Classes

Frequently Asked Questions

Content

What are the differences in content between the two sequences?

Both sequences arrive at the same endpoint. 31A/B will cover the material over two quarters with an emphasis on problem solving, while 31X will cover the same material in one quarter.

 

Is the intensity difference in A/B vs. X similar to that of CS106?

Like in the CS106 series, 31X is an accelerated course that reaches the same endpoint as the corresponding A/B sequence. However, more detailed comparisons between the introductory sequences in different disciplines are not useful. Instead, we encourage students with placement in either sequence according to the chemistry placement test to shop both Chem 31A and 31X and look over the syllabi to make a useful comparison.

 

Do both sequences cover the same material as the old Chem 31?

Much of the material is the same. However, the new sequences will cover more material, in greater depth and with more emphasis on problem solving than was possible in the old Chem 31.

Logistics

How many units are each of the courses?

Each course, 31X, 31A, and 31B, is 4 units.

 

Will 31X be offered in the Winter?

No. 31X will be offered only in the Autumn (and Summer).

 

Will the 31A/B track be offered in Winter and Spring?

No. 31A/B will only be taught in the Autumn-Winter sequence. Therefore, if you are planning to take this course, you must take Chem 31A in the Autumn or wait until the next year.

 

Can a student switch from 31X to 31A before the registrar's deadline in Autumn quarter?

Yes.

 

Is there an enrollment limit in Chem 31A?

No, there is no enrollment limit in Chem 31A.

Placement and Advising

How do I choose between the two sequences?

A placement test is offered during New Student Orientation for entering students who wish to take Chem 31X and who do not have AP credit (a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam). You will receive feedback about your recommended placement based on your performance on that test. If you are told that either sequence is recommended for you, then you should compare the content and pace of the two sequences (the syllabus for Chem 31A is posted at www.stanford.edu/class/chem31a). You can shop both classes and decide after you have determined which pace best suits you. If you shop both courses, it is wise to make a decision in a week or less.

 

In advising other students about which sequence to take, is my experience with old Chem 31 relevant?

The new sequences are both different from the old Chem 31, so we would advise you to read over material provided by the chemistry department and UAC in order to advise students. The placement test during New Student Orientation will provide entering students a good basis for placement. The placement test is also available to returning students who wish to take Chem 31X on Sunday evening 9/25 at 7pm in Hewlett 201 (formerly TCSEQ 201)

 

Where do people with a 4 or 5 on the AP chem exam belong?

Students who earned a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam may place out of general chemistry and 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 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam and who do not anticipate taking more advanced chemistry courses consider enrolling in Chem 31X rather than enrolling directly in Chem 33.

 

Which sequence should a potential chemistry or chemical engineering student take?

A potential chemistry or chemical engineering student should take the sequence appropriate to his or her background. Both sequences fulfill the general chemistry requirement, and both will give a student a proper background to go on in further study.

 

If a student takes 31X and does poorly, should they take 31B the following quarter?

No. 31A is a prerequisite for 31B, and the material covered in 31B will only cover half of the material in 31X. If you need to retake 31X, you should just re-enroll in 31X in Summer or Autumn quarter.

 

Can people take X and B or A and X?

No. The tracks cover the material at different paces, so it is not appropriate to switch between the two. Again, 31A is a prerequisite for 31B, so it is not possible to go from 31X to 31B.

 

Which course sequence, Chem 31A&B or Chem 31X, will be most helpful in my application to medical schools?

For details on premedical preparation, consult the premedical advising staff. Stanford University will tell all medical schools that Stanford views both sequences as equivalent. In either case, most medical schools will require only one additional quarter of what is inaptly called "inorganic chemistry" (often met by Chem 135) and three quarters of "organic chemistry" with lab (met by Chem 33, 35, 36, 130 and 131). Both Chem 31A&B and Chem 31X are rigorous preparatory courses and will be perceived as such by medical school admissions officers. If your placement test suggests that either sequence could be appropriate for you, then you should choose based on your current goals, ambition and confidence for the study of chemistry as part of your undergraduate education rather than basing your choice on your plans for professional school.