Advising Information
First-year students interested in chemistry are encouraged to enroll in one chemistry course (see Placement Information below) and one additional lab-based science or math course during their first semester. Students are encouraged to complete their calculus requirements as early as possible. Chemistry faculty are eager to discuss class schedules and other opportunities with students at any time.
Placement Information
Most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry should take the Chemistry Placement Exam during the summer prior to their first year. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam have the option of enrolling in CHEM 130 without taking the placement test, but are encouraged to contact the department chair if they have questions about this placement.
Most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry should also take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if any of the following are true:
- You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam;
- You received an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;
- You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university.
An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5, or an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above, fulfills the major’s Calculus 1 requirement. An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement. Students should make sure that their official score reports are sent to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
Sample 4-Year Plans
Students who Place into CHEM 100
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Fall
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Spring
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Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Year 4
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CHEM 490 (Senior Seminar; 2 units)
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CHEM 295 (2 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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CHEM 490 (Senior Seminar; 2 units)
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CHEM 295 (2 units)
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Additional CHEM Elective (2-5 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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Students who Place into CHEM 120 or CHEM 130
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Fall
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Spring
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Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Year 4
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CHEM 490 (Senior Seminar; 2 units)
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CHEM 295 (2 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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CHEM 490 (Senior Seminar; 2 units)
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CHEM 295 (2 units)
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Additional CHEM Elective (2-5 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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Curricular Notes
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CHEM 150 is not required for students who take CHEM 130.
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An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 1 requirement.
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An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement.
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CHEM 240 at anytime after CHEM 120/130 have been completed
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While not required for the major, MATH 212 and MATH 214 are strongly recommended prior to taking CHEM 305.