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 Fall 2025 will open on Monday March 3rd , 2025. The application will close at 5 pm on Monday March 24th , 2025.

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 link the bottom of the page).

Course Time

Peer Leading for General Chemistry I CHM3941 section 001 (CRN90129), section 002 (CRN90135)

CHM 2045 Peer Leading for the Fall 2025 Semester

Students should be available for both the class and Friday peer leading as below.

Wednesday class 5:00-7:45 pm  or  Thursday class 5:00-7:45 pm.

Friday 8:00-8:50 am & 9:30-10:20 am  or  11:00-11:50 am & 12:30-1:20 pm

 

Peer Leading for General Chemistry II CHM3941 section 003 (CRN 90140)

CHM 2046 Gen Chem II Peer Leading Applicants for the Fall 2025 semester must be available throughout the semester on both Tuesday from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm AND Thursday from 9:30 am to 12:15 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.

Tuesday, 3/11, from 10 am to 11 am in EDU 317

Thursday, 3/13, from noon to 1 pm in SOC 145

Friday, 3/14, from 4 pm to 5 pm in CHE 103

Here is the link to the General Chemistry I & II Peer Leader Qualtrics: https://usf.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dptelk6BYtwDj14

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.