Department of Chemistry

Introductory Courses

Breadcrumb

Introductory Courses

The Chemistry Department offers two introductory level chemistry courses: CHEM0100 and CHEM0330.

Which first Chemistry Course should you enroll in?

Reviewing this guide will help you decide which course will be best for you.

CHEM0100 (Introductory Chemistry)

Designed for students with little or no background in Chemistry. This course meets twice a week, plus a weekly problem session. This course does not have a lab and can only be taken for S/NC (Satisfactory/No Credit). Students who successfully complete CHEM0100 should be well prepared to enroll in CHEM0330 in Semester II. CHEM0100 will be offered in the Fall.

CHEM0330 (Equilibrium, Rate and Structure)

A one-semester course with lecture, conference and laboratory portions. It serves as the foundation course and entry point for all of our other Chemistry courses, and is intended for students who have a solid preparation in Chemistry and have met the mandatory prerequisites. CHEM0330 will be offered in Fall and Spring semesters. Students who wish to review for the placement exam or CH330 are welcome to use the Chem Web Tutorial.

Join the Chemistry Department for the CHEM330 hybrid Open House August 28th at 2:00pm. We will discuss placement, syllabi and expectations for this course, and other questions you may have.  If you prefer to meet in person, please join us in MacMillan Hall , Room 115.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://brown.zoom.us/j/93870705717

Meeting ID: 938 7070 5717

Placement Exam

All students who plan to take chemistry but did not submit AP scores of 4 or 5 to the Registrar, take CH0100, or take an approved equivalent are required to take a short placement exam that will be offered online through Banner. Students who have not taken the exam or completed the prerequisites will not be granted overrides to register for the course.

To enroll in CHEM0330 students must:

  • Score an 8 or higher on the placement exam, or
  • Have successfully completed CHEM0100, or
  • Have a minimum score of 4 on the AP Chemistry exam or minimum score of 5 in IB Chemistry exam

Placement

Please note, the official test scores must be on file with the Registrar’s office. Placement out of CHEM0330 is generally appropriate only for students who have completed IB-Higher Level Chemistry exams with a 6 or higher, British A-level Chemistry with a B or higher, or equivalent courses at another university.

Introductory Courses FAQs

Yes, in order to successfully register for CHEM0330, you must register for each component in the same registration session.

The three components are: Primary Meeting – this component is the lecture section of the course. There are two lecture sections in Fall: S01 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 - 10:50 am) and S02 (Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 - 11:50 am). Conference – this component is a group problem session it meets once per week. Lab – this component meets once per week and is offered up to 10 times each week. The start time is either 1:00 pm Monday – Friday or 2:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday 2:30pm.

In order to successfully register for CHEM0330, you must register for all three components.

Students with British A-level exams, scores of 6 or 7 on the IB-Higher Level Chemistry exam, or a grade of C or better in an equivalent college course at another university or college may start with CHEM0350.  They are also able to transcribe transfer credit for CHEM0330. Please contact transfercredit@brown.edu regarding CHEM0330 credit for IB/A-Level courses.  All transfer credit requests are processed through ASK.

You will need a course override to enroll in CHEM0350, please contact Chemistry@brown.edu.

No. While it is possible to start the Chemistry sequence in your second year and still complete all of the requirements for a degree in four years, it is best to take CHEM0330 in your first year, if you are considering Chemistry, Chemical Physics or Biochemistry as possible concentrations.

Additional Information

Concentrations

The Department of Chemistry offers three distinct concentrations: Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Physics.

Chemistry Web Tutorial

CHEM-Web is a free online tutorial that helps students review general chemistry and prepare for the Chemistry placement exam.