Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Chemistry Tutor do?

Alexis W.
Alexis W.

A chemistry tutor provides help with chemistry to students. A chemistry tutor often works with students on a one-on-one basis to provide additional assistance out of the classroom. A tutor may at times work with a group of students as well.

In the United States, many students take chemistry in high school. This science requirement teaches students basic chemical reactions. An understanding of both mathematical and scientific principles is required to be successful in chemistry.

Chemistry tutors may advise chemistry students on proper lab techniques.
Chemistry tutors may advise chemistry students on proper lab techniques.

Some students struggle with their chemistry classes. Understanding chemical equations, doing chemistry labs, and completing the other coursework may be difficult. Despite their difficulty, students may need to pass the course to get credits required to graduate high school.

Students who are struggling in chemistry may either hire a chemistry tutor or be provided with a chemistry tutor by the school. If a student elects to hire a private tutor, the chemistry tutor receives financial compensation from the student, or perhaps more commonly, from the student's parents. If the school provides the tutor, commonly the tutor works on a volunteer basis as part of his community service to the school.

A chemistry tutor may use a Bunsen burner to demonstrate how a substance can change when heated.
A chemistry tutor may use a Bunsen burner to demonstrate how a substance can change when heated.

The tutor, whether he is a private tutor who is paid, or a tutor provided by the school, assists the students in learning the basic fundamentals of chemistry. In particular, he or she will pinpoint the student's greatest areas of deficiency. This can be as simple as helping the troubled student to learn the periodic table, or as complex as helping the student learn to form hypotheses, complete experiments, or balance chemical equations.

Chemists may use cryogenic substances to store volatile materials.
Chemists may use cryogenic substances to store volatile materials.

Chemistry is also taught at the advanced level, the college level, and the postgraduate level. In high school, some students take advanced placement or AP chemistry to earn college credit. Students in these advanced courses may also seek tutors to help them to learn the concepts of the class, so they can score a four or five on the AP, which is the minimum score required to be awarded college credit.

Chemistry tutors help students learn the periodic table.
Chemistry tutors help students learn the periodic table.

At the college level, chemistry becomes even more complex. Students may take organic chemistry, which is a prerequisite to gaining admission to medical school or veterinary school, as well as a requirement for other science careers such as biologist or chemist. A college level chemistry tutor will provide support for these advanced classes, helping students to understand difficult and complex concepts.

A chemistry tutor assists students in learning the basic fundamentals of the subject.
A chemistry tutor assists students in learning the basic fundamentals of the subject.

Much like at the high school level, a college level tutor may be a private tutor who works for compensation, or he may be working in the student services office in an effort to volunteer and give back. In either situation, the tutor must be experienced and adept in chemistry. He also must be able to teach and clearly explain complex concepts to others.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Chemistry tutors may advise chemistry students on proper lab techniques.
      Chemistry tutors may advise chemistry students on proper lab techniques.
    • A chemistry tutor may use a Bunsen burner to demonstrate how a substance can change when heated.
      A chemistry tutor may use a Bunsen burner to demonstrate how a substance can change when heated.
    • Chemists may use cryogenic substances to store volatile materials.
      By: Yuri Bathan
      Chemists may use cryogenic substances to store volatile materials.
    • Chemistry tutors help students learn the periodic table.
      By: concept w
      Chemistry tutors help students learn the periodic table.
    • A chemistry tutor assists students in learning the basic fundamentals of the subject.
      By: Monkey Business
      A chemistry tutor assists students in learning the basic fundamentals of the subject.