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.
