General Chemistry Options

Advising document for students interested in taking General Chemistry

Chemistry is an interesting and captivating subject, and it is important that you think about your levels of preparation, interest and motivation before you register for classes.  Given the challenges of learning chemistry, it is also important for you to adjust your overall schedule so that you will have adequate time to focus on the course.  The following FAQ is designed to help you make the best decisions about what chemistry course is right for you and when to take that course.

Who should take General Chemistry at UVA and when should they take it?

Students who are interested in majoring in sciences or engineering usually take general chemistry in their first year of college.  Students who do not plan to major in science, but are interested in fulfilling University requirements or for pre-health careers, can take general chemistry in their first or second year, and then go on to take Organic Chemistry in the subsequent year (if needed).  Students who scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or a 5, 6, or 7 on the IB exam can receive credit for CHEM 1410/1610 and 1420/1620.  These students then have the following options:  1) just taking the General Chemistry Labs (CHEM 1411/1611 and 1421/1621), 2) forfeiting their AP credits and taking CHEM 1410/1610 and 1420/1620, or 3) taking CHEM 1810.  AP credit is never given for labs.  Students who have never taken chemistry should consider enrolling in CHEM 1400.  If you enroll in CHEM 1410, see the recommendations regarding course resources and extra help described below.

What can I expect from General Chemistry?

There are 2 tracks of general chemistry: the 1410/1610 and the 1810 series.  In both tracks, you will explore chemical concepts and the significance of the chemical discipline while developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.  Both tracks require a dedicated and motivated student in order to be successful.  The differences between the two options are presented below.

  • The 1410/1610 Series: This is the main offering of general chemistry.  This course (CHEM 1410/1610) is taken by students interested in the physical and biological sciences, pre-medical studies, as well as several engineering fields.  Since the fall of 2013, CHEM 1410/1610 are offered using two different approaches.
    • CHEM 1410 (1610)-001 (MoWeFr 9:00AM – 9:50AM; Lisa Morkowchuk) and 1410-002 (MoWeFr 10:00AM – 10:50AM; Kevin Welch)
      This course is an introduction to modern chemical principles as a way to investigate and understand the quantum nature and behavior of matter. Topics covered include atomic structure, theories of molecular bonding, and chemical reactivity. Classes meet three times a week for 50 minutes and are a mix of traditional lecture and interactive learning activities. Additionally, students must sign up for one of the offered weekly discussion sections (Tu 6:30PM – 9:00PM, Mo 6:30PM – 9:00PM, or Mo 3:30PM – 6:00PM). Completion of basic high school chemistry is assumed; however, resources will be provided for all content needed for the course.
    • CHEM1410 (1610)-003 (MoWeFr 12:00PM – 12:50PM; David Metcalf)
      Classes meet three times a week for 50 minutes. Additionally, students must sign up for one of the offered weekly discussion sections (Tu 6:30PM – 9:00PM, Mo 6:30PM – 9:00PM, or Mo 3:30PM – 6:00PM).

All three sections will have an evening Discussion Session which meets one time per week.  In these sessions, students will be led through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving, applying concepts introduced during classroom activities.  Exams and quizzes will also be administered in the evening Discussion Sessions.

  • CHEM 1410-400 (Tu 8:00AM – 9:15AM and Fr 2:00PM – 3:15PM, Fr 3:30PM – 4:45PM, or Fr 5:00PM – 6:15PM; Linda Columbus)
    Students enrolled in CHEM 1410-400 will meet on Tuesday for 75 minutes with all 270 students enrolled and then meet in three groups of 90 students on Friday for another 75 minutes (this Friday session is not a discussion despite the label on SIS). Students enrolled will learn about electronic structure, bonding, chemical properties, and reactivity through a problem based approach. Reactions that have exciting impacts on our lives will be investigated through the lens of introductory chemistry. Students will work as individuals and in groups to explore the atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions involved in these reactions. Completion of high school chemistry is assumed; however, assessment of pre-knowledge and resources will be provided for all content needed for the course. This section is only open to students in the College of Arts & Sciences.

For all sections of CHEM 1410/1610 there will be teaching assistants available in the Chemistry Resource Center (3rd floor of Chemistry building) to offer help with concepts and calculations.  Additionally, professors hold several office hours during the week; schedules will be posted on Collab during the first week of classes.

A separate introductory Chemistry course, CHEM 1400, is offered in the spring for students who have not taken a high school chemistry course.  Students who enroll in CHEM 1400 typically are not science majors, but this course can prepare students who are interested in pursuing subsequent chemistry courses, including those required in the pre-medical curriculum.

  • The 1810 Series: The 800 series is designed as an accelerated group of courses for students who plan on majoring in a science, and who have credit for general chemistry through an advanced high school course (typically AP or IB). As with the 400 series, topics first semester include atomic structure, molecular structure, and foundations of chemical reactions, but are taught in greater depth than in the 400s series. Spectroscopy and advanced chemical structure topics are also explored. After CHEM1810, topics in the two series diverge, but it is possible to transfer from the 800s to the 400 series after the first semester. Exams in the 800s series are short essay format, and group problem-solving methods are heavily utilized. If you complete all four semesters of either the 400 or 800 series, you will have a good preparation for graduate school or medical school (e.g. MCATs or GREs).

Incoming first-year students interested in discussing their chemistry course enrollment choices are encouraged to contact Dr. Serbulea (lls3s@virginia.edu) prior to or during their orientation.


Please send inquires to Cindy Knight or (434) 924-7995.