NOTE: This FAQ is a work in progress. If you don't see the question you want answered, please send an email with your question.

See also the Transfer FAQ for transfer-related information.

I took CHEM 103 (or its equivalent at another institution). What is next?

• If CHEM 113 is available (it will be through Spring 2006), you should take CHEM 113, then follow that with whatever courses are necessary for your major or program.
• If CHEM 113 is no longer available, contact the Chemistry Advising Office (301 405 1791) for instructions.

I need four chemistry laboratory courses for my major or pre-professional requirements. I took CHEM 103 and CHEM 113. Do I have to take CHEM 271 and 272?

• It depends. If you are a Life Sciences major, you don't have to take the CHEM 271 lecture course, but you do have to take the CHEM 272 lab once you have completed organic. If you are NOT a Life Sciences major and just need four semesters of chemistry with lab, you may be done once you have completed two terms of organic with lab. You should consult with your major or pre-professional advisor.

I want to be a Chemistry or Biochemistry major. I have taken two terms of general chemistry and two terms of organic. What's next?

• You should enroll in the CHEM 277 lab to complete your introductory course requirements.

I want to be a Life Sciences major. I have taken two terms of general chemistry and two terms of organic. What's next?

• You should enroll in the CHEM 272 lab to complete your introductory course requirements.

It looks like CHEM 271/272 or CHEM 276/277 are not prerequisites for 400-level biochemistry courses. Does this mean that I can go directly into BCHM 461 or BCHM 463 after I'm done with organic?

• No. An initial version of the changed prerequisites indicated that General Chemistry II (either transferred or taken here) was not required. That was incorrect and has been changed. Some form of general chemistry II, along with two terms of organic are absolutely necessary for enrollment in any 400-level BCHM course.

I took Advanced Placement Chemistry in High School. Can I get credit for chemistry courses?

• If you got a 4 on the AP Chemistry exam (or a score equivalent to a 4 on the IB exam, British A-Levels, etc.) you can skip CHEM 131 and 132 and enter organic chemistry directly.
• If you got a 5 on the AP chemistry exam (or a score equivalent to a 5 on the IB exam, British A-Levels, etc), you will receive credit for CHEM 131, CHEM 132, and CHEM 271. Depending on your major or program requirements, you will most likely have to take CHEM 272 laboratory to complete your four semesters of chemistry requirements.