Choosing Introductory Courses

At the UW  there are four introductory chemistry courses for students: CHEM 110, CHEM 120, CHEM 142, and CHEM 145. The following information can be used a guide to assist you in choosing the appropriate introductory chemistry course. 

CHEM 110 is an introduction to general chemistry and is for students who have not had high school chemistry or feel that they need a review before taking CHEM 142, which is the first class in the three-quarter general chemistry sequence. CHEM 120 is also an introduction to general chemistry but is designed for students who will later pursue CHEM 220 and CHEM 221. Note that credit is not allowed for both CHEM 120 & CHEM 142 if both courses are taken. CHEM 142 is the first of a three course sequence (142, 152, 162) called General Chemistry, which is a survey sequence required by all of the chemistry and biochemistry major options. None of these courses have official prerequisites so students often wonder which one to take.

CHEM 145 (pdf, 145k) is the first in the Honors General Chemistry sequence and enrollment is restricted to those either passing a placement exam, having acceptable scores on the AP or IB exams, or through the Robinson Center. Depending on your circumstances, the choice between these four introductory courses can be straightforward or it may call for some additional information. Please read further for more information about which course may be the right choice for you. View the complete listing of CHEM 145 (pdf, 145k) prerequisites, exam information, source materials, sample exam questions indicating areas and level of knowledge expected on entry.

1. Have you had high school chemistry?

If no, then CHEM 110, Introduction to Chemistry, is probably the best choice. You will be at a disadvantage if you enroll in CHEM 142 without high school chemistry.  

If you answered yes and have recently taken chemistry, then 142 or 145 should probably be your first college chemistry course. An exception would be if you want to take CHEM 110 because you're uncertain whether the high school course you took was advanced enough, or if you took chemistry sometime ago and you feel that you need a refresher course. 

It's better to be well prepared when taking the general chemistry sequence than to rush ahead into a course that is too advanced.  Students returning to school after an absence of a few years probably won't regret taking CHEM 110.

CHEM 120 is not designed to prepare students for CHEM 142; rather, it is the first course of a three quarter sequence (CHEM 120, 220, & 221) that is for students planning to pursue majors in the allied health fields such as nursing and other selected science majors.  Note that credit is not allowed for both CHEM 120 & CHEM 142 if both courses are taken. CHEM 120 can also be used for the chemistry minor  but not for the chemistry or biochemistry majors. If you are uncertain about which course to take you should contact a chemistry/biochemistry adviser.

2. What level is your Math Placement?

Math is the universal language of science and an important component of the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum.  At the UW, entering students who do not have college credit for math will need to take the Math Placement test at the Office of Educational Assessment before registering. This test will indicate the math level for which you are eligible to register.

The recommended level of math placement for CHEM 120 and CHEM 142 is MATH 120, Pre-calculus. If you placed below MATH 120 and are hesitant about your math skills, it is advisable to delay taking CHEM 120  or  CHEM 142 until you are at the level of MATH 120.  Ideally, CHEM 142, 152, 162 should be taken concurrently with the calculus sequence, MATH 124, 125, and 126, although it is possible to take MATH 120 and CHEM 142 concurrently. For Honors General Chemistry (CHEM 145), strong math skills are essential; the official prerequisites for this course include MATH 124 which can be taken concurrently.

3. What chemistry does your major require?

Several  majors on campus require chemistry as a degree requirement. However, the required sequences vary from major to major. See the Degree Programs website or consult a departmental adviser for specific information.

If you are undecided about a major you should investigate the various degree programs for which you have an interest, and then choose the chemistry sequence that will meet or exceed the requirements for all, as well as keeping your options open. If you want help in choosing a major talk with the departmental advisers and/or attend one of the Gateway Center's Undergraduate Advising Office "How to Choose a Major" workshops  which are offered frequently during the academic year.

4. If your plans include applying to medical school

If you plan to pursue medical school or another health science professional field check the prerequisite requirements for the specific program to see how it interacts with your major. Always take the more comprehensive sequence to keep your options open (that usually means the CHEM 142 general chemistry sequence). There are two things to keep in mind:

1. Many programs' standards of admission are above their minimum requirements. If a nursing school catalog says that CHEM 120 and 220 are adequate prerequisites for admission,  you should check with the advising staff to ensure that sequence is really the best sequence to remain competitive. If a medical school says you don't need a degree to be admitted, ask them how many students in the entering class did not have a bachelor's degree. The goal is not to merely meet the minimum requirements but to be competitive for admission. Your score on admissions tests like the MCAT will be a reflection of the training you have received. In order to gain admission to the highly competitive programs in health sciences, you usually have to do more than meet minimum requirements.
2. Some programs only require Chem 120 but also ask for a year of college biology (BIOL 180, 200, 220). The UW college biology sequence requires CHEM 142 & 152. So, in effect, the requirements for that program include CHEM 142 and 152. Again, you will be covering all your bases by choosing the 142 sequence.

Further pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy information is available at UW's general advising web page. You can also receive additional information about these pre-professional programs at the Gateway Center's Undergraduate Advising Office in 171 Mary Gates Hall. 

5. Are you interested in Honors Chemistry?

CHEM 145 is open to Early Entrance and Academy students who pass the Summer Prep Course; those with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP test;or a 5, 6, or 7 on the High Level Chemistry IB exam; or those who have passed the general chemistry honors placement test offered by the UW Educational Assessment Office. Students receiving a borderline passing score should consult with the chemistry advisers regarding appropriate placement.Students who enter via high AP or IB scores will need to pick up a review worksheet from chemistry advising to be completed before the course starts. Students should be aware that CHEM 145 (pdf, 145k) assumes full mastery of the basic concepts of elementary chemistry so the course will not review this material. The expectation for math and problem solving proficiency is also high in the honors courses. The CHEM 145 (pdf, 145k) information sheet contains a complete listing of prerequisites, exam information, source materials, and sample exam questions indicating areas and levels of knowledge expected on entry.

6. Did you take the Advanced Placement (AP) Test in Chemistry?

Students who earned a chemistry AP exam score of 5 receive credit for the general chemistry sequence (CHEM 142, 152 and 162). Students who earned a chemistry AP exam score of 4 receive credit for the CHEM 142 and 152.  However, students who are interested in chemistry or biochemistry as a major are strongly encouraged to consider honors general chemistry.

More information about the UW AP policy is on the UW homepage.

7. Do you have Running Start chemistry credit?

If you took college-level chemistry courses in high school as a part of the Running Start Program, you're eligible to continue on with the next level of chemistry. If your credits have been transferred and posted, the UW web registration system will allow you to register for the appropriate courses. 

More information about Running Start can be found on the UW homepage. If you have questions about your Running Start chemistry credit, consult with a departmental adviser. 

8. What to Expect in a CHEM 142 class.

CHEM 142 consists of 4 weekly lectures taught by a professor, one weekly hour-long quiz section taught by a teaching assistant (TA), and a three hour lab monitored by the TA. Your TA serves as a link between you and your professor, passing on information and clarifying answers to questions you might have. They also are the primary graders of your homework, tests, and lab reports.

There are several professors who teach CHEM 142.To find out which professor is teaching a chemistry section check out the Department of Chemistry's Time Schedule. Each of these different sections covers the same chapters in the same textbook and the same labs as the other sections; however, there are different teaching styles and emphases placed on different material. Students can learn more about individual professors by going to the chemistry department's Faculty Directory; research interests and publications are included in the short biography of the professor.

The course, including lecture and lab, has a single grade, with the lab grade in 142 counting for 20% of the total grade. Attendance at your scheduled lab is mandatory. The graded work is a mix of the values assigned to lab reports, pre-labs, quizzes, and midterm and final exams. The individual instructor will publish their own grading information in his or her section syllabus. Some of these are available in the Course Index.

General chemistry is a core requirement for many science majors and professional training programs and is central to your success in these programs; therefore, it is essential that students are conscientious in learning the course material. Familiarize yourself with the various resources that can help you be a success, such as the Chemistry Study Center. Often students will find temporary use of tutoring services provided by either upperclassmen or professional firms to be helpful. You can obtain a list of possible tutors from the advisers' offices in 109 Bagley.