Reading the textbook

[Ashley Fang 2G]

Personally I find that every time I read the textbook, I tend to fall asleep because it's just that long and boring, especially when you're new to the material.
What I usually will do however is take notes of the summary and important formulas/equations. Once I have grasped the basic concepts, I will then go back to read the book in chunks for further explaining. Otherwise, reading it all at once does get pretty intimidating.
Hope that helped!

[Mitchell Koss 4G]

I believe the material is based on what is covered in class, but the textbook gives you more applications and examples to help better understand the topics.

[selatran1h]

I personally think reading the textbook helps a lot since it helps to clarify certain conceptual topics that are difficult or were not covered as much in lecture. The textbook also has a lot of sample problems that are helpful when doing homework.

[Kavee Dodampahala 4E]

Reading the textbook helps me understand the concepts at my own pace. I find it really useful!

[Angela Prince 1J]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I don't think so. I think everything that will be on a test will be covered in lecture or otherwise noted in the outlines for each topic.

[AveryAgosto]

I would recommend reading the textbook to facilitate what is taught in lecture. If you don't feel confident about a certain topic reading the chapter and reading along with the examples in the chapter is really helpful.

[BSolano_3A]

Honestly I personally skim it over and just try to teach myself online through youtube, khan academy, and websites as such. Don't let fear get in the way of you achieving what you want. Head up mate and keep grinding.

[Jose Robles 1D]

Honestly I feel the same way when engaging in reading, but I find study groups make the experience more bearable. When I'm with a few committed friends I feel relaxed and motivated to finish the readings. Plus, if you don't get something you can just ask them on the spot to discuss key ideas.

[Alan Cornejo 1a]

I used these for my AP Chemistry class in high school, but I think they have some college-level chem as well:
https://chem.libretexts.org/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWpbFLzoYGPfuWUMFPSaoA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFKnq9QM6_A&list=PLJfwA7_CzYE_qLSXH2hJkpffcrc76NjHJ

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the links provided !

[005162520]

When reading from the textbook, what should you take notes on? Or rather what should you focus on?

[Liliana Aguas 3G]

What do you guys recommend when reading the textbook? Because it can get really confusing and I don't understand what to take notes on. Also, should we read them before class and take notes or after lecture?

[Jasmine Kim 1L]

When reading from the textbook, what should you take notes on? Or rather what should you focus on?

It's different for everyone. I usually focus on the bolded words and formulas since those are usually what we have to know. However, if I don't understand something, I read the paragraphs that cover the topic and maybe look at an example for it. I also like looking at the pictures and diagrams on the side and reading the captions, partly because my eye just immediately goes towards those when I look at a new page. Diagrams are usually helpful because they visualize the concepts we're learning and I like visual learning.

[Jasmine Kim 1L]

What do you guys recommend when reading the textbook? Because it can get really confusing and I don't understand what to take notes on. Also, should we read them before class and take notes or after lecture?

I think we can read the textbook whenever we want. If you prefer to learn the topics on your own and have the lectures reinforce your knowledge, then read them before class. If you like to learn from the professor first and then read over the topics to review or answer any questions you had during the lecture, then after. If you don't know yet, try each method for a week and see which one you prefer. Same for the textbook notes. Just figure out what works for you. You can take notes on everything, or maybe just the stuff you think you'll have a hard time remembering.

If you can't really understand the textbook, just use other methods of learning, like Khan Academy or other websites. Use the textbook or lecture notes to figure out what topics you need to know, and then learn about them from another source.

[Megan_1F]

I tried reading the textbook but I find that a lot of the material is more detailed than what we were taught in class. Should we base our material off of lecture or the textbook?

[Rich Zodda 4B]

Are the lectures enough for the midterms or are we expected to read from the textbook too?

[Alan Cornejo 1a]

reading the textbook is an obvious super helpful tool, to better go in depth as to what you are learning and practice.

[Mitchell Koss 4G]

Not necessarily but some topics are laid out differently which helps with understanding lecture material.

[Angela Prince 1J]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I don't think topics not covered during lecture will ever show up on any exam.

[Angela Prince 1J]

Are the hw problems for week 5 from the quantum topic set still or from the chemical bonds set?

[Yailin Romo 4G]

I find it most helpful when I Read the textbook because it has detailed explanations of how to carry out out the problems along with examples, steps, and answers. Yes, it is overwhelming at time but what I try to do is learn or read one section per day so I dont stress about having to read and learn all of them at once.

[CMaduno_1L]

From what I have seen, the topics covered in lecture correlate to what appears on the test. If anything, the textbook may go into more detail than need, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, in terms of maximizing studying, I would rely more on the notes from lecture. Hope this helps!

[Patricia Cardenas]

I also find it intimidating to read the textbook for review, I find one way to motivate yourself to do so is to read a page then look up videos on that subject to make sure you understand it, and then continue reading.

[Areli C 1L]

I've definitely have been in your shoes before. If the reading feels a intimidating, you should watch some youtube videos first about the concept so you won't go in blind. After that, as you go back to the reading it will feel more familiar and less intimidating!

[Jade Hinds 2B]

going to be honest, I only use the textbook to get homework/practice problems. to me, too much reading makes it confusing, so I mainly utilize my lecture notes and do lots of practice.

[Jaklin Astvatsatryan]

guys i really recommend watching videos, esp my visual learners. start problems and try doing them without notes and then watch videos if you're really stuck.

[Liliana Aguas 3G]

What do you guys recommend when reading the textbook? Because it can get really confusing and I don't understand what to take notes on. Also, should we read them before class and take notes or after lecture?

I think we can read the textbook whenever we want. If you prefer to learn the topics on your own and have the lectures reinforce your knowledge, then read them before class. If you like to learn from the professor first and then read over the topics to review or answer any questions you had during the lecture, then after. If you don't know yet, try each method for a week and see which one you prefer. Same for the textbook notes. Just figure out what works for you. You can take notes on everything, or maybe just the stuff you think you'll have a hard time remembering.

If you can't really understand the textbook, just use other methods of learning, like Khan Academy or other websites. Use the textbook or lecture notes to figure out what topics you need to know, and then learn about them from another source.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[RichBollini4G]

I know that in the course reader it says to read chapter 5 for a review for gases. But every time i try reading the textbook i get intimidated and i stop reading the textbook . Do you guys find it more helpful when you guys read the textbook?

Yes, although I would agree sometimes it is confusing, it is also good to look over the text book. Looking at the practice problems also helps.

[RichBollini4G]

guys i really recommend watching videos, esp my visual learners. start problems and try doing them without notes and then watch videos if you're really stuck.

this really helped me, thank you!

[Naren_Ramesh_4F]

I personally would recommend going over the textbook. Although there are some topics are not covered in the scope of the class, the textbook presents a different way of looking at a concept.

[505106414]

I have had a problem on a test that had an answer that was only covered in the textbook, not in lecture at all. So, I would say definitely at least skim the textbook chapters.

[bloodorangefield]

The textbook does have a lot of extra information that may not be covered, but it's a good comprehensive guide and the practice problems it introduces are good to do before midterms and finals.

[Adelpha Chan 1B]

The textbook has more examples and some problems with each step of the calculations shown so it is helpful to look over the section before and/or after lecture

[bloodorangefield]

I definitely feel that the textbook has a lot of information that the finals and tests won't cover.

[Ian Morris 3C]

i would use the textbook only when i am completely lost on a topic. so fair it has worked out for me

[Patricia Cardenas]

I know that in the course reader it says to read chapter 5 for a review for gases. But every time i try reading the textbook i get intimidated and i stop reading the textbook . Do you guys find it more helpful when you guys read the textbook?

If you find yourself intimidated by the textbook, I recommend seeing the outlines Lavelle posts on his website and watching videos about each learning objective listed. Also, going through your notes and attending peer learning sessions is helpful as well.

[Karen Elrayes 1L]

How is everyone going about reading the textbook? Are you guys taking notes while reading? Just reading through it and doing the problems?

[Karen Elrayes 1L]

Also are you guys reading all the fundamentals or only the ones recommended in the syllabus?

[Catherine Bubser 2C]

I'm reading the fundamentals and the recommended textbook sections but only because its been years since I've taken chemistry and I need a refresher.

[Joshua Eidam 2A]

Has anyone else ordered a textbook from the campus bookstore and it still hasn't arrived? I am not really sure what to do about it because I already spent the money on it but we are going to be needing the textbooks more and more. Does anyone know of a place online where I can find it? Thanks.

[James Patanian 2C]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I don’t think so. Anything not mentioned in lecture or on assigned hw shouldn’t be on tests. However, the additional learning and reviewing that Dr. Lavelle emphasizes are probably essential to understanding the lectures. Especially since I never took AP Chem and forgot Honors Chem, this applies to me but not to everyone equally.

[505598869]

I find it beneficial to read the book even if I don't understand it the first time through. The more I hear a concept the more it will make sense. After reading the book, a concept I wasn't understanding might come up in a lecture and I might be able to make sense of it by relating it back to what I read in the book.

[America Alvarado]

I have a quick question. I know that for other classes you can get away with just skimming through the texts, but I was wondering if for chem you guys literally read every page. I feel like it's so dense I don't even know where to start to take notes or what's important.

[Megan ODonnell 3F]

I find it helpful, especially when learning the different equations, constants, and their applications. If you don't like doing the readings, though, there are multiple other ways in which you can learn the material

[Jamie2002]

I definitely relate to getting intimidated by reading the textbook but it is a really helpful resource. The content might be dense but try to space out your readings so that you can focus more!

[Day Preciado 1H]

What if we don't really read the book and just skim? Does reading the book make difference? Is everything cover in the lectures?

[Jaclyn Dang 3B]

As stated before, reading the textbook is not required, but may help develop an indepth understanding of the topics. If you dont want to read the book I would recommend skimming it or referring back to it if you get confused!

[905579227]

Does anyone know how we should study for the midterms and how they are ven going to be formatted. Also what will we be allowed to use on ther midterm. I feel like its right around the corner and i am freaking out. Also if anyone is on campus please let me know because I would love a study buddy. Do we have to study the text book on our own or do we just need to know what Lavelle lectures on.

[Joshua Eidam 2A]

I ordered the textbooks required for Chem 14A from the UCLA bookstore but they are insanely back ordered I think because I still have not been contacted to get them. Does anyone know of another way to access the textbook? I know we are going to be needing it more and more as the quarter continues. Thanks

[Michelle Nguyen 3F]

For me, I usually read the textbook after going through the lectures. The lectures have everything condensed so that it is easier to grasp the concepts when you read the textbook for more specific details. It's really easy to get lost in the vocabulary and equations (as well as the formatting) of the textbook, so listening to lectures first makes it easier to read the textbook.

[Javier Perez M 1H]

Most definitely, when you don't understand something its good to consult the textbook. If that doesn't work ask TAs and UAs. If you can't reach them then just look it up in the internet there could be articles or videos on the topic.

[Javier Perez M 1H]

I think reading the textbook is sometimes more of a supplement when not understanding things, however it better to read it to better grasp the concepts or engrave them into your memory.

[305614361]

For anyone struggling with this, I usually use Khan Academy, whenever I don't feel like reading the textbook and also go to office hours

[Nathaly Cruz 2D]

I know it's pretty late to ask this. I completely bombed my first midterm and I was looking for ways to improve my second midterm. I keep seeing that the textbook is really good for extra practice and explanations. Could someone please explain where to find the textbook?

[LeahSWM 2E]

The textbook is very confusing for me; I find it difficult to process any information. Any tips? good alternatives?

[Charisma Arreola 2F]

Reading the textbook before watching lectures has helped me to get an understanding of what his lecture can cover. It is best if you break it up and try not to read too many pages in one sitting so that you can take everything in.

[Annette Fishman]

I think the textbook is extremely helpful in clearing up topics that weren't clearly defined in lectures. Plus, lectures are super long and have a ton of information, while the book condenses it. It is way easier to follow in my opinion!

[Jacob Schwarz-Discussion 3I]

I do try to read the textbook but quite honestly, at times it is very difficult to read. I would definitely recommend trying your best, but I’ve found the textbook problems the most helpful

[505598869]

I definitely find it more beneficial to do the assigned problems than the reading.

[805421690]

Honestly I never really relied on the book, I am not a reading-learner, instead I relied heavily on organic chemistry tutor on YouTube and he is amazing! I hope this helps for the next chemistry quarter

[keely_bales_1f]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I feel that on the midterms, doing the practice problems from the textbook helped a lot. So for next quarter I recommend keeping up with textbook material as it is being taught in lectures. I feel that this would lead people to be more successful in this class :)

[Brian Nguyen 2I]

Reading the textbook is just helpful if I find that I need to find other ways to understand the material if lectures confuse me. Generally, the textbook is most useful as a source of practice, since I mainly do practice problems from there. The more practice problems I do, the more prepared I am for the midterms or final.

[Adam_ElSayed_3B]

Honestly not a huge fan of the textbook. I'll stick to rewatching portions of the lecture any day.

[ShinwooKim_3E]

I like to first watch the lectures and take notes, then rewatch the lectures to compare them to the corresponding textbook section and finish by doing the problems suggested in the syllabus.

[Megan Singer 3D]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

In my experience from 14A, the topics that are in the book but not in lecture are not usually on the tests. The best way to make sure you know everything for the test is to go to Dr. Lavelle's website and find the outlines for each unit (under learning outcomes). As long as you know everything listed on there you'll be good to go.

[Megan Singer 3D]

The textbook is very confusing for me; I find it difficult to process any information. Any tips? good alternatives?

If you have problems reading the textbook straight through, maybe try just relying on lecture information. If you can get all of the textbook practice problems right without reading the textbook, you should be fine. If you're struggling with a specific piece of information, then go look through the part of the textbook that goes over it or look elsewhere online for help (I've heard The Organic Chemistry Tutor is good, and Khan Academy is always reliable).

[alebenavides]

it says I used my sapling code already even tho I bought access for 14a and 14b ?

[Akemi Karamitsos 1E]

Does anyone who has taken Lavelle's class in the past recommend reading the textbook consistently? Do the types of questions in the book appear on the midterms or final? Thank you!

[Jaclyn Dang 3B]

The textbook is not required, but it is super helpful if you forgot a topic or need extra coverage. I tend to read it even if I don't need extra help.

[Sheryl Ocampo 1D]

I only really use the textbook for practice problems or sometimes skimming before exams. I find that the lectures have the information we need to know and it's much easier to understand for me

[Kiana Tashakori 1D]

The textbook is really useful for clarification of specific topics you don't understand! Id recommend reading it after watching the lecture videos. Other video lessons could also be really helpful when teaching yourself a topic.

[Shana Patel 1C]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I would advise just checking which topics are repetitive in the textbook and in the syllabus. The textbook gives a lot of detailed questions, so I usually just go through all the topics.

[Sarah Huh 1K]

Personally, I first do the assigned textbook problems for practice and if I am confused or stuck on a topic, I go back and read the section.

[Gabe_Ek 1G]

Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I had the same question as well because I've heard that there's a lot of information covered that we don't need.

[Austin Aldujaili 2D]

I feel as if the textbook goes in more detail on all of the topics Lavelle lectures on; however, the information that is provided in lectures or discussions in my opinion is still enough to succeed on the tests. There's really no info in the book that is important that Lavelle didn't talk about either.

[Mari Williams 1K]

Does anyone have tips on how to identify important information in a textbook? I find the reading to be dense, and we're not tested on a lot of things they mention.

[Seraphina Joseph 1C]

I usually don't read the textbook, but if I am doing problems and I don't understand something, I go back and read it.

[Bhuvan Kommineni 3L]

I think it is helpful to fill in the gaps between what you learn in lecture and what you need to know overall. It can have extra information that lectures might have missed.

[Gwen Casillan 3E]

The textbook can definitely be helpful supplemental material to support learning. I generally us it to reaffirm knowledge of concepts and getting more practice and comfortable with problems.

[805513524]

I usually find that reading the textbook helps so I would recommend it for anyone. There has never really been a class for me that reading the textbook has not helped me tremendously.

[Karen Zheng_2K]

I feel like reading the textbook will help reinforce the mechanisms and explanations he does in lecture, but the extra discussion sections and actual textbook problems will help with actually working through problems/concepts.

[AJForte-2C]

Does anyone use the textbook to study for tests? If you do, how and what parts of the book do you use?

[Devan Nathu - 2H]

I personally have not read the textbook but my TA goes over textbook problems in discussion, so I honestly might start skimming and taking selective notes over it. If you have time, it definitely wouldnt be a bad idea to review the textbook!

[vuongnaomi1L]

I actuallly dont read the textbook and whenever I have a question I either ask the UA's or go to the professor's office hours.

[Moura Girgis 1F]

I actuallly dont read the textbook and whenever I have a question I either ask the UA's or go to the professor's office hours.

Same here, I feel like watching videos as well about the same concepts gives me a better understanding that just reading about it from the textbook.

[Lisa Seidl 3H]

Personally, I try to stay ahead of the lectures with my textbook notes since I find that it helps me understand the lectures better. They are like a review of what I read in the textbook. Then I will go back to that section and do the questions for it since I have all the knowledge from the lecture and textbook notes to help me solve them.

[Nicolette Simoni 3L]

Yes! I like reading the textbook (especially before lecture) because it prepares my mind for the material. My method is reading the textbook and taking notes, watching lecture to solidify my knowledge, and then answering the textbook and sapling questions to test out how well I can execute my learning (and if I mess up I just go back and look in my notes)!

[Sheryl Ocampo 1D]

Personally, I feel that doing practice problems and using some of the other resources are more effective in helping me prepare for exams than reading the textbook

[Megan Hulsy 1A]

I find that reading the textbook can help expand my knowledge on topics, but I'd focus on the lecture notes. Reading the textbook helps if you're stuck on a topic. :)

[Anisa Subbiah 14B 1L]

I just started reading the textbook today (because my TA told us it was very important for our understanding). The textbook and its questions really does help clarify our comprehension of the content we hear in lecture/ discussion. I don't think it really does cover things far outside out curriculum but it does help make it clearer.

[Bruce Ruff 2B]

So far I think the textbook has mainly just been useful for the practice problems at the end of each section. The reading material itself has been a bit tedious to go through but it has been good review of high school chemistry.

[Denise Chavez 2G]

Personally, so far the lecture notes are more than enough for me to understand the topic, but I think in the future if I am stuck on a certain topic reading the textbook and doing practice problems can be beneficial since it can help strengthen our understanding.

[Rebecca Preusch 2C]

I found reading through all of the fundamentals sections of the book helped me recall what I had learned in high school Chem, which led me to feel well prepared and ready to dive into chemistry at the start of class. I definitely recommend reading through the textbook, especially the sections that are least fresh in your memory.

[JohnathanH_1H]

So just to verify all the textbook assigned work is just practice for us to do and not for a grade?

[Gabriel Wolf 3I]

So just to verify all the textbook assigned work is just practice for us to do and not for a grade?

You're supposed to, as some of the questions will apparently be on the exams, but I don't think that they are graded.

[Ishpreet Kaur 3C]

So just to verify all the textbook assigned work is just practice for us to do and not for a grade?

It's not for a grade, but the textbook problems do tend to show up on the exams or at least problems similar to what you can find in the textbook.

[Junyong Wu]

I think reading the textbook can be a way for us to review and doing more practice could help a lot.

[Ella Bogomilsky 2B]

What is it like taking notes on the online textbook using the notebook tab? I'm afraid it will be hard to find my notes and study from them. Any recommendations?

[Jane Wang 1E]

I know that in the course reader it says to read chapter 5 for a review for gases. But every time i try reading the textbook i get intimidated and i stop reading the textbook . Do you guys find it more helpful when you guys read the textbook?

Yeah, I felt the same in back in my high school, you can try taking notes while you are reading. If you see something you don't know, just note it down and seeking for answers in discussion sessions~

[Jane Wang 1E]

I believe the material is based on what is covered in class, but the textbook gives you more applications and examples to help better understand the topics.

Also it included far more explanations :)

[Jane Wang 1E]

So just to verify all the textbook assigned work is just practice for us to do and not for a grade?

The requirements are posted on Achieve I think.