General Chemistry

Two different general chemistry sequences are offered: the two-quarter set of courses, Chem 31A/B, and the one-quarter course, Chem 31X. Both sequences arrive at the same endpoint. All students who are interested in taking Chem 31X and who do not have a score of 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam must take the Chemistry Placement test offered at the beginning of Autumn Quarter.

The Chemistry Placement Test for NEW STUDENTS will take place on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM in Kresge Auditorium.

The Chemistry Placement Test will also be available to RETURNING STUDENTS on Monday, September 24, 2007 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, in Braun Auditorium.

The recommended placement will be emailed to the student's SUNet account by the midnight following the test. Bring a pencil, eraser and calculator to the test and you must know your 8-digit SUID and SUNetID.

Students with moderate or no chemistry background:

The Chemistry Department offers a two-quarter general chemistry sequence, Chem 31A and 31B. This sequence covers all the essential topics in general chemistry over a two-quarter period with an emphasis on problem solving. Chem 31A/B is only offered in the fall-winter sequence, and 31A is a prerequisite for 31B. Students must decide in the fall to take the two-quarter track, or wait until the following year. Students who successfully complete the sequence can then go on to Chem 33 (Organic Chemistry) in the spring. Please consult the Chem 31A course website for the syllabus and course calendar.

Students with strong chemistry background:

Those with a strong highschool chemistry background may be eligible to take Chem 31X (offered Autumn quarter only). A score of 5 on the Chemistry AP Exam or a passing score on the Chemistry Placement Test are required to enroll in this course in Axess. Chem 31X covers the more advanced portions of the same topics covered in Chem 31A/B and moves at a faster pace.

Students with exceptional chemistry background:

Students who earned a 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam may also begin with Chem 33 in the winter if desired. Students who choose to take Chem 31X or Chem 31A/B will forfeit their AP credit in chemistry. However, premedical students should be forewarned that not all medical schools accept AP credit, and thus a student may need to take either a general chemistry course or a more advanced chemistry course in order to qualify for some medical schools. It is therefore recommended that pre-med students with a 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam and who do not anticipate taking more advanced chemistry courses enroll in Chem 31X rather than enrolling directly in Chem 33.

Students under other circumstances should consult with the Undergraduate Studies Committee advisor, Professor Dan Stack (stack@stanford.edu).

Please consult the following Frequently Asked Questions for more information about General Chemistry.

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After General Chemistry

The following are some typical schedules of the introductory chemistry course sequences:

	Autumn	Winter	Spring
Year 1	Chem 31A	Chem 31B	Chem 33
Year 2	Chem 35 Chem 36	Chem 130 Chem 131

	Autumn	Winter	Spring
Year 1	Chem 31X	Chem 33	Chem 35 Chem 36
Year 2	Chem 131 Chem 130

Chemistry Majors

Prospective and current majors should consult the Stanford Bulletin or your advisor for recommended course sequences.

Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineering majors should contact the Chemical Engineering Department and the School of Engineering Handbook for required courses.

Biology Majors

Biology majors should consult the Biology Department website for information about requirements for the major.

Pre-Medical Students

The Office of Undergraduate Advising and Research website contains useful information about pre-med requirements.

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