FAQ - Introductory Chemistry
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Fall 2008
The Department of Chemistry does not require a minimum score on the CEEB Advanced Placement examination or SAT for entrance into any introductory chemistry course. The list below describes the courses that students of different interests and preparations typically take. The Department of Chemistry sets the median grade for freshman chemistry courses so that students seeking to take more advanced courses will not incur a grade penalty.
One Semester Courses
There are two options for students who require a single semester of introductory chemistry (e.g. most engineers). Two semester of introductory chemistry are required for a premedical or preveterinary course of study. Engineers: ALL engineers must take Chem 2090, Engineering General Chemistry. Students majoring in C&BE, however, are required to take two semesters of introductory chemistry (see below). Other students: Students needing only one semester of chemistry (except engineers) should take Chem 1560, Introduction to General Chemistry. In contrast to Chem 2070, Chem 1560 includes an introduction to both equilibrium and kinetics, which are essential topics for a sound foundation in chemistry.
Two Semester Courses (including premedical and preveterinary)
There are three primary tracks for students requiring two semesters of introductory chemistry, Chem 2150 + 2160 (Fall + Spring), Chem 2070 + 2080 (Fall + Spring) and Chem 2090 + 2080 (Fall + Spring). The best option for you is determined primarily by your preparation in chemistry and your college. In rare instances, students may also take Chem 2150 followed by Chem 2090 in the spring. Students pursuing this option will forfeit AP credit. CEEB AP Credit: Students with a 5 on the CEEB AP exam should enroll in Chem 2150 and will also receive four credits for Chem 2070. Strong preparation: Students with AP-level high school chemistry (or two years of chemistry) and an interest in chemistry usually take Chem 2150 + 2160 (Fall + Spring), Honors General and Inorganic Chemistry. These are honors courses that require calculus (or concurrent enrollment in calculus). Most of the students in 2150/2160 are planning on majoring in a science and approximately one-half of all chemistry majors take Chem 2150/2160. Solid preparation: Students with a single year of high school chemistry (i.e. students who have not taken AP-level chemistry) should take Chem 2070 + 2080 (Fall + Spring), General Chemistry. These courses satisfy the introductory chemistry requirement for most medical and veterinary programs. Approximately one-half of all chemistry majors take Chem 2070 + 2080. Engineers needing a two semester sequence should enroll in Chem 2090 + 2080. No or very weak preparation: Students who have never taken a chemistry course or who have very weak preparation sometimes decide to take Chem 1560 + 2080 (Fall + Spring), although Chem 2070 is still appropriate and recommended for those continuing on to Chem 2080. Chem 1560 is not recommended for premedical or preveterinary students. Students who have had a AP chemistry course should not enroll in Chem 1560. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineers: Usually take either Chem 2090 + 2080 (Fall + Spring) or Chem 2150 + 2160 (Fall + Spring), depending on their level of preparation. 8/20/2008