New students contemplating a chemistry major need to consider their level of preparation before selecting courses. This same advice applies to students who plan to fulfill the chemistry pre-medical requirements [link to premed advising page].

• Very well prepared students – take CHE 215 or 201
  Students who have completed AP or IB courses in chemistry--having earned a 4 or 5 on the AP test, or a 6 or 7 on the IB test--can receive credit for CHE 115. Students with credit for CHE 115 are advised to enroll in either CHE 215 (second-semester general chemistry) or CHE 201 (organic chemistry I).
• Well prepared students – take CHE 115
  Students who have completed a year of high school chemistry but have not earned AP/IB credit for CHE 115 should enroll in CHE 115.
• Less prepared students – take CHE 110
  Students who have little background in chemistry but are still interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry should start in CHE 110.

In addition to taking chemistry, students considering a major should enroll in a mathematics or physics course in their first semester. Please see the major advising page for more information.

Incoming students who are less certain about a science major have several options related to chemistry coourses. Those who have earned AP credit for CHE 115 may begin their study with CHE 201-Intro to Organic Chemistry I. Other students can begin with either CHE 110-Intro to Chemistry or CHE 115-Principles of Chemistry. CHE 110, which provides the mathematical background and a review of other basic concepts, is designed for students whose high school chemistry program has been less than rigorous. They are encouraged to follow up with CHE 115 in order to complete their survey of introductory chemistry. CHE 115 is recommended for incoming students who have a solid background from high school chemistry.

New and continuing students who need academic assistance in introductory chemistry courses beyond help sessions offered by individual professors should contact or visit the Science and Math Learning Center.