Introduction to Chemistry UF

Introduction to Chemistry UFIntroduction to Chemistry UF is a group of courses which are designed to help you get acquainted with the fundamentals of chemistry. It also prepares students for careers in chemistry, engineering, pharmaceuticals and related fields. It aims to prepare students for graduate school in chemistry.The course is divided into six modules, each of which teaches a particular subject. It has been compared to a two-year Bachelor's degree. There are six modules in all. It is recommended that students complete all modules before they enter graduate school. This is because the course cannot be applied to the major subjects of graduate school such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics and so on.The first module teaches you general chemistry. It concentrates on topics such as metals, gases, solids, liquids, electrical conductivity, atomic structure, alkalis, carbonyl compounds, mixtures, heterocycles, halogens, singlet oxygen, alkenes, and nitrogen compounds. The o ther three modules deal with sample problems such as temperature, titration, titration gradient, diffusion, equilibrium, reaction time, expansion factor, solvent phenomena, and crystallization.The second module, titled 'Introduction to Materials' covers organic chemistry. It concentrates on topics such as organic polymerization, nitrogen compounds, biological and industrial reactions, and polymerization reactions. Another module, called 'Introduction to Organic Materials,' deals with common types of materials and different approaches used in the study of these materials. The third module, 'Introduction to Aromatic Organic Chemistry,' deals with important compounds in the category of aromatics, which includes essential oils, volatile compounds, aromatic gases, paraffin waxes, and hydrocarbons.The last module, titled 'Introduction to Bio-chemistry' allows you to delve into topics such as biotechnology, biochemistry, cell structure, metabolism, glycosylation, and polymerization. The fi fth module, titled 'Introduction to Molecular Biology,' explains how enzymes control the activities of the various cellular processes. They control various steps in cell growth, division, mitosis, and apoptosis. There are several modules on problems and sample problems and the other students to discuss the problems and give answers.The next modules, 'Introduction to Physics,' and 'Introductory Mechanics,' explain the properties of particles and how they affect the motion of other particles. There are also two supplementary modules, 'Physical Theory'Numerical Methods.' In addition, there are several subcourses, and the subcourses may overlap with each other. An example of a subcourse is 'Lab for Physics.'Complete all six modules before you enter graduate school. You can access the program online, by registering for a class, or by contacting the department at your undergraduate college or university.

Talk Like a Native with These 15 Italki Alternatives for Language Learning

Talk Like a Native with These 15 Italki Alternatives for Language Learning Talk Like a Native with These 15 Italki Alternatives for Language Learning Italki may be the talk of the town among anyone looking for an  online language tutor or a  conversation exchange partner.But in spite of its many benefits, it isnt the only choice on the market.In fact, there are 15 great alternatives you can use if italki isnt quite what youre looking for.If you havent heard of italki, you might be missing out. Italki provides one-on-one lessons from native speakers that you can use to improve your skills.If you dont feel you need a formal lesson, italki can also connect you with a native speaker for a free conversation exchange so you can practice what youve learned.Regardless of the path you take, italki presents you with customizable, flexible learning options to teach you nearly any language you may want to learn.However, if youre not on-board with italki, not all is lost! These 15 alternatives can provide you with many of the benefits italki offers. Why Use an Italki Alternative?First, using an italki alternative can help you find a language tutor or language exchange partner. Maybe you havent clicked with any of the tutors or language exchange partners youve found on italki. Or maybe you just want to make sure that whatever tutor or language exchange partner you find is the best available anywhere. Regardless of your reason, using an italki alternative can help you find the right tutor or language exchange partner for you.Using an italki alternative can also provide you with something different than what italki offers. Each alternative provides slightly different features, so you might find an interface, tools or other options you prefer with an italki alternative.Finally, you can never have too much language practice. Thats a fact. Even if you still want to use italki, it doesnt mean you cant also use a few alternatives to augment your language education. The more the merrier!How to Select the Right Italki Alternative for YouLook for sources that provide information that matters to you.When youre in the market for a tutor or language exchange partner, most resources you encounter will provide some information on your potential match. For instance, some sources may offer your potential matchs photo, academic credentials, age, location and/or interests.However, the information provided varies between platforms. When selecting an alternative, consider what information matters to you to ensure you find a resource that provides that information.Ensure the resource you use offers the services you want.Services vary across these resources. Some may offer video lessons, others feature web chat and others may provide a written pen pal experience. If you have a specific idea of what sort of service you prefer, pay careful attention to what the resource provides to ensure it matches your preferences.Pay attention to how widely offered your target language is on the platform.Some platforms have more members than others, and the number of speakers of specific languages can vary wildly.You can often determin e how many people speak your target language on a platform simply by searching for a tutor or conversation partner who speaks that language. If your search doesnt yield many results, you may be better off using a different alternative.Look at the format and offerings of each platform.Some platforms provide supportive resources, like text translation or spell check, to make your conversations a little easier. Looking at the format and offerings of each platform can help you see additional opportunities and tools that might make you prefer one option over another.Talk Like a Native with These 15 Italki Alternatives for Language LearningItalki includes three great features for language learners: You can listen to native speakers, find a language tutor/teacher and match with a language exchange partner.Weve identified 15 resources that each include at least one of these features. Happy language learning!Listening to Native SpeakersOne key element of italki services is interacting with n ative speakers. However, not all language learners are comfortable speaking just yet.Luckily, that doesnt mean you have to miss out on the benefits of listening to native speakers. There are some great options for listening to native speakers without the intimidation factor of speaking to them.FluentUAvailable: iOS | AndroidFluentU gives you the opportunity to listen to a wide array of native speakers.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Videos with Interactive CaptionsUnder the Vocab and Dialogue tabs, youll find words and phrases from the video and a complete interactive transcript.Interactive Transcripts on FluentUYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs Quiz Mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoLike italki, FluentU is also flexible. You choose what you watch, when you watch it and how much you watch. Meanwhile, FluentUs algorithm tracks your learning to present you with questions that build on what youve already learned. Because of this flexibility, FluentU is appropriate for any level of language learner.FluentU also ticks off the convenient box. You can use FluentU online, download the the iOS app or try the Android app.YouTubeAvailable: iOS | AndroidYouTube may be your favorite way to kill a few minutes w ith fun videos youll want to share with your friends, but it can also be your ticket to language learning success.People around the world upload videos to YouTube, which means theres authentic content available in virtually any language you can imagine.To find channels in your target language, just search countries where your target language is widely spoken on Socialbakers  to find the most popular channels in that country. The most popular channels usually use the most widely spoken local language, so it isnt hard to find channels that use your target language.However, not all videos offer captioning, so YouTube is often a more appropriate option for more advanced students.Hiring a Teacher/TutorItalki can help you connect with a native speaker to serve as a teacher or tutor. Teachers and tutors can present you with targeted instruction to help you meet your learning goals. You can also find language teachers and tutors through the following services.LangcerStudents can use Langcer to connect with language teachers free of charge. Think of it like a matchmaking service. You can use it to connect with a teacher, but where you go from there is up to you.To select your teacher, you can search by language, country and whether the teacher is a native speaker. Teacher profiles display lots of great information, such as the teachers native language, teaching methods offered (in-person, online, video and/or phone), location and age.If you find a teacher you like, you can message them through the site to learn more. But be warnedâ€"the site hasnt been as active as it used to be in the last couple years, so teachers may or may not still be interested in providing lessons.PreplyAvailable: iOS | AndroidLike italki, you can use Preply online or from the comfort of your favorite device.Preply offers thousands of language tutors, including around 400 tutors for Arabic, 400 for Chinese, 2,600 for English, 300 for French, 200 for German, 300 for Italian, 300 for Japanese, 10 for Korean, 600 for Portuguese, 1,000 for Russian and 800 for Spanish.Rates vary between tutors, so options are available for different budgets.  You can search tutors by price, language, nationality and availability to locate your perfect match.Preply is also flexible. Tutors are available 24/7, so you can schedule lessons that work for you. Lessons are transmitted via video through Preply, so you can access them from whatever location is convenient for you.RypeRype provides one-on-one online language lessons with professional teachers.Lessons are personalized and available 24/7, so they can meet the needs, preferences and goals of most language students.The one caveat is that Rype doesnt offer the broad range of language options that many services provide. Instead, Rype focuses on 10 languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.If youre not sure if private lessons are right for you, you can try Rypes free seven-day trial t o see how you like it.AmazingTalkerWant to make sure your language tutor has been thoroughly vetted? AmazingTalker interviews its tutors and verifies their profiles. The program requires that tutors have teaching experience or teaching certificates and provides its tutors with additional training. Not only that, but youll have access to introduction videos, resumes and student feedback to help you select your ideal tutor.You dont have to have a contract, and lessons are customized for students. This makes AmazingTalker very flexible. You can just take a lesson here and there when theres something in particular you want to work on, or you can take more lessons with long-term goals in sight.AmazingTalker lessons are conducted via Zoom video conferencing, so you can take your lessons via mobile device or computer.Live LinguaProfessional teacher? Check. One-on-one instruction? Check. Customized curriculum? Check.Its hard to go wrong with Live Linguas flexible, personalized lessons. One thing that really sets Live Lingua apart from other services is that you dont even have to select your own instructor, so its perfect for anyone with analysis paralysis.Instead, you share your goals, learning style and educational history. A class coordinator will select a tutor for you, so you dont have to spend hours staring at profiles trying to decide whom to choose.Live Lingua also provides a free one-hour trial lesson to make sure Live Lingua is right for you before you commit.VerblingAvailable: iOS | AndroidVerbling has over 7,500 teachers who provide instruction in more than 50 languages.Verbling offers professional teachers who are native speakers, and lessons are personalized. Lessons are held directly through Verbling (not Skype or Zoom), and the service works in your browser or through your favorite device.On the surface, Verbling may seem a lot like other tutor services, but there are a few things that set it apart. For one thing, Verbling presents you with additional l anguage tools, such as vocabulary review and collaborative textpads. And because learning a language can get lonely, Verbling can also help you connect with a community of other language learners for a little extra moral support.Language ExchangeWhen you participate in a language exchange, you use conversation to improve language skills. Generally, youll partner with a native speaker of your target language. Youll help them learn your language, and theyll help you learn theirs through practice and interaction.TandemAvailable: iOS | AndroidTandem is a lot like italki in that you can engage in conversation exchange or hire a tutor.  With over five million members speaking more than 150 total languages, youre likely to find someone who speaks your language.Tandem connects language learners with native speakers around the world for some great conversation through your smartphone. Not only does Tandem allow video chat, it also offers instant messaging, photo sharing and voice messaging t o give you more ways to connect with your partner.And if youre language skills arent quite up to snuff, dont worry! Tandem features in-app translation and correction to help you along.If you prefer a paid lesson, Tandem also provides one-on-one video tutoring.BilinguaAvailable: iOS | AndroidBilingua offers free audio and video language exchange through your favorite device. You can seek out users who share your interest for a fun and engaging chat.In addition to language exchange, Bilingua provides additional tools to help you perfect your skills. For instance, the apps chatbot can help you learn new words. And if you run out of conversation topics with your language exchange partner, try out a game in which you can earn points and rewards in the app.HelloTalkAvailable: iOS | AndroidWith 10 million members and over 150 supported languages, HelloTalk is a major force in language exchange.HelloTalk provides voice, video and text chat. Not only that, but helpful tools such as translati on aids, pronunciation, corrections and transliterations can help make the language exchange process less nerve-wracking.Plus, you can even post questions to the community to receive a little extra insight from native speakers without even doing a standard language exchange.The MixxerRun by Dickinson College, this free language exchange site connects language learners. You can meet your partner through this site and then use Skype for your language exchange.Ever wish you could have a native speaker correct your written work? The Mixxer offers that, as well.Thousands of users have posted profiles that detail their native languages and what theyre learning. All you have to do is sign up to start looking for your new language exchange partner.My Language ExchangeMy Language Exchange is an online community that hosts three million members from 175 countries who are practicing more than 160 languages.You can use My Language Exchanges member search tool to find partners based on native la nguage, language theyre practicing, country, city, age, gender and more.Once youve found your perfect partner, My Language Exchange can hook you up with lesson plans, text chat rooms, links to free voice chat rooms, hangman word games and so much more. With so many resources, your language exchange never has to have a dull moment!Polyglot ClubAll these online options are great, but what if you want to meet up for a language exchange in real life? Thats where Polyglot Club comes in.Polyglot Club provides online chatting, a search feature to help you find friends and the option to post text for native speakers to correct. However, Polyglot Club also offers a feature rarely seen on conversation exchange websites: in-person interaction.Polyglot Club even hosts meetings around the world where you can connect with other language aficionados and maybe find your new language exchange bestie. Additionally, because you can filter results by city when searching for new friends, you might be ab le to find someone near you who wants to meet up.As always, be careful when meeting people in person. Never share your home address, and be sure to meet in public places.HiNativeAvailable: iOS | AndroidOkay, so HiNative isnt quite a language exchange program. But if your reason for wanting to interact with native speakers is to ask them your most pressing language questions, HiNative is a quick, easy solution.HiNative is a question and answer platform that allows you to ask native speakers questions about pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and any other topic that comes up as you study your target language. You can enter your question as text and/or upload audio and photos for your question, allowing you to ask about your pronunciation or a certain word you saw and couldnt figure out.Maybe italki isnt up your alley. Or maybe you simply want more great resources to add to your learning routine.Regardless of your need for choices, these 15 italki alternatives can provide you with terr ific, interactive language learning!

Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School

Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School Taking a Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School: 5 Things to Do Taking a Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School: 5 Things to Do Although a few students will continue straight from undergrad to their graduate studies, most will need to take at least a year off. Applying for a postgraduate program while simultaneously studying for senior year finals is too much for most people. However, many students feel as though they are in limbo during their gap year. Realistically, certain things have to be accomplished before students can re-enroll full time and give 100% of their attention to their studies, but there are better and worse ways to spend a year off. Students who accomplish some important tasks will likely have an easier time once in grad school. 1. Take required exams Each graduate program requires a unique set of entrance exams. Whether a student is taking the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc., these exams require a ton of time and attention. Attempting to study for these tests during senior year of college may produce disastrous results. Although some students may be able to consider and take them over the summer, a gap year is an ideal time to take care of this arduous task. In fact, most graduate programs in the US will not accept a student without good scores on these exams our private Irvine test prep tutors are here to help. 2. Look at short term and long term finances Although undergraduate programs are time-consuming, grad school can make them seem like they were a piece of cake in comparison. It’s difficult if not impossible for many students to work regularly while in a demanding graduate program. Thus, its important that students understand their financial situation. First, will they receive any financial support or a stipend from the university? Will they be able to work as a TA in conjunction with their program? Or, will they be left to their own devices. Taking out graduate student loans on top of already mounting undergrad loans can leave students in a tight spot upon graduation, so its good to have a plan in advance. 3. Form a specific career goal Its also a good idea for grad school applicants to have a solid career goal in mind. Some people love to study in their chosen field or just want to delay the ‘real’ world. Others want to increase their earning potential in the future. Regardless, its important to have a specific career goal or position in mind before starting a grad program. Many undergraduate degrees can be used in several fields because a lot of companies simply require a bachelors degree in any field to be hired. However, graduate degrees are not required for the majority of non-academic jobs, so its important students know what, specifically, they want to do with their degree (READ: Irvine College Tutor Tips: Waitlisted? 5 Ways to Cope). 4. Work as an intern in your field A gap year between undergrad and grad school is an ideal time to work as an intern. During a gap year, students won’t receive college credit so they’ll have to search for a paid internship. Although these are challenging to find, many high demand fields offer interns a fair sum to work in the field temporarily. Interns wont have to worry about resigning from a long term position or losing connections since they were only expected to be on the job for six months to a year. Additionally, this is a great resume builder for grad school applications and future employment. 5 . Get into a work day routine One of the more practical things students can do get into an everyday routine. Undergrad students may be used to an irregular schedule where they stay up late or have a free day in the middle of the week. Once they start work after grad school they’ll have to get quickly into a daily routine so why not start now?   If a student is taking a couple of years off from their studies, they’ll need to adjust to an 8 to 5 routine ASAP. Still applying to grad school? Our Irvine graduate school consultants are here to help. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Instructor Spotlight Alex Tang

Instructor Spotlight Alex Tang Instructor Spotlight: Alex Tang Alex Tang, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of San Mateo Hillsborough As a second-generation Kumon franchise owner, Alex Tang, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of San Mateo â€" Hillsborough, has been making an impact on students for almost two years. Not only is Alex’s father a Kumon Instructor, Alex, himself, was also enrolled in the Kumon Program for eight years as a child. Kumon has been a part of his life for quite some time â€" allowing him to share a wealth of knowledge with his students. Alex graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in biochemistry in 2008. For seven years, he worked as an environmental scientist  analyzing and discovering new and effective ways to treat and purify water. When he heard of the opportunity to own his own Kumon Center in his hometown, he knew it was a great time to make a career change. “I was inspired to open my own Kumon Center because I had a strong desire to help the youth of our country. The future depends on the success of our next generation,” said Alex. Alex always had a strong desire and commitment to give back to his community. He has been able to successfully carry out that passion in his center and shape the minds of young students. He sees each child as a learning opportunity for himself, which helps him to continue to grow as an Instructor. We had the opportunity to speak with Alex, as he looks back at his Kumon journey thus far. What is it about being an Instructor you enjoy the most?   Interacting with the students. I enjoy knowing that my brief moments with each student during their class time can make an impactful difference in their world. It’s truly a humbling responsibility. What achievements are you most proud of?   I’m proud of instructing early learners who come to me that don’t know how to read, and then getting them to that point where they can eventually read on their own. The joy they have in their face when they feel like they have succeeded is heart-warming. Can you describe an instruction moment where you made an impact on a student who may have been struggling?   A recent moment I had was when an incoming high school freshman came to me and was still counting on her fingers.   She had fallen behind and was struggling in her math courses.   I started her in Math Level 3A 71, and she put in the hard work to rebuild her mathematical foundation.   Now, she’s close to completing Math Level E, and doing all the mental math required to succeed. Since she enrolled, the improvement and progress has been remarkable to see. What do you like to do in your spare time?   I really love boba (Taiwanese tea-based drink) and trying new food.   I like to explore and discover local eateries and boba shops. What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?   I recently picked up line dancing at my local country bar. Now, I am helping as a line dance instructor. Learn more about the Kumon franchise opportunity and discover additional franchisee success stories. You might also be interested in: Instructor Spotlight: Scott Manis Instructor Spotlight: Laisa Mathissen Instructor Spotlight: Lillian Brijeski Instructor Spotlight: Jennifer Ju Instructor Spotlight Alex Tang Instructor Spotlight: Alex Tang Alex Tang, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of San Mateo Hillsborough As a second-generation Kumon franchise owner, Alex Tang, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of San Mateo â€" Hillsborough, has been making an impact on students for almost two years. Not only is Alex’s father a Kumon Instructor, Alex, himself, was also enrolled in the Kumon Program for eight years as a child. Kumon has been a part of his life for quite some time â€" allowing him to share a wealth of knowledge with his students. Alex graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in biochemistry in 2008. For seven years, he worked as an environmental scientist  analyzing and discovering new and effective ways to treat and purify water. When he heard of the opportunity to own his own Kumon Center in his hometown, he knew it was a great time to make a career change. “I was inspired to open my own Kumon Center because I had a strong desire to help the youth of our country. The future depends on the success of our next generation,” said Alex. Alex always had a strong desire and commitment to give back to his community. He has been able to successfully carry out that passion in his center and shape the minds of young students. He sees each child as a learning opportunity for himself, which helps him to continue to grow as an Instructor. We had the opportunity to speak with Alex, as he looks back at his Kumon journey thus far. What is it about being an Instructor you enjoy the most?   Interacting with the students. I enjoy knowing that my brief moments with each student during their class time can make an impactful difference in their world. It’s truly a humbling responsibility. What achievements are you most proud of?   I’m proud of instructing early learners who come to me that don’t know how to read, and then getting them to that point where they can eventually read on their own. The joy they have in their face when they feel like they have succeeded is heart-warming. Can you describe an instruction moment where you made an impact on a student who may have been struggling?   A recent moment I had was when an incoming high school freshman came to me and was still counting on her fingers.   She had fallen behind and was struggling in her math courses.   I started her in Math Level 3A 71, and she put in the hard work to rebuild her mathematical foundation.   Now, she’s close to completing Math Level E, and doing all the mental math required to succeed. Since she enrolled, the improvement and progress has been remarkable to see. What do you like to do in your spare time?   I really love boba (Taiwanese tea-based drink) and trying new food.   I like to explore and discover local eateries and boba shops. What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?   I recently picked up line dancing at my local country bar. Now, I am helping as a line dance instructor. Learn more about the Kumon franchise opportunity and discover additional franchisee success stories. You might also be interested in: Instructor Spotlight: Scott Manis Instructor Spotlight: Laisa Mathissen Instructor Spotlight: Lillian Brijeski Instructor Spotlight: Jennifer Ju

Organic Chemistry Tutor - How to Find the Best Tutor

Organic Chemistry Tutor - How to Find the Best TutorThe Organic Chemistry Tutor Julio Gonzalas has taken several courses with great success and has achieved almost every grade point possible. This article will discuss how you can improve your grades as well as how to find the best chemistry tutor in the area you are in.You need to know what sort of professor, the professor is going to be when he or she meets you in your class, because different professors have different styles. Some are very easy to communicate with, while others are a bit difficult to communicate with.Although you may not want to talk with the tutor face to face all the time, it is important that you have the support of the tutor and his or her attitude to you. If you don't want to do an hour and a half every day, then it is time to find someone who can get you to finish as much as you want to do.Make sure that the Organic Chemistry Tutor knows you. You want to be able to communicate effectively with them. You don't want to be talking to the tutor, then suddenly realize that you are speaking with another person.It is important that you can teach yourself without the tutor, and then you can be on your own. This will enable you to get up earlier, leave earlier and make sure that you get all of your assignments finished.Another thing that you will want to look for in a good Organic Chemistry Tutor is that they always have an idea of what you need to study. They have a firm grasp of what the material is, and they always have an understanding of how to ensure that you can learn the material.Overall, the Organic Chemistry Tutor is your tutor, and it is important that you find someone that you can work with. You want to have someone that you can feel comfortable around, so make sure that you look for these things.

What To Know About The University Of California Merced

What To Know About The University Of California MercedThe University of California Merced is one of the premiere public universities in the entire nation. The campus is very popular with students from all over the world. Here are some things you should know about the campus.Students who have taken chemistry and are interested in continuing their studies can choose to enroll in the second-year introductory chemistry program. The course is available online through UC Merced and can be completed in four years. It provides a complete introduction to the study of chemistry. There are seven chemistry courses that will be covered.Science students should really be able to take courses like organic chemistry, calculus, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. These classes will help them excel in the field of science and make themselves well prepared for graduate school. A student should also be able to take courses in organic chemistry to help him work on the very important science of biochem istry. In the third year, there is a lab-based course, Organic Chemical Reactions, that can be used as a springboard to a more advanced course.One of the benefits of going to graduate school is that a student can spend two semesters studying in a smaller university setting. There is no need to worry about commuting from the city to the school. Students will also be less likely to have to attend expensive and inconvenient summer sessions.If you decide to attend the University of California Merced, you should understand that it is a very competitive institution. There are a lot of students who want to attend the school because it offers a large selection of graduate programs. These include the master's degree, a PhD, and MBA programs. There are also an excellent number of classes available online.UC Merced is actually considered to be a great place to go if you are pursuing your studies. This school offers state-of-the-art labs and other facilities to help students excel. The faculty is very supportive and offers workshops and seminars. The general atmosphere at the school is very positive and students should find it exciting to attend classes.Students who decide to pursue science should definitely consider attending the school. The school is home to a number of top scientists who are looking to advance their careers. These scientists are available to help students get to the next level.

4 Board Games to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

4 Board Games to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills At times, acquiring and honing certain skills can seem like an academic task only mired in lectures and worksheets. However, as many teachers realize, school pursuits (whether inside or outside the classroom) need not always exclude entertainment. In fact, certain desirable attributes like critical thinking skills can be increased with items as simple and as well liked as board games really! As most of us know college demands critical thinking! The four board games below, some familiar and some unusual, are wonderful ways to both enjoy yourself andto strengthen your critical thinking skills. You may also want to take a look at these educational road trip games for the whole family. 1. Chess The inclusion of chess in this list will likely surprise few people. In recent years, chess has experienced a marked resurgence in popularity for good reason! Its academic benefits are numerous, and the game remains a mental exercise no matter your level of experience. The object of chess is, of course, to checkmate your competitions king. To do so, chess masters develop a deep understanding of the unique strategies available to each piece, as well as the interactions of such items as the knight and pawn across the playing surface. Chess is a phenomenal method to examine cause and effect and to sharpen the preciseness and speed of thought. 2. Go Like chess, Go is an abstract strategy game. Chinese in origin and distinct in its use of black and white circular stones, Go was featured on MTVs Teen Wolf earlier this year. In addition to its Hollywood appeal, Go is noted for its reliance on spatial awareness and its ability to foster the same in its players. To earn points, individuals must surround (and thus capture) stones of the opposite color with their own pieces, as well as control the majority of the game space. There is no set end event. Students learn to assess potential risks, employ various strategies, and think and respond in the moment. You may also want to consider a game of cards which can boost social and academic skills. 3. Mancala Reflecting its multicultural heritage, Mancala comes in a range of sizes. The smallest game utilizes a mere four seeds (or pieces), while one of the largest contains 400. Players select a pit, and then place a seed from said pit in each subsequent one they pass as they progress around the board. Typically, individuals attempt to capture their opponents seeds. As with the other three games discussed in this article, Mancala rewards students who pre-determine moves. Successful Mancala players think not one step ahead, but five. Students who enjoy mathematics will find a natural use for it here, and those who do not may discover their opinions have changed! 4. Quoridor Quoridor, a Mensa Select Game award-winner, is a two- or four-person challenge. Participants must move their piece from one end of the playing surface to the other. While the game surface is larger than that of the typical board game, the true complication lies in your opponents in lieu of advancing their piece, other players may choose to position a wall in your path. The first person to reach the opposite side of the board wins. Though Quoridor progresses quickly, the value of the game is most evident in its trial-and-error nature. Students gather data with each turn, and then draw upon that knowledge in subsequent moves. Adaptability is key. Your time spent playing the board games above will be especially happy when you consider their benefits for your critical thinking skills.