First and Second Years

I am thinking of becoming a Chem Major—is there a preferred personal computer I should buy (Mac or PC)?

No.  Whatever your preference is, it's fine.

I am taking Chem 1410/1420 or 2410/2420, but I cannot get into the associated lab. What can I do about it?

Enrollments for all class sections are processed directly from the waitlists. We encourage you to join the waitlist for every section that fits your schedule.

If a seat becomes available, SIS will automatically enroll the first eligible student on the waitlist who does not have a scheduling conflict or exceed the credit limit. Please note that SIS does not prioritize one waitlist over another. If you are on multiple waitlists, enrollment is based solely on the first section in which a seat becomes available and you are eligible to enroll. Once SIS enrolls you in one section of the course, you will automatically be removed from the waitlists for all other sections of that same course.

I really need to take Chem 1410/1420, or Chem 2410/2420, but the class is filled and I cannot register—what can I do?

Enrollments for all class sections are processed directly from the waitlists. We encourage you to join the waitlist for every section that fits your schedule.

If a seat becomes available, SIS will automatically enroll the first eligible student on the waitlist who does not have a scheduling conflict or exceed the credit limit. Please note that SIS does not prioritize one waitlist over another. If you are on multiple waitlists, enrollment is based solely on the first section in which a seat becomes available and you are eligible to enroll. Once SIS enrolls you in one section of the course, you will automatically be removed from the waitlists for all other sections of that same course.

I am taking Chem 1410/1420 and Chem 1411/1421 or Chem 2410/2420 and Chem 2411/2421, but the lab section to which I am assigned is at a really bad time for me—what can I do?

Enrollments for all class sections are processed directly from the waitlists. We encourage you to join the waitlist for every section that fits your schedule and code SIS to drop you from the section you are enrolled in. 

If a seat becomes available, SIS will automatically enroll the first eligible student on the waitlist who does not have a scheduling conflict or exceed the credit limit. Please note that SIS does not prioritize one waitlist over another. If you are on multiple waitlists, enrollment is based solely on the first section in which a seat becomes available and you are eligible to enroll. Once SIS enrolls you in one section of the course, you will automatically be removed from the waitlists for all other sections of that same course.

The lab section (Chem 1411/1421 or Chem 2411/2421) I am assigned to meets before the first day of lectures.  Will this lab really meet?

No. Check the syllabus that is posted on Canvas, but labs typically start a week or two after the first day of classes. 

Because of disability, I require special accommodations in Chem 1411/1421 (Chem 2411/2421).  What do I need to do?

First, consult with the Student Disability Access Center (243-5180; V/TDD: 243-5189).  Then, schedule a meeting with the professor of the lab to discuss your needs and available options.  Please do this well in advance of the first scheduled lab day, as some options require time to arrange.

I am taking Chem 1410/1420 or Chem 2410/2420 and the associated lab.  If I drop the lab, will I get credit for the lecture course?

Yes. You can take the lecture without taking the lab but you cannot take the lab without taking the lecture (unless you have received Advanced Placement credit or have taken the lecture in a previous semester).

Can I take Chem 1411/1421 without taking Chem 1410/1420?

Only if you have a qualifying Advanced Placement in Chemistry or if you have taken CHEM 1410/1420 in a previous semester.

I had a really good chem lab experience in high school and have all my lab notebooks. Can I get AP credit for chem lab?

AP credit for chem lab is never given – there is no standardized AP type test for chem lab as there is for chemistry lecture, and to standardize and be fair to everyone, personal visits by a knowledgeable professional would have to be made to chem labs all over the country. It just isn’t feasible.

Can I sign up for Chem 1810 lecture and 1411 lab?  It will fit into my schedule so much better that way.

Absolutely!

I have AP credit for Chem 1410/1420, and want to know whether I can take Chem 1810/1820 and Chem 1811/1821 and still get the credit for Chem 1410/1420 and Chem 1411/1412?

Yes, students with AP credit for Chem 1410/1420 will not lose that credit if they take Chem 1810/1820.  No AP credit is ever given for labs, however.

I have AP credit for Chem 1410/1420, and I had a very good chemistry lab experience in high school as well.  What is wrong with my taking Chem 2410/2420 and 2411/2421 in my first year?

We strongly recommend against going into organic chemistry without having extensive college-level laboratory experience.  In addition, CHEM 1411 and 1421 are prerequisites for CHEM 2411.  When in doubt, consult a chemistry advisor (see list available on main page).

I am a pre-med, and I want to know whether becoming a Chemistry major is the best way to go to get into a good medical school.  Whom do I ask about this?

A chemistry major is an excellent path to med school only if you really enjoy chemistry and do well at it.  Your major should be a subject you love.  A good person to talk to about pre-med options is the pre-professional advisor at University Career Services at Bryant Hall.  

It would work into my schedule much better if I could take Chem 1420/1421 first and then take 1410/1411 in the fall of my second year.  Is that permissible?

It is not. Our courses are very sequential and need to be taken in order. 

I am a second-year student who is thinking of becoming a Chem major.  I took Chem 1410/1420 and their labs last year, can I take Chem 2810/2820 this year?

Unfortunately, students who started in the 1410/1420 series cannot change into the 2810/2820 because the format and approach are too different.

I am interested in taking some classes at my local college/university this summer when I’m home on break. How can I make sure I get credit for them here? 

First, consult the Transfer Credit Analyzer and see what course is equivalent.  Students must secure the permission of the College Dean prior to enrolling in all courses taken at another institution and transferring academic credit back to the University to apply toward their degree program. This is done by submitting a “Request for Transfer of Credit” form prior to enrolling in courses for transfer.

I wish to declare a major in the Chemistry Department.  What should I do?

First, pick up a handout from Cindy Knight in Room 464 or from the rack outside her office.  This outlines the various programs available, and what the requirements are for each of them.  Once you are ready to declare your major, follow the steps outlined on our website Chemistry Major | Department of Chemistry

What does it mean to have ACS Certification?  Does it really matter if I have it or not? 

Here is a document from the American Chemical Society that discusses ACS Certification and its significance.