1. Does Chem 150 indicate that I am "behind" in my courses before I start?
Answer: No, you can continue on schedule and actually perform better in all the chemistry courses. Note on the chart the quarters where each course is offered and also the university catalog.
If you start with Chem 150 in the Fall and do well, then you take Chem 151 Winter and Chem 152 Spring. Assuming you do not attend summer school, then the following fall you take Chem 153 AND Chem 305 at the same time. (Chem 305 does not have a lab). If your major requires Chem 301, you begin Chem 301 in the Winter following Chem 153.
2. If I change my major to something that only requires the Chem 121/122/123 series will the Chem 150 count for Chem 121?
Answer: Yes.
3. I am retaking Chem 121 because I am on academic probation. Will Chem 150 replace my low grade in Chem 121?
Answer: No. A grade in Chem 150 will NOT replace the low grade in Chem 121 and raise your GPA. If you want to raise your GPA, retake Chem 121 for a better grade. Then you can take the Placement Exam to enter Chem 151. Keep in mind, though, that you lose the Chem 121 grade and credit, when you take Chem 151 regardless. In a situation like this you need to discuss the details with your academic advisor so that you understand all the options and consequences.
4. I qualified for Chem 151 but I'm not very comfortable taking the course. Do I have to take Chem 151? Could I take Chem 150?
Answer: You should talk to your advisor or someone from Chemistry (names are on the website for questions) and explain your situation in more detail. If your actual score on the Chem 151 Placement Exam was 34-36, you would be "at risk" but you could be OK in Chem 151. If you would prefer to work on your basic skills in chemistry by taking Chem 150, then you could start Chem 151 in the winter with more confidence. You can earn credit in Chem 150 and keep the credits when you take Chem 151. However, there may be some scheduling issues if you take Chem 151 in the winter, Chem 152 in the spring and Chem 153 the following fall or summer. Your advisor or the Chemistry faculty members can provide more information.
5. I am already in Chem 121 lab, do I have to change my lab?
Answer: Yes, you need to be in the right lab with the right call number so your TA can get your electronic assignments properly. If you are not properly registered, your grades might not be recorded.
6. I'm not sure that I really want to go on to Chem 151, should I stay in Chem 121?
Answer: No, you need to register for Chem 150 because if you do go on with Chem 151 you will be prepared. If you decide to go on with Chem 122, then that is OK also. Look carefully at the chart.
7. What happens if I just stay with Chem 121 because I like my current schedule?
Answer: You will have to pass the Placement Exam to enter Chem 151 and you will ALSO lose credit for Chem 121 when you take Chem 151. If you take Chem 150, you will NOT lose credit for Chem 150 when you take Chem 151. If your major requires Chem 151, then take Chem 150 to prepare yourself properly. As of Fall 2005 there are only two entry routes to Chem 151: pass the Placement Exam OR earn a grade of C- or better in Chem 150. Chem 121 is not the route to Chem 151.
