ORT Chemistry study plan
ORT Chemistry · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Atom structure and periodic law & Chemical reactions, stoichiometry and quantitative calculations
Derive electron configurations (including exceptions) for elements 1–36 and relate them to periodic trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity.
Calculate moles, molar mass, and stoichiometric ratios from balanced equations for at least 10 reactions.
Identify limiting reagents and calculate theoretical and percent yield in multi-step problems.
Explain the periodic law and predict properties of main-group elements based on position.
Your checkpoint
A handwritten or typed problem set of 20 stoichiometry and periodic-trend questions with full solutions, scored ≥ 80% on self-check.
Chemical bonding and molecular structure & Inorganic chemistry: s-, p-, d-block elements and their compounds
Draw Lewis structures, assign formal charges, and predict molecular geometry using VSEPR for common molecules and ions.
Describe the nature of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding and relate to physical properties.
Compare the general properties of s-, p-, and d-block elements and their common oxidation states.
Write balanced equations for characteristic reactions of Group 1, 2, 17, and selected transition metals.
Your checkpoint
A summary table of 15 molecules/ions with Lewis structure, VSEPR shape, hybridization, and polarity, plus 10 reaction equations for s- and p-block elements.
Inorganic chemistry: s-, p-, d-block elements and their compounds & Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons and functional derivatives
Explain trends in the d-block: complex formation, color, and catalytic behavior of transition metal compounds.
Name and draw structures of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and simple aromatic compounds according to IUPAC rules.
Predict major products of addition, substitution, and elimination reactions of hydrocarbons.
Describe the preparation and reactions of key functional derivatives (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters).
Your checkpoint
A reaction map for hydrocarbons and functional groups showing at least 15 interconversions with reagents and conditions.
Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons and functional derivatives & Organic reaction mechanisms and synthesis
Identify nucleophilic substitution (SN1/SN2) and elimination (E1/E2) mechanisms from substrate, nucleophile, and solvent.
Predict products of electrophilic aromatic substitution and explain directing effects.
Outline multi-step syntheses of target molecules using functional group interconversions.
Determine reaction mechanisms for at least five organic reactions, including arrow-pushing.
Your checkpoint
A written solutions set of 8 organic synthesis and mechanism problems, including arrow-pushing and justification, self-graded with a rubric.
Solutions, electrolytic dissociation and ionic equilibria & Oxidation-reduction and electrochemistry
Calculate pH, pOH, and concentrations in solutions of strong/weak acids and bases, including buffers and hydrolysis.
Apply solubility product (Ksp) and complex ion formation to predict precipitation.
Assign oxidation numbers, balance redox equations in acidic and basic media, and identify oxidizing/reducing agents.
Calculate cell potentials (E°cell) and relate to spontaneity; describe electrolysis and Faraday’s laws.
Your checkpoint
A problem set of 15 solution-equilibrium and redox/electrochemistry problems with step-by-step solutions, achieving ≥ 80% correct.
High-molecular compounds and chemistry of life & Laboratory safety, qualitative analysis and experimental technique
Classify polymers (addition vs condensation) and relate structure to properties; identify common natural polymers.
Describe the chemistry of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids at a structural level.
Interpret safety data sheets (SDS) and apply safe handling, storage, and waste-disposal rules for common laboratory chemicals.
Perform qualitative analysis schemes for common cations and anions using flame tests, precipitation, and gas evolution.
Your checkpoint
A laboratory safety and qualitative analysis flow chart for six cations and four anions, including expected observations and balanced equations.
Atom structure and periodic law & Inorganic chemistry: s-, p-, d-block elements and their compounds & Chemical reactions, stoichiometry and quantitative calculations & Solutions, electrolytic dissociation and ionic equilibria & Oxidation-reduction and electrochemistry & Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons and functional derivatives
Integrate topics by solving multi-domain problems that combine stoichiometry with equilibrium or redox.
Review and correct errors from weeks 1–6 problem sets, focusing on recurring mistakes.
Complete a timed practice section covering all domains, simulating exam conditions.
Summarize key formulas and periodic trends on a one-page reference sheet.
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-question mixed practice test with a score report and an error log identifying at least five weak areas.
Chemical bonding and molecular structure & Organic reaction mechanisms and synthesis & High-molecular compounds and chemistry of life & Laboratory safety, qualitative analysis and experimental technique
Revisit weak areas identified in week 7 and solve targeted problems until mastery.
Practice experimental technique questions, including apparatus setup, titration, and qualitative analysis flow.
Review organic mechanisms and synthesis strategies with a focus on stereochemistry and regiochemistry.
Take a full-length mock exam under timed conditions and review all incorrect answers.
Your checkpoint
A final mock exam score of ≥ 75% with a written reflection on remaining gaps and a plan for final review.
Milestones
Week 2: Complete 20 mixed questions on atomic structure, bonding, and s/p-block chemistry with ≥ 80% accuracy.
Week 4: Successfully draw mechanisms and predict products for 10 organic reactions, scoring ≥ 80% on a self-made quiz.
Week 6: Achieve ≥ 75% on a 30-question quiz covering solutions, redox, polymers, and lab safety.
Week 8: Score ≥ 75% on a full-length timed mock exam and complete an error analysis for every incorrect answer.