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cbsquared
for GAMSAT candidates
Just over
half the GAMSAT is made up of Biological and Physical Sciences questions. It is important for you to know that for the calculation of GAMSAT scores, the Science section (Section III) is weighted double. To do well in the GAMSAT, you must do well in Section III. 40% of Section III is Chemistry. The level of Chemistry required extends well beyond year 12 chemistry taught in Australian Schools, in fact, a significant proportion is taught at second year university.
With
around 1 minute and 30 seconds to answer each question, a strong understanding
of high level first year university Chemistry would be extremely beneficial. Many topics in Chemistry also spill over in to Biology and Physics. An understanding of Chemistry will give you a better understanding of many scientific concepts such as graphical analysis and applied mathematics such as proportionality and manipulation of formulae.
The GAMSAT
information booklet found at the official GAMSAT website (www.gamsat.acer.edu.au)
states the following with regard to preparation for the GAMSAT:
"it must
be stressed that success in GAMSAT is unlikely without knowledge and
ability in the biological and physical sciences, however this is acquired.
GAMSAT measures
skills and knowledge acquired over a long period of time, as well as
the ability to reason, make logical deductions and form judgments. There
would therefore be little benefit to be gained from last-minute 'cramming'.
However, for non-science graduates some specific preparation covering
relevant basic sciences to first year university level is highly recommended.
Some candidates
may wish to enrol in a short tertiary level science course to ensure
adequate preparation."
The cbsquared
course provides students with lecture notes and tutorials of first year
university level chemistry. The course is designed to give students a
good grounding in the background chemistry required. Specific multiple
choice question answering techniques, including speed of text uptake and
problem solving are touched on in the course, but it is suggested that these techniques also be
practiced along with the chemistry concepts using specific GAMSAT preparation
material such as the official ACER books.
The cbsquared course
moves at a swift pace in order to cover the basics of chemistry right
through to the high 1st year level and relevant 2nd year university level chemistry required for the GAMSAT. Attendance
at lectures and interactive tutorials is highly recommended to obtain
maximum benefit from the course, however if you are unable attend or live interstate or overseas and
would like to purchase an at home pack, please email: info@corribaker.com, or complete the registration form to order your pack.
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cbsquared aim
Course Information Booklet (download pdf)
Course Content Summary (download pdf)
cbsquared course or tuition register here.
The aim
of the cbsquared course is to provide a foundation in chemistry for
students who:
- require
significant chemistry understanding for the GAMSAT
- have been using other GAMSAT preparation materials and have found them too hard, or don't have enough basic understanding to use them effectively
- need to master scientific skills and concepts such as graphical analysis, proportionality, manipulation of mathematical formulae, pattern recognition
- are enrolling
in science, engineering, medical or veterinary courses which assume
a knowledge of chemistry
- have no
chemistry background
- studied
chemistry at year 12 or University but need the higher level chemistry understanding for the GAMSAT
- studied
chemistry some time ago
- need to
refresh or better understand chemistry
This course
provides all the basic knowledge and extends to give an understanding
of more difficult concepts.
The cbsquared course was designed and written by Corri Baker. Corri has been teaching Chemistry to university students, GAMSAT students and high school students since 2005. Corri currently teaches 1st and 2nd year University Chemistry at Adelaide University and the University of South Australia.
Corri's teaching appointments include: Lecturer of first year
Introductory Chemistry at the University of South Australia in 2009, 1st year Chemistry tutorial classes at Adelaide
University (non-compulsory but attracting 80-100 students per session, a testament to her teaching style!) 2005-present,
ADUChem Chemistry Bridging Course, 2006-present, as well as years of experience marking Chemistry
1 exam papers, practical demonstration to 3rd year university level, and
the private tuition of numerous students from schools, universities and
GAMSAT candidates over the years.
Corri has a
BSc (Hons) in chemistry and is currently in the final stages of her PhD
in chemistry at Adelaide University. The research focus of her PhD is
in the field of synthetic molecular receptors, combining aspects of organic
and analytic & inorganic chemistry.
To peruse a
more extensive summary of Corri's research profile and credentials please
see the about page of this website, or review the testimonials.
Lecturers for
the course are Corri Baker as well as other PhD level chemists who are experts in their fields, share the same passion for teaching and learning, and all have significant teaching experience at University Level.
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what is
included?
There a a few options when it comes to cbsquared courses: you can either attend the course in Adelaide or purchase the course to work on at home, in your own time, at your own pace. There are two options for the at home packs, either with or without lecture recordings.
Other shorter cbsquared courses & tuition options are also available, see here for a summary of courses or here for private tuition options.
Both the cbsquared course by attendance and the at home pack are equivalent to a 10 week lecture and tutorial course (similar to a semester of university
study).
The cbsquared 10 week course by attendance is comprised of:
- Lecture notes book (~ 1000 slides)
- Comprehensive summary of all 20 topics, including a list of all the main concepts from each section
- 20 written tutorials with fully worked
answers
- Guide to official ACER Gamsat questions - a list of references to relevant section of lecture notes for each question
- approx 30 hours of lectures
- approx 10 hours of tutorials
- Online access to all lectures in mp3 format
- Receive 20% off the Elements of Senior Chemistry Workbook
- References
to workbook and four other textbooks for further practice
- Links to useful online resources
Course Information Booklet (download pdf)
Course Content Summary (download pdf)
To see what is included in the cbsquared at home pack courses, click here.
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when and
where?
The attendance course runs Monday and
Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
10 week Winter course in preparation for GAMSAT 2013: Commences July 2012, dates TBC.
Monday and Wednesday Evenings from 6pm-8pm at the Adelaide University Chemistry Department
Deposits are now payable to secure your place ($70).
It is strongly recommended that you begin your GAMSAT study as early as possible. There is a lot of material to cover and the amount of time it takes to absorb and master the concepts should not be underestimated.
Register here
2 week GAMSAT Questions Approach Workshop
Two weeks of tutorials (twice per week) for a small group (5-8 students) run in November and March (dates TBC). Questions from the official ACER GAMSAT question books will be worked through, as well as a guide to how to approach GAMSAT questions, how much of the stimulus you need to read, what knowledge is really required to answer each question.
Register here
All courses take place at the Adelaide University
Chemistry Department, North Terrace Campus
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topics covered
Course Summary (download pdf)
- Atoms Molecules and Ions
- Bonding
- Stoichiometry and Solution Chemistry
- Molecular Geometry & Intermolecular Forces
- Gases
- Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics
- Chemical Kinetics: Reaction Rates
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Acids and Bases
- Phases & Physical Properties of Solutions
- Oxidation & Reduction (REDOX) and Electrochemistry
- Quantum Theory & Nuclear Chemistry
- Intro to Organic Chemistry
- Functional Groups
- Stereochemistry
- Reactions of Functional Groups
- Reaction Mechanism
- Carbohydrates
- Protein Chemistry
- Structure Determination (Spectroscopy & Spectrometry)
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at home pack
At home pack
(standard):
- Lecture notes booklet (~ 1000 slides!)
- Comprehensive summary of all 21 topics, including a list of all the main concepts from each section
- 20 written tutorials with
answers
- References
to workbook and four other textbooks for further practice
- Guide to official ACER Gamsat questions - a list of references to relevant section of lecture notes for each question
- Elements of Senior Chemistry Workbook with answers CD which contains full worked
solutions ($60 RRP).
Register here
At home pack
(+ audio):
includes all of the features of the standard pack, as well as downloadable lecture recordings in mp3 format. Students find the lecture recordings to be an invaluable learning tool, as they can be listened to in the car, on the bus or train, wherever, whenever you like!
Register
here
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private & group tutorial sessions
Email me to organise a consultation during which we can discuss your background, and therefore the amount of time you may need to commit to GAMSAT study and also to assist you in drawing up a study plan. Tutorials can be directed by you, or I can get you started with some materials and questions if you are wondering where to begin.
In either case, bring along any materials and questions to the tutorials that you would like to go through, including cbsquared course notes & tutorials, ACER materials, Des O'Neill materials. I can go through it all with you and show you how best to answer questions, and ascertain exactly what background knowledge is really required.
Register here
There is availability for private tuition for GAMSAT,
at a rate of $70 per hour. Group tutorials come at a significant reduction in price of $25 per hour with as few as 3 students per group. Depending on your needs, and given the large amount of
material to be covered, you may find it more affordable to enrol in
the course or purchase the at home pack, please email for advice if you are unsure.
With regard to small group tutorials, you may organise a group yourself, or there may be
the opportunity to be placed in a group if available, just email me with your requirements.
Register here
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how do I
enrol?
Now taking expressions of interest in the 10 week Winter course, commencing July/August (dates TBC), and GAMSAT Q's Workshop commencing November. It is strongly recommended that you begin your GAMSAT study as early as possible. To enrol, register
here.
You can also
register your interest or apply for tuition and at home packs through
the online enrolment, even if you are not yet sure if you will take the
course.
Further information
can be requested via registration if you require, or you might like to
consult the FAQ's.
For further
information and advice about your GAMSAT study methods don't hesitate to send an email info@corribaker.com or call me on 0417 890 523.
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how much?
- cbsquared 10 week
chemistry course: $495
Including: 40 hours total of contact time, tutorial Q & A, 20% offer
for "Elements" workbook
- cbsquared 10
week chemistry course + Elements of Senior Chemistry Workbook: $545
Including: 40 hours total of lecture notes, tutorial Q & A, 20% offer
for "Elements" workbook
- cbsquared at home
pack (standard): $165 + $11.90 p&h
Including: lecture notes, tutorial Q & A, a copy of the "Elements" Workbook:
- cbsquared at home
pack (+ lecture recordings): $295 + $11.90 p&h
Including: lecture notes, tutorial Q & A, a copy of the "Elements" Workbook, plus downloadable lecture recordings in mp3 file format:
- cbsquared GAMSAT Chemistry Question Approach Workshop: $220
Including: 4 x 2 hour small group tutorials (5-8 students only), lecture notes, tutorial Q & A
Optional extras: "Elements of Senior Chemistry" Workbook (add $50), Lecture Audio Files, mp3 format (add $120)
Places are limited to ensure
the classes are not over crowded. To secure your place, a $70 non-refundable
deposit is payable.
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payment information
You may pay via
EFT or paypal.
Account details:
Corrin Baker
Acc No. 060 092 240
BSB 105-135
Please
state your name in the description.
You can also pay via your paypal account, simply go to "send money" and send to the email address "info@corribaker.com"
Notification of payment emails can be sent to info@corribaker.com. In most cases, you will be emailed a receipt within 48 hours of making payment.
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FAQ's
Will I pass the GAMSAT if I do this course?
Can I pay in installments?
I have absolutely NO background in Chemistry. Is this course for me?
I have done Chemistry at University. Is this course for me?
I need Chemistry for a University course, will the 10 week course be relevant?
What is the difference between Des O'Neill’s Science Revision Course and the cbsquared course?
I am already taking Des O’Neill’s Science Revision Course. What will I gain from completing the cbsquared course as well?
What is the difference between the cbsquared course and the ADUChem Bridging course presented on the University of Adelaide Website?
Will I pass the GAMSAT if I do this course?
The million dollar question! Obviously this is something I cannot guarantee. However, I can guarantee you will receive a huge amount of support and resources, and along with some hard work and commitment, you can fulfil your potential. I can also guarantee caring and personalised tuition, which is very hard to find elsewhere. You will benefit immensely from meeting other students in the same boat as you. You can form study groups together, bounce questions off each other, and help keep each other motivated.
Can I pay in installments?
I understand that to register for the GAMSAT itself is
expensive, as well as the cost of preparation courses and materials. That's why I offer you the option to pay in installments for the 10 week course. Just email me an I can organise a payment plan with you. We can arrange fortnightly installments as low as $70.
I have absolutely NO background in Chemistry. Is this course for me?
Yes! The course has been designed to teach the concepts required from the basics, to the very high level as required by the GAMSAT. The first four topics cover the basic chemistry that underpins all of the understanding for the remaining 16 topics.
Chances are, even if you have studied Chemistry in Year 12 and/or 1st year university, there are holes in your understanding which will cause problems as you start to move onto more difficult concepts. The cbsquared course ensures that you have an excellent grasp of all the basics which makes learning more difficult topics and taking on more tricky questions much easier. It also introduces topics that are not taught in Year 12 or 1st Year University.
I have done Chemistry at University. Is this course for me?
If you have seen the official practice materials for the GAMSAT, you will be aware that the Chemistry is of quite a high level and requires an understanding of Chemistry topics that are not taught at a first year university level. The level of organic chemistry is above a first year level, and some aspects of physical chemistry are not taught until second year, or are taught in very small detail.
What is the difference between Des O'Neill’s Science Revision Course and the cbsquared course?
Many people find Des O'Neill's materials quite demanding, and need to start from the basics before tackling the Des O'Neill's material or official ACER material. The cbsquared course bridges this gap.
Des O’Neill’s Attendance Science Revision Course is run over three days in January. In this time, you will cover Physics, Biology and Chemistry. There is a large amount of Chemistry in the GAMSAT, comprising 40% of the Science section (section III).
The cbsquared course includes a minimum 30 hours of contact time in the form of lectures and tutorials, over 10 weeks, Des O’Neill's course is approximately 21 hours of seminars in three days. The cbsquared course is distributed over 10 weeks with the intention that tutorials be worked on at home and any questions addressed in tutorial sessions the following week. Des O’Neill’s course is three days in January, running as an intensive revision session.
You will find a list of topics that need to be covered for chemistry alone listed in this document. This amount of material would normally be covered over more than a full year of first year university study, normally having been preceded by the study of chemistry at year 12 level.
The cbsquared course is specifically designed to teach the essentials from such a large topic breadth. This 10 week course provides more time to effectively grasp concepts, while having an experienced tutor on hand to answer your questions and provide support week after week.
You may find it difficult to grasp all the concepts in such a short space of time if you have limited background in chemistry. cbsquared is run over 10 weeks in order to take you from a novice level chemist to a higher level, so that you are able to start tackling the trickier multiple choice questions you will find in the official ACER GAMSAT preparation books.
I am already taking Des O’Neill’s Science Revision Course. What will I gain from completing the cbsquared course as well?
You will benefit in different ways from both courses, and they work well in conjunction with one another. Do not expect to be able to learn the huge amount of concepts required in Des O’Neill’s three day science revision seminar alone.
You will need some background chemistry knowledge first to even begin to be able to answer the questions provided in the official ACER GAMSAT preparation materials. The same applies for the questions provided in Des O’Neill’s materials.
The cbsquared course is purposely scheduled much earlier so that you can have the maximum preparation and as much background knowledge in chemistry as you can, in order to get the most out of Des O’Neill’s intense three day course in January.
What is the difference between the cbsquared course and the ADUChem Bridging course presented on the University of Adelaide Website?
I have been a tutor for the ADUChem Bridging course since 2006. The course is run for two weeks during the day in early February. It is designed to cater to students that have no chemistry background, and are entering into Foundations of Chemistry 1 once they start university.
The pace and amount of chemistry material covered is far less than what is required for GAMSAT. In addition, by February when the course starts, you will need to be well beyond the basic level of chemistry that the ADUChem course teaches.
However, if you were to take the ADUChem course in February, it would be a good place to start to get the basics of chemistry, followed by more advanced chemistry taught later that year, in preparation for the GAMSAT in March of the following year.
For more information about the ADUChem course, see the Adelaide University website.
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Year
12 Chemistry Tuition
I can give students that bit of extra help they need to overcome any tricky concepts, or help them to really excel.
I am able to see students once or twice a week, and serve not just as a tutor, but a mentor. I can help keep stress levels to a minimum, boost motivation and confidence, and identify any weak areas which need extra practise.
I have seen that regular tutorials really help students to stay focussed, motivated and on track with their chemistry study, especially during the long weeks of independent study in the weeks directly before the exams & holiday periods.
I can devise a tailored study plan if required, based on the individual needs of the student and taking into account other demands already placed on them from other subjects or sporting commitments.
I will be taking Year 11 & 12 Chemistry students from May 2012. Call or email me now to discuss an approach that would work for you. Year 11 & 12 Tuition is offered at a rate of $70 per hour.
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University Level Chemistry Tuition
Whether it's a tutorial once per week to really help you stay on top of your Chemistry subject, or a few tutorials in the weeks leading up to the exam, I am confident that I can help you! We can go over topics that you missed, go through past exam papers or just generally help you with your approach or brush up on your applied maths should you need to.
I have a indepth knowledge of 1st year courses including Foundations of Chemistry, Chemistry & Life and Chemistry 1 courses at Adelaide University and the University of South Australia. I have marked exams for these subjects and therefore know what is required when answering exam questions. 1st year University
chemistry tuition is offered at a rate of $60 per hour. Groups of 2-4
at a rate of $70 per hour.
I have given tuition to hundreds of students over the years, and they have all really appreciated the effort and guidance I have provided in order to achieve their goals, whether that be a high distinction to raise their GPA, a credit average to assist in course transfer, or merely a scrape through pass to avoid repeating a year!
Some University courses require a knowledge of Chemistry. If you are taking a course which requires a knowledge of Chemistry you may find the cbsquared 10 week bridging course useful. See above for all the information or feel free to email me for advice.
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