It's Time for a Change. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
News

It's Time for a Change.

An open letter to Mississippi State's Chemistry Department

33
It's Time for a Change.

The Chemistry Department at Mississippi State is notorious for being a 'weed out' class. It is purposefully made difficult, and laboriously to pass. I understand that a science course such as this shouldn't be simple, however, it is awful that students have to give up on their dream careers just because they cannot pass a prerequisite.

Since COVID-19, the department made the decision to go online with chemistry labs in person. It's supposed to be a 4 credit hour class that you work at your own pace. Seems simple enough? I understand that 4 hours is a loose suggestion and you would be putting more time into coursework. However, every week I have put into over 12 hours of chemistry alone. Not to mention coursework for the other 14 credit hours I'm taking this semester. As well as juggling a full-time night job. Students cannot put in a copious amount of time for one Level 100 class. There are other classes besides chemistry.

This past test, I studied for three weeks. I reworked my homework, took the two practice quizzes, along with the extra practice worksheets, rewrote my notes, and took the two practice exams. I got a 57. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I ended up having a panic attack in my dorm and contemplating my entire life path. This prompted my RA to overhear me and ended up checking in on me. She told me of her struggles with chemistry and how everyone who took chemistry goes through this. She told me to get some fresh air and that what happened can't be changed. But that got me thinking, why is this something everyone has to go through? I had friends who took chemistry last year and after every test, they had to console themselves by getting a milkshake from steak and shake. How bizarre is that hat instead of getting a treat to celebrate, they're getting one to try to lift their spirits.

The tests the Chemistry Department gives us are on Canvas. It is timed and we cannot go back to questions once we submitted them. I understand that they do this because they don't want students to take the tests together, however it does more harm than good. Each question is worth a lot of points and to sacrifice one question is a risk on your overall score.

I did not write this post to make any particular jab or dig at professors, however, I believe that this department can be improved. For starters, offer Supplemental Instruction for Chemistry I. This allows an opportunity for students to ask questions in-person to a student instructor who has taken this class before. SI was so helpful for me in Biology and I believe it can have the same effect for Chem I, students. Far too many students have failed Chemistry, and I believe it's time for a change.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198083
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19570
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461425
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28610
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments