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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
chemistry 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 chemistry 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 the online course, please email: info@corribaker.com, or complete the registration form to gain access to the online materials.
Physics courses are also available. See the information about cbsquared Physics courses here.
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cbsquared aim
cbsquared course or tuition register here.
The aim
of the cbsquared chemistry 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.
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 chemistry courses: you can either attend the course in Adelaide or purchase the online course to work on at home, in your own time, at your own pace..
Both the cbsquared course by attendance and the online course are equivalent to a 10 week lecture and tutorial course (similar to a semester of university
study).
The cbsquared 10 week chemistry course by attendance is comprised of:
- Online slidecasts of lecture presentations, with synchronised audio (~ 1000 slides, around 30 hours of audio)
- Comprehensive summary of all topics, including a list of all the main concepts from each section
- 20 tutorials with fully worked
answers where required and walk throughs of mathematical rearrangments
- Guide to official ACER Gamsat questions - a list of references to relevant section of lecture notes for each question
- 30 hours of tutorial time. This is invaluable time to go through tutorial problems and your questions in a small, relaxed classroom setting.
- Tips on how to work out questions without using a calculator and GAMSAT strategy is addressed in every tutorial class
- References
to online resources and guides
To see what is included in the cbsquared online course, click here.
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when and
where?
The attendance course runs Monday and
Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and is held in Fullarton, Adelaide.
10 week Winter & Summer courses in preparation for September GAMSAT 2013 and March 2014:
Winter course Commences July 8th 2013, Summer course commences November 18th 2013.
Monday and Wednesday Evenings from 6pm-7:30 in Adelaide.
Due to a new location, numbers are strictly limited to 25 students only, therefore 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. You need to have a SOLID background in Chemistry to benefit from this workshop. It is recommended that the attendance or online course be completed in FULL to gain maximum benefit from this workshop.
Register here
All courses take place in Adelaide, either at Adelaide University or in Fullarton.
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topics covered
Course Summary
- Atomic Structure & Nuclear Chemistry
- Bonding
- Stoichiometry & Solutions
- Molecular Geometry & Intermolecular Forces
- Gases
- Equilibrium
- Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics
- Chemical Kinetics
- Acids & Bases
- Phases & Physical Properties of Solutions
- Oxidation & Reduction
- Intro to Organic Chemistry
- Stereochemistry
- Reaction Mechanism
- Reaction Pathways
- Carbohydrates
- Protein Chemistry
- Structure Determination (Spectroscopy & Spectrometry)
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cbsquared online chemistry course
Includes:
- Online slidecasts of lecture presentations, with synchronised audio (~ 1000 slides, around 30 hours of audio)
- Study Plan: a week to week guide of what to study and how much time to allocate to get all of your Chemistry study done before GAMSAT
- Comprehensive summary of all topics, including a list of all the main concepts from each section
- 20 tutorials with fully worked
answers where required and walk throughs of mathematical rearrangments
- Tips on how to work out questions without using a calculator
- References
to online resources and guides
- Guide to official ACER Gamsat questions - a list of references to relevant section of lecture notes for each question
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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cbsquared Physics for GAMSAT course
Sean Manning will be teaching a Physics Attendance course in Adelaide on Tuesday Evenings over Winter. Sean has a PhD in Physics and lots of experience with teaching the Physics required for the GAMSAT. Seans course covers the basic Physics required as well as going through some GAMSAT Physics questions. The sessions will run from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at the Fullarton Centre in Adelaide.
Register here
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how do I
enrol?
To enrol, register
here.
You can also
register your interest or apply for tuition and online course 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
- cbsquared 9 week Physics course: $295
- cbsquared online chemistry course: $275
Places are limited in the attendance courses to ensure
the classes are not over crowded. To secure your place, a $70 non-refundable
deposit is payable now.
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payment information
You may pay via
EFT or paypal.
To pay via your paypal account, go to "send money" and send to the email address "info@corribaker.com"
To pay via EFT, please email info@corribaker.com for the account details.
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FAQ's
Will I pass the GAMSAT if I do this course?
What is the "Silver Bullet" of GAMSAT Preparation?
Are there any attendance courses in Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne/Canberra/Perth/Darwin?
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?
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?
My University Course has Year 12 Chemistry as a prerequisite. Will this course satisfy the requirements?
My University course has Year 12 Chemistry as assumed knowledge. Will this course prepare me?
What if I need one-on-one tuition?
Will I pass the GAMSAT if I do this course?
The million dollar question! Obviously this is something I cannot guarantee. Preparation courses that offer a "score guarantee" or claims that "80% of students achieve top 20% scores" are unfortunately pulling your leg and setting you up for a big disappointment. At the end of the day, success will depend on your level of commitment, effective study techniques and studying the right topics. The cbsquared Chemistry & Physics courses cover a wide range of Physics and Chemistry concepts right from the very basics, to the harder topcis that are required for the GAMSAT. In the attendance courses we also go through how to answer these without a calculator, which has the potential to have a big impact on your timing.
Something I can guarantee is that 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 also 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.
What is the "Silver Bullet" of GAMSAT Preparation?
A "Silver Bullet" can be defined as a direct and effortless solution to a problem. There is no silver bullet for getting past the GAMSAT. If you think that getting a high enough score in the GAMSAT will require no effort, and that cruising through a three day science course will get you over the line, then you are one of the lucky ones, good luck to you. For the rest of us, this is simply not possible. There are unfortunately many "three day GAMSAT preparation courses" out there claiming to prepare you for the science section for some ridiculous price. As someone who has taught science to university students, marked exams and prepared GAMSAT students for many years, I am here to tell you that the science in the GAMSAT is not something that can be learned in three days. I have seen what it takes for students to be successful, and have seen the low scores of those who completely underestimated the time and effort it would take to get up to a basic science level and be able to achieve a reasonable score in section III of the GAMSAT exam.
Are there any attendance courses in Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne/Canberra/Perth/Darwin?
There are currently no attendance course being run anywere other than Adelaide. However, people from all over the country (and world actually!) have been accessing the cbsquared online materials for years and have found this to be an extremely efficient way to learn Chemistry. The new cbsquared online course is different to usual online courses. The audio is synced with easy to follow presentations, to ensure you get the best out of the course, even if you are thousands of kilometeres away from it's origin. The worked answers to the tutorials are exceptional, and there is soon to be skype tutorials on offer, which will be almost like having a tutor right in the room with you!
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 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, or have sat the GAMSAT previously, 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, the course attempts to cover Physics, Biology and Chemistry. There is a large amount of Chemistry in the GAMSAT, comprising 40% of the Science section (section III). This course really is for revision ONLY. It does not teach the basics or go through a vast amount of concept and worked examples like the cbsquared course does.
The cbsquared course includes a minimum 30 hours of contact time in the form of small classroom type tutorials, over 10 weeks. Des O’Neill's course runs over just three days. Do not expect to be able to LEARN the same amount of concepts in this time. The cbsquared course is distributed over 10 weeks with the intention that lecture material and tutorials be worked on at home and questions addressed in tutorial sessions the following week. Des O’Neill’s course is three days in January, running as an intensive revision session. From my experience talking with students who have taken this approach before doing the cbsquared course, this is more or less useless unless you have a very high level of basic knowledge of science and maths to start with.
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.
The downside to these shorter "revision courses" is that you may find it difficult to grasp all the concepts in just three days if you have limited background in chemistry. In contrast, 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.
My University Course has Year 12 Chemistry as a prerequisite. Will this course satisfy the requirements?
Although the cbsquared 10 week course is not officially accredited, it has been accepted by BOND University as adequate chemistry training. You should check with your University, as cbsquared has no control over what different Universities will deem adequate preparation for their courses, and different universities have different rules.
My University Course has Year 12 Chemistry as assumed knowledge. Will this course prepare me?
Many courses require assumed knowledge of Chemistry. Such courses include some Bachelor of Science degrees, Animal Science or VET Science degrees, and Bachelor of Curation amongst others. Many students who have never studied chemistry or have studied it some time ago, prefer to have an introduction to Chemistry before they are thrown into the deep end at University.
Students who have done the cbsquared course report feeling much more at ease with the basics of Chemistry when they start their course and better able to tackle more tricky concepts. They are under less stress than many other students and are very grateful to have done the cbsquared course. Please be aware that an “assumed knowledge” of chemistry is very different from chemistry being a prerequisite for entry to the course. Be sure that you are clear about the specific requirements of your University.
What if I need one-on-one tuition?
Sometimes, you just want to have the undivided attention of someone that can answer all of your questions. Cbsquared offers tuition for all students for GAMSAT preparation, secondary school students and university. Check out the tuition page for more information.
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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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