A level Chem - distance learning?

Elistriell

Has anyone ever managed to do A level Chemistry via distance learning without lab access?

Reply 1

oxymoron

Difficult with NO lab access ... Chemistry is at heart a practical subject.

Reply 2

Metal_Mistress

I agree with oxymoron there, you understand stuff SO much better (well...I do) when you actually carry on the relevant experiments :smile:

Reply 3

kpg

Metal_Mistress

I agree with oxymoron there, you understand stuff SO much better (well...I do) when you actually carry on the relevant experiments :smile:

Depends on the individual I think. Remembering the organic test-tube reactions can be helped by actually doing them and looking at the colour but I personally don't think any practical in my course helped me greatly. It was too much of a "here's an instruction sheet, follow it to the tee, come back and forget about it" at my college. Not enough learning about why each step is done, the importance of certain pieces of equipment etc.

Reply 4

moragbrand

Because I'm living overseas at the moment, I'm self-studying A2 Chemistry without lab access. I'd say it's difficult but not impossible....but you do need to keep drawing those diagrams to make the information sink in!!!!

Reply 5

ChemistBoy

Experimental techniques play a small role in your learning at A-level, doing the odd synthetic reaction and titration after titration is really not that useful. I am suprised that a distance learning course would offer no lab time (I thought a practical module was a requirement in all syllabuses).