Struggling with ORGO? Conquering Fear and Rejecting Inherent Perfection - Interview with Tom Silldorff, Continuation
In the "Student Life" section, we delve into the world of Organic Chemistry (Orgo), a subject known for its qualitative nature and the ability to challenge students to recognise trends, patterns, and break down complex molecules. Tom Silldorff, a well-respected figure in the chemistry department, offers insights into the subject's difficulty and encourages students to approach it with an open mind, as it could be where they find success.
Orgo demands students to think in ways they haven't before, and it requires a great degree of autonomy in understanding the material. Tom believes this is an important part of the learning process. He can often be found in the NCW dining hall or at his bench at Frick, ready to help students who seek his guidance.
Tom's office hours are posted during exam weeks, making it easier for students to seek his advice. He encourages all students to take Orgo, as the professors and TAs want students to succeed and will provide understanding.
Preparing for Organic Chemistry and overcoming its difficulty can be achieved through various strategies. One effective approach is to study mechanisms logically, focusing on understanding how reactions occur rather than rote memorization. Paying attention to key intermediates like carbocations and carbanions, and using flowcharts or visual aids to grasp complex reaction sequences can be beneficial.
Another strategy is to use authoritative textbooks such as NCERT for foundational concepts, since many exam questions are directly based on them. Highlighting important reactions and mechanisms for quick revision is also recommended.
Practising regularly with questions and past papers is essential to identify patterns, improve time management, and boost accuracy. Repeated practice helps reinforce concepts and exposes common exam question formats.
Creating mnemonics for memorising functional groups, IUPAC prefixes, and named reactions can save time and reduce confusion. Adopting a mechanistic and electrostatics approach by relating reactions to electronegativity and molecular interactions can deepen understanding.
Maintaining a consistent study schedule with allocated days for different topics and tracking progress using planners or checklists can help students stay organised and focused. Learning from mistakes by writing down practice questions, retaking problems to full comprehension, and understanding errors as part of the learning process is also crucial.
Scaled-down practical experiments, if available, can help students build hands-on skills in organic lab techniques safely and efficiently, minimising risks and unpleasant experiences associated with some organic chemicals.
Amaya Dressler '25 has written an article about Tom Silldorff's insights on fear, failure, and the beauty of organic chemistry, titled "Reflections on Fear, 'Failure,' & the Beauty of Organic Chemistry Part 1: Thank You ORGO LEGEND Tom Silldorff." Another interview with Delaan Nedd '25 can also be found in the "Lab Research" section. Tom Silldorff's contact information, including his phone number and email, can be found on the undergraduate course assistant list.
Tom wishes there was an option to not take the lab portion of the Orgo course, as he believes it would be more accessible to non-STEM students. Despite his struggles in MOL214 and biochemistry, Tom found solace in the fact that he felt more at home in organic chemistry. Tom can be contacted by email for questions about Orgo or chemistry in general.
[1] Organic Chemistry: A Comprehensive Approach, Smith, March, and Liu [2] Organic Chemistry: A Global Perspective, Trost and Fleming [3] Organic Chemistry, McMurry [4] Organic Chemistry, Solomons and Fryhle
Engaging in the "Student Life" section, personal growth and education-and-self-development can be nurtured through the challenging world of Organic Chemistry (Orgo), as demonstrated by Tom Silldorff's guidance. By adopting strategies such as studying mechanisms logically, utilizing textbooks, practicing regularly, and maintaining a consistent study schedule, students can achieve success in Orgo and foster their learning experience, contributing to their personal growth.
