone apps, interactive illustrations, video demonstrations, tutorials and self-assessments. An adaptive assessment tool provides a mechanism to increase retention by identifying gaps in learning for individual students. The content can be used for residential instruction, on-line delivery, hybrid instruction, or as enrichment material in many other settings. The eBook is available at https://genchem.science.psu.edu to all chemistry faculty members and to students that have purchased 5-year access.

Credits:

Maslak, P.; Bojan, M. J.; Stepan, L. R.; Vol. 1; PSU-E CHEM 110: Structure and Properties, Vol. 2; PSU-E CHEM 112: Reactions and Materials, Copyright © 2011-2019

 

The Learning Assistant Program

Two learning assistants pointing at a whiteboard

Large-enrollment courses and chemistry labs can be intimidating, but the Chemistry Department has a vibrant LA Program to make sure that you get the help you need, both inside and outside of the classroom. LAs assist with in-class group questions, clicker questions, and other activities. Take advantage of their expertise during class to enhance your learning experience.

 

University Learning Resources

Two students reviewing notes

Penn State Learning: Find on-campus collaborative learning via peer tutoring, guided study groups, and team project work spaces. Support is available for some lower level subject areas including biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, statistics, and astronomy. https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/

  • The Writing Center: Writing tutors and writing resources are available for free in 220 Boucke and in The Search Bar on the first floor of Pattee Library.
  • Guided Study Groups (GSGs): GSG is a collaborative learning program designed to support students in larger lecture courses. GSG leaders are undergraduate students who have taken the course before and have had academic success.
  • Student Disability Resources: Pursue reasonable accommodations and services provided by The Office of Student Disability Resources for students with disabilities who are enrolled at University Park.
  • Study Space: The lower level of the east wing of Ritenour Building has a dedicated collaborative learning center for students in the Eberly College of Science! Smart boards, white boards, small collaboration rooms, and space is available throughout the day and on weekends.