Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences | Rutgers-New Brunswick

Solid GEMS: Facts & Myths

Solid GEMS is an intensive academic program designed to increase the performance of students in General Chemistry 161 and 162. Since its inception in 1986, the Solid GEMS program at Rutgers has been helping students earn good grades and gain a deeper understanding of basic chemistry concepts. Many students who start with Solid GEMS continue their college years as science majors; many of these students go on to successful careers in science-related industries. Despite the success of the Solid GEMS (General Education in Math and Science) program, a few misconceptions and myths about the program have persisted over the years.

MYTH: The Department of Chemistry offers 2 entirely different Chemistry 161 and 162 courses. One is called “regular Chemistry” and the other is Solid GEMS 161 and 162.

FACT: There is only one Chemistry 161 and one Chemistry 162 course. Some of the sections, (the “R” designated ones, also called Solid GEMS), use a different teaching model which emphasizes abstract reasoning and “hands-on learning.” The Solid GEMS sections also offer smaller classes, more lecture and recitation time, and more test-taking opportunities. However, the course content is the same.

MYTH: Solid GEMS is a remedial science course. Students enrolled in Solid GEMS take “watered-down,” preparatory chemistry, not the “real” Chemistry 161 and 162; after taking Solid GEMS, students are still required to take Chemistry 161 and 162 to complete the science sequence.

FACT: Solid GEMS sections are given exactly the same material (with all its trimmings) as the non-Solid GEMS sections. The “R” simply distinguishes the section; it does not stand for “remedial.' Furthermore, Solid GEMS Chemistry 161-162 completes the 161-162 course sequence. Student transcripts from GEMS and non-GEMS sections look the same; however, Solid GEMS uses a research-based approach to improving students' ability to reason abstractly.

MYTH: Solid GEMS sections get easier quizzes, hourly exams, and a different final exam because GEMS is a lower-level course.

FACT: Solid GEMS sections get 4 hourly exams (as opposed to 3 in non-Solid GEMS sections) and 8 quizzes (versus 5). This reduces test anxiety and reduces the amount of material students must master for each testing opportunity. The level of difficulty in Solid GEMS exams is the same as the non-Solid GEMS exams. Furthermore, whether students are enrolled in Solid GEMS or non-Solid GEMS chemistry, they all take the same final exam.

 If you have any questions about GEMS, call or e-mail Ms. Neuvia Wallace at 732-932-3000 x532 or wallace@aesop.rutgers.edu.

 

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