Course Planning

Chemistry - Where to Start?

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Where should I start if I am just sampling this subject as a non-major?

  • Concepts of Chemistry (CHEM 100) is ideal preparation for General Chemistry I and II (CHEM 110 and 120) if recommended on the student placement record (see below), or is a good option for students who are interested in taking a chemistry course but do not require one for their major.
  • Chemistry of the Environment and Lab (CHEM 101 and 101 L) is a required course for the Environmental Studies major, and is a good choice for students who are interested in taking a chemistry course but do not require one for their major.

Where should I start if I might use this as part of a major or as a potential major?

  • General Chemistry I (CHEM 110) and General Chemistry II (CHEM 120) are required courses for majors in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology (BCMB), Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, and Health Sciences.
  • The chemistry recommendation on the student placement record will provide guidance as to whether a student in their first-year:
    • is prepared to take General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II, or
    • should consider taking Concepts of Chemistry (CHEM 100) to help prepare them to take General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II the following year.
  • Students considering a major in Chemistry usually take a math class during their first-year. Follow the math recommendation in the student placement record:
    • Precalculus (MATH 120), or 
    • Calculus I (MATH 130) and usually Calculus II (MATH 140). Some students delay Calculus II (MATH 140) until their sophomore year.
Note:
  • First-year student are strongly encouraged to limit themselves to two science / mathematics courses per semester (three to four science/mathematics courses during the first year).

Where should I start if I have some experience in this discipline before college?

  • For AP or IB credits – please refer to Advanced Placement Credits or International Baccalaureate Credits” in the College Catalog.
  • Students with an AP Chem score of 3 should start in General Chemistry I (CHEM 110).  
  • Students with an AP Chem score of 4 or better should start in General Chemistry II (CHEM 120).  Please consult with the department chair or a General Chemistry II (CHEM 120) instructor.
  • For concurrent high school / college credits – please consult with the department chair.

When should I declare a major?

  • All students must declare a major by the deadline to drop a course without a grade during the spring of the sophomore year.