Scientific reports are important tools for show results of experimental activities undertaken at undergraduate level. The aims of this research were detecting difficulties of undergraduate students in the elaboration of reports in the experimental chemistry subjects of students of the Science: Biology and Chemistry course at the Federal University of Amazonas in different periods (2nd to 10th). Results and discussion and theoretical bibliographic were topics reported with the most difficulty. The students showed little reading habit, however, which increases with the time they spend in university, also reflecting the retention rate in the experimental subjects. These results point to possibilities to reduce the difficulties in the elaboration of experimental reports by intervention alternatives more appropriate to the desired learning process, based on the students’ reality. Detecting these points becomes an important to assist them in the learning process of academic writing.

Failing classes is one of the main causes students are held back in universities, which in turn has several academic, social and economic impacts. This study aims to identify factors associated with students flunking General Chemistry, as well as to propose institutional interventions that can remedy these setbacks. The methodology used was based on a conceptual model of nontraditional undergraduate students, evaluating student academic outlook and relating that with institutional data on subject pass rate. Results showed it was possible to correlate variables that influence pass rates in General Chemistry, highlighting the following: busy schedule, study method, high class load per semester, deficiencies in basic chemistry and math, and socioeconomic factors. Results in this work help identify challenges that can aid in developing strategies to eradicate or minimize failing in General Chemistry in higher education institutions in Brazil.