Registration: General Chemistry I
All students who want to enroll in General Chemistry (CHEM 111 General Chemistry I), and General Chemistry I lab (CHEM 112), must take the Chemistry Diagnostic Test.
This diagnostic test has been designed to help you assess your preparedness for CHEM 111. Based on your score on the test, we will recommend resources to help support your success in CHEM 111.
The diagnostic test is to be completed online and is timed. Find a quiet place to work for 45 minutes. You will need a scientific calculator, scratch paper, and a pen or pencil. You will also need to refer to this periodic table.
You will be awarded 1 point for each correct answer. For incorrect answers, you will lose 0.25 points. There is no penalty for leaving answers blank.
Do not hit the back button or the refresh button on your browser while taking this exam. Your responses may not be recorded accurately.
There are 43 questions on the test. We strongly suggest that you study the following topics from your high school chemistry course before taking diagnostic test:
● basic algebra as used in high school chemistry
● the atom and atomic mass/isotopes
● moles, factor label/dimensional analysis mathematical method
● chemical formulas
● stoichiometry, limiting reagents, solutions using factor label/dimensional analysis methods
● gas laws
● equations and graphing
General Chemistry I Registration
Your test score should be posted in Banner (within 24 hours, if your test score doesn’t post within 24 hours contact Deidre Shymanski (dhshymanski@usfca.edu).
Based on your score on the Chemistry Diagnostic test:
● Score = 38 - 100 on first attempt
Congratulations! Your score is sufficient to enroll in CHEM 111/112.
If you wish to revisit the concepts covered in the diagnostic test, enroll in the asynchronous online course to help prepare you for CHEM 111. The course is free. You will not receive any course credit for completion, however, your outcomes in General Chemistry may improve significantly. For access to the course, please complete this Chemistry Prep Course sign up.
● Score = zero - 37 on first attempt
You cannot yet register for CHEM 111/112. First, you must complete the asynchronous online course and re-take the diagnostic test. The course is free and designed to help prepare you for CHEM 111. You will not receive any course credit for completion, however your second attempt on the placement exam and overall performance in General Chemistry may improve. For access to the course, please complete this Chemistry Prep Course sign up.
After completing the course, take the diagnostic test a second time.
● Score = 38 - 100 on second attempt
Congratulations! Your score is sufficient to enroll in CHEM 111/112.
If at any time you wish to revisit the concepts covered in the diagnostic test, you will continue to have access to the asynchronous online course. To be able to register for CHEM 111/112, please fill out this form.
● Score = zero - 37 on second attempt
To support your learning in CHEM 111/112, you must concurrently register for CHEM 191 Peer-Led Team Learning. This 1-unit pass/fail course is designed to provide you with additional help in General Chemistry.
We also encourage you to revisit the asynchronous online course before the start of the semester to help you better prepare for CHEM 111. To be able to register for CHEM 111/112, please fill out this form.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact your major advisor.
FAQ
Can I take CHEM 111 or CHEM 113 without being enrolled in the lab?
No. The CHEM 111 lecture and CHEM 112 lab are co-requisites. CHEM 113 and 114 are co-requisites as well.
If I need to retake the lecture, but got C or higher in lab, do I repeat both?
No. But, you must sign up for both and ask us to drop the lab upon a screenshot proof of your lab grade. Email your request/proof to Deidre Shymanski at dhshymanski@usfca.edu.
If I drop the lecture, will I have to drop the lab?
Yes.
How do I get access to the asynchronous online course?
For access to the course, please complete this form.