Undergraduate

Peer Leading

Course Description

The purpose of this course (CHM 3941) is to prepare and support you in your efforts to become an effective peer leader for small groups of general chemistry students. You will lead the students through activities designed to improve their understanding of the chemistry topics covered in the lecture or through videos watched outside of class. Your role is not to teach or tutor these students, but rather to guide them through collaborative learning activities.

The Peer Leading course involves a review of the topics the students are learning. The students and you will be working on developing or improving skills in information processing, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, management, teamwork, and assessment.

Benefits

  • Strengthen leadership experience
  • Development of oral communication and facilitation skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork skill building
  • Review of chemistry concepts
  • Serve as a mentor and a role model for general chemistry students
  • Establish positive relationships with faculty and peers
  • Enhance transferrable skills related to your personal and professional goals
  • Receive undergraduate credit

Credits

All Biomedical Sciences Majors can use CHM 3941: Peer Leading to count towards their Tier 2 Upper-Level Chemistry, Tier 2 Upper Level Chemistry or Biology or Tier 2 Upper-Level Additional Biomedical Electives Course Requirements.

Students still needing clarification about eligibility can email the advisors, please include your full name, U# , and major in the body of your email along with your question.

For majors outside of Biomedical Sciences:
Please be sure to check with your academic advisor to determine how Peer Leading credits will count toward your degree requirements (ex. major elective, 42-hr rule, etc...).

Application Process

 The General Chemistry I & II Peer Leader Application for Spring 2025 will open on Monday, October 7th, 2024. The application will close on Thursday, October 31st, 2024.  

Requirements to be eligible for Chemistry Peer Leading

All students interested in peer leading will need to have completed General Chemistry I (CHM 2045) and General Chemistry II (CHM 2046) with a grade of B or better in both courses. Students currently enrolled in General Chemistry II can also apply. Interested students should complete the online application (see below).

Course Time

 Peer Leading for General Chemistry I CHM3941 section 001  CRN 11579

CHM 2045 Peer Leading for the Spring 2025 Semester

Students should be available as follows for both Thursday and Friday.

Thursday Class

  • 5:00-7:45 pm

AND Fridays (two Peer Leading sessions):

  • 8:00 AM to 10:20 AM OR
  • 11:00 AM to  1:20 PM

Peer Leading for General Chemistry II CHM3941 section 002  CRN 11580

CHM 2046 Gen Chem II Peer Leading Applicants for the Spring 2025 semester must be available throughout the semester on both Monday from 2:00 to 3:15 AND Wednesday from 12:30 to 3:15 pm. 

For peer leaders who want to be considered for working with General Chemistry II students, you will need to complete a diagnostic. The diagnostic test will take no longer than 25 minutes and will be offered at the following times. Please bring a calculator to the test.

Mon, 10/28, from 2pm to 3pm in CPR 255

Tue, 10/29, from 10am to 11am in CPR 125

Wed, 10/30, from 10am to 11am in CPR 125

Here is the link to the General Chemistry I & II Peer Leader Qualtrics:

Contact

Faculty Information
Ushiri Kulatunga (Peer Leading for General Chemistry 1)
Associate Professor of Instruction
Department of Chemistry
Office: SCA 425

Christie Tang (Peer Leading for General Chemistry 2)
Associate Professor of Instruction
Department of Chemistry
Office: SCA 404

Advisor Information

If you have questions or need clarification about requirements, credit hours, credits towards degree or other concerns, feel free to contact ChemAdvise@usf.edu. Please put "Peer Leading" in the subject line of your email and include your full name, U# , and major in the body of your email along with your question. Questions about the status of your application should be directed to faculty.