Learn about what the cbsquared 10 week course "Chemistry for GAMSAT" has in store for you!

1. Chemistry for the GAMSAT
Course by Corri Baker
BSc (Biomedical Science) (Hons)
Postgraduate Research (Supramolecular Chemistry)
www.corribaker.com
info@corribaker.com

2. About the course
• 20 Topics
• 20 Interactive sessions
• There will be an optional email list for
organising study groups etc with the other
students.
• There are students in the class with different
backgrounds in chemistry, I will do my best to
meet everyone’s needs…
• BUT I will be starting from the absolute
BASICS!
www.corribaker.com 2

3. Aims of the course
• To provide students with the tools needed to obtain
the level of chemistry knowledge required for the
GAMSAT
• Teach basic concepts which must be built upon in
order to understand more advanced chemistry
• Cover the concepts, language and methodology
involved in the study of chemistry.
• Give confidence and knowledge required to begin
to practice problem solving skills required for
difficult multiple choice questions in the GAMSAT
www.corribaker.com 3

4. www.corribaker.com 4

5. Warning!! (disclaimer)
• Chemistry can be difficult!
• Learning 2 years worth of chemistry in 10
weeks is definitely difficult!
• The pace of this course will be fast.
However:
• I will do the best I can to give you all the
help and support you need.
• Other students and the course structure
can be a great source of motivation and
support.
www.corribaker.com 5

6. For those with no Science background.
www.corribaker.com 6

7. Maths for Chemistry
• There is maths in everything, including
Chemistry! No need to shy away from it.
• No calculators are allowed in the
GAMSAT..so start doing questions without
one NOW!
• There are a list of online resources at
www.corribaker.com
• Best to look up and practice as you go along,
rather than try to teach yourself concepts with
no context for learning and applying.
www.corribaker.com 7

8. Maths for Chemistry
• You will need a good hold of algebra including:
– algebraic expressions
– manipulating positive & negative numbers
– reciprocals
– simplification (of brackets etc), factorisation
– like terms
– algebraic fractions
– linear equations
– exponents
– logarithms (base 10 and natural logarithms)
– Check my website and social media
regularly for new links and resources!
www.corribaker.com 8

9. Deferential equations
www.corribaker.com 9

10. Other Resources
• Any relevant Chemistry Text is fine, just
use the index!
• If you are new to Chemistry: Year 12 study
guides and workbooks, eg “The
Essentials” or SABSSA Revision guides
– (just be sure to check the relevancy of some of the
questions, use the cbsquared course guide)
• First year uni past exams and tutorials if
you have access to them
– most uni library sites have past exam papers
available to all students
www.corribaker.com 10

11. Some Textbooks
Introduction to Chemistry
Stanley et al., Elements of Senior Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Chang, General Chemistry, 5th Edition
Organic Chemistry
Carey, Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition
www.corribaker.com 11

12. Some Textbooks
Organic & Physical Chemistry
Blackman et. al., Chemistry
www.corribaker.com 12

13. Recommendations
• I strongly recommend you make effort to learn
the language of Chemistry!
– Wikipedia is invaluable for quick reference to find a definition
rather than trawling through text books.
• In class, write down as much as you possibly
can!
• Try to keep up with the material between
sessions.
• Use any provided references for extra practice
questions and more in depth explanations.
There simply isn’t time to cover everything in
detail in the sessions!
www.corribaker.com 13

14. Chemistry is Important!
Albert Einstein
Marie Curie
Neils Bohr Howard Florey
www.corribaker.com 14

15. Today’s Scientists
www.corribaker.com 15

16. Credits
• xkcd.com
• Nearing Zero: http://www.lab-initio.com/
• McGraw Hill Publishing
• Wikipedia Creative Commons Images
www.corribaker.com 16