Classes

Choosing Classes

General Chemistry

Two different general chemistry sequences are offered: the two-quarter set of courses Chem 31A/B and the one-quarter course 31X. Both sequences arrive at the same endpoint. Those entering students who are interested in taking chemistry 31X and who do not have AP credit (a score of a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam) must take the placement test during orientation. This test will also be made available to returning students at the beginning of the school year to aid in placement decisions.

The placement test for NEW STUDENTS will take place on Wednesday,
September 20, 2006 from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
the location may be found in the Student Event Calendar.

The placement test will also be available to RETURNING STUDENTS on Sunday,
September 24, 2006 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
the location may be found in the Student Event Calendar.

The recommended placement will be emailed to the student's SUNet account in a timely manner. Bring a pencil, eraser and calculator to the test.

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 31 A/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 else wait until the following year if they wish to take this sequence. 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 and the Chem 31X course website for the syllabi and course calendars.

Students with strong chemistry background:

Those with strong high school chemistry backgrounds should consider Chem 31X (offered Autumn quarter only), based either on the placement test or a score of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam. Chem 31 X covers more advanced portions of the same topics covered in Chem 31A/B, and 31X moves at a faster pace.

Students with exceptional chemistry background:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.

After General Chemistry

The following are some typical schedules of the introductory chemistry course sequences. Note that students who have completed Chem 33 will have a preference for enrollment in Chem 36 in the Spring; for more information concerning enrollments in the laboratory classes, please contact the Director the Undergraduate Laboratories Christopher Moylan (cmoylan@stanford.edu).

Chemistry majors

Prospective and current majors should consult the undergraduate handbook for prescribed 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 Undergraduate Advising Center website contains useful information about pre-med requirements.