The second reason ochem is so difficult to learn is that it’s a memorization nightmare. Not only are there more than 15 million organic compounds, but there are different rules governing the reactions and properties of each of these compounds. The trickiest part is how often the rules change.

Basic biology is all memorization, and you don’t really need to understand what’s going on. When you start reaching advanced levels you should have a good chemistry and physics background. It really depends on what level you are working at. With any science there are times where you are problem solving and remembering.

So what is organic chemistry, anyway? And why is it so difficult? Basically, orgo examines how molecules containing carbon interact, but it doesn’t require equations or math, as in physics. Instead, you learn how electrons flow around and between molecules, and you draw little curved arrows showing where they go.

Organic chemistry is the most dreaded of all science classes. It has the highest failure rate, lowest class average and more retakes than any other science course. Yet most schools weigh organic chemistry about the same as general chemistry or physics.

In addition to the three hours you spend in class, you should spend at least nine hours studying o-chem per week. That means every week, not just when you have an exam coming up. Ideally, you should devote some study time every day so you can “digest” the material more slowly. Come to class!

the hardest part about organic chem II is the number of reactions u will need to memorize at the end. I counted as many 500 reactions with over 100 mechanisms.

Most of the time the difficult topics in chemistry are General organic chemistry, Ionic and Chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, nuclear physics and electrochemistry.

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds, which include not only hydrocarbons but also compounds with any number of other elements, including hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphur.