The Campus Connection
University Chemistry: Intensive 3-day Preparation Course
🧠 What You'll Learn
In 3 days, you’ll master the essential concepts, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and walk into class feeling confident, prepared, and ready to crush your first exams.
🔬 Experience what first-year chemistry is really like
Get a hands-on preview of the pace, style, and expectations of real university chemistry courses.🧪 Harness the power of core concepts
Build an intuitive understanding of atoms, bonding, equilibrium, and thermodynamics—the foundations of all chemistry.📘 Never memorize again
Learn how to think through problems instead of relying on memorized steps. A choreography becomes a free dance.🧠 Science isn’t about being “smart”
Break the myth that science is only for the innately brilliant. Chemistry is a skill anyone can learn with the right tools.📋 Crack the test strategy code
Learn to identify what’s being asked, connect topics, avoid traps, and confidently tackle complex questions.🧪 Master the lab report (worth ~30% of your grade)
Learn the formula for high-scoring reports—what profs actually look for—and how to deliver it every time.🧍 Stress and anxiety tools that actually work
Discover how anxiety stems from internal stories—and how to cut through the mental jungle to clarity.📚 Learn what your teachers never taught you
Study techniques, time management systems, and writing methods you should’ve learned in high school.🧪 Design your own final exam
Reverse-engineer the questions your profs might ask—and answer them like a chemist.🧑🏫 Teach a topic, master the topic
Use the Feynman Technique to reinforce your learning by explaining chemistry to your peers.💼 Chemistry beyond the classroom
Explore degrees, careers, and real-life applications of chemistry to keep your learning relevant.✍️ Become fluent in chemistry reading & writing
Learn to annotate dense texts and express complex ideas in clear, scientific language.🧭 Build a study system that works for your life
Craft a realistic, personalized schedule for success before midterms even begin.
Hosted by Hazel McCallion Central Library, Mississauga
Unlock the chemist within you
3-day course full course registration
3 hours per day of lessons, discussions, and aha! moments
Immersive, confidence-building experiences with personalized coaching
Visualize and build your own success story
$1199
$299
Regular 3-day workshop price during academic year
🗓️ Day 3: Communication, Organic Chemistry & Academic Success
Theme: Thinking Like a Chemist, Working Like a Student
Finish strong with real-world skill-building and organic chemistry intuition:
Reaction mechanisms as puzzles—charge flow logic made fun
Reading like a chemist: dense text annotation
Learn what makes a high-scoring lab report
Study planning and time strategy: build your weekly study map
Mini career talk: pathways in chemistry
Full mock final exam: try it under pressure, then rewrite it with support
Walk away with confidence, feedback, and a strategy for the semester
🗓️ Day 2: Tools for Thinking and Succeeding in Chemistry
Theme: Strategy, Structure, and Self-Mastery
Now we build confidence through tools that empower you academically:
Core topic deep dives: Thermo, stoichiometry, equilibrium, and acid-base logic
Coached review & rewrite of Day 1’s quizzes to improve understanding
Write your own chemistry test (and try your partner’s!)
Use the Feynman method to teach others—and learn faster
Hands-on practice with error analysis and test traps
Final quiz + reflection tools to prepare for exams and manage stress
“Smart guessing” and “partial credit” test strategies from real students
🗓️ Day 1: The Living Science of Chemistry
Theme: Context, Curiosity, and Core Concepts
You'll dive into chemistry’s human side, then layer on core atomic theory and data interpretation. Highlights include:
The real story of chemistry: From alchemy to the periodic table
Learning to “see like a chemist” through classical investigative techniques
Paper-based lab practice + analysis
Bonding, atoms, and reactions made intuitive
2 quizzes to establish your chemistry baseline
Build your personal learning “why”
Receive your starter toolkit: custom notebook, cheat sheet, and extra resources
FAQs
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for students entering first-year university chemistry—whether you're heading into life sciences, engineering, or undecided. It's especially helpful if you’re feeling nervous, haven’t taken chemistry in a while, or want to start ahead of the curve.
What do I need to bring?
Just your curiosity. We’ll provide you with a custom chemistry notebook, resource guides, and all quiz/final materials. You’ll want a pen, your phone or a calculator, and maybe a snack.
How is this different from tutoring or high school review?
This isn’t about memorizing more—it’s about mastering how to learn chemistry. You’ll get hands-on practice, guided coaching, and tools that go way beyond typical tutoring.
Do I need a strong chemistry background to join?
Nope! You don’t need to be a chemistry whiz. This workshop will teach you the essential ideas from the ground up—and more importantly, how to think, study, and succeed like a top student.
Will this help with my actual university course?
Yes—100%. The workshop is designed to reflect real first-year chemistry content and teach strategies you can immediately apply to lectures, labs, exams, and reports. It is especially relevant to University of Toronto chemistry courses.
What if I’m still unsure or nervous about joining?
Totally normal. This workshop is built for students like you—curious, capable, and maybe just a little overwhelmed. The goal of the workshop is to have you feeling empowered and confident in chemistry—not intimidated or nervous. We’ll meet you where you are and help you build the skills to succeed.