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

Solid GEMS Chemistry

General Education in Math and Science Chemistry Program

Solid GEMS was envisioned by the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Office of Special Programs and operates in conjunction with the Rutgers Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Goals of Solid GEMS:

  • To raise student success in entry-level college mathematics and science courses.
  • To reduce student attrition from subsequent science and math courses.
  • To encourage student persistence and success in science majors by providing a sound academic foundation and experience upon which students can build.

Solid GEMS Methodology:

  • Expanded chemistry lectures improve student mastery of course objectives.
  • Expanded chemistry recitations develop analytical reasoning and problem solving skills.
  • Increased testing opportunities reduce test-taking anxiety and stress.
  • Learning cycle involves students in exploration, invention and application.
  • “Parallel Teaching” (teaching the same material in different disciplines) accommodates different learning modalities.

PROGRAM DATES: The summer Solid GEMS program begins the week after Memorial Day and ends on the first Saturday in August. The academic year GEMS sequence is offered as follows: Fall: Chem 161; Spring: Chem 162.

ELIGIBILITY: Any student required to take General Chemistry for his/her major is eligible for the Solid GEMS Chemistry Course sequence. It is highly recommended that students participating in the Solid GEMS Chemistry have Math placements of 01:640:111 or above (see RU Math Department Undergraduate Information).

COST TO PARTICIPANTS: There is no cost to any Rutgers EOF students, as they are provided funding through the EOF Central Office. Eligible non-EOF students must cover the costs of living expenses and materials. Some scholarship funds are available for non-EOF students.

 

 

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