Chemistry Test 1
Abbey Synnott
The Chemistry Placement Test may be taken only once and is required of any student who wishes to enroll in Chemistry 1A. The test is not necessary for students who have completed Chemistry 4 at El Camino College with a C or better.
We recommend that you speak to a counselor before taking the test. The Chemistry Placement Test is taken online via Canvas, and students must sign up using the link below to receive access. A confirmation email will be sent once students can take the test with further instructions.
To help your child get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is anxious about it, work together on ways to stay calm.
Potassium is essential to regulating how the heart beats. Levels that are too high or too low can increase the risk of an abnormal heartbeat (an arrhythmia). Low potassium levels are also linked to muscle weakness and cramps.
Bicarbonate prevents the body's tissues from getting too much or too little acid. The kidneys and lungs balance bicarbonate levels. So if bicarbonate levels are too high or too low, it might indicate a problem with those organs.
Creatinine levels: High levels of creatinine (kree-AT-uh-neen) can be a sign of a kidney problem. The kidneys filter and excrete creatinine. So if they're not working as they should, creatinine can build up in the bloodstream. Both dehydration and muscle damage also can raise creatinine levels.
Glucose: This is the main type of sugar in the blood. It comes from the foods we eat and is the major source of energy needed to fuel the body's functions. Glucose levels that are too high or too low can cause problems. Diabetes is the main cause of high blood glucose levels. Other medical conditions and some medicines also can cause high blood glucose.
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Success in any course requires that you have sufficient background to understand the material and achieve your highest potential. To help make sure you have that background for chemistry courses we ask you to take a placement test.
CHEM 1230 is designed for students who are majoring in science, engineering, pharmacy or other fields that require general chemistry as a prerequisite course. Students taking this course have had at least one year of high school chemistry and two years of high school algebra.
NOTE: The second option is only recommended if you are originally close to the 50% mark. Furthermore, if you do not originally score 50%, you will also enroll in CHEM 1200: Problem-Solving in General Chemistry. This is a workshop-based class shown to increase student success in General Chemistry. During weekly meetings in this 1-credit hour course you will have the opportunity to work in small groups with an advanced student.
Topics on the CHEM 1090/1230 Placement test include but are not limited to: algebraic manipulation, using scientific notation, significant figures, interpretation of graphs, balancing chemical equations, states of matter, periodic table interpretation and significance, names and formulas for compounds, stoichiometric calculations, gas law, molecular geometry.
CHEM 1120 is designed for students who are majoring in nursing or a small number of other allied health fields. Students taking this course have had at least one year of high school chemistry and two years of high school algebra.
Topics for the CHEM 1110/1120 Placement test include but are not limited to: algebraic manipulation, using scientific notation, significant figures, conversions including but not limited to metric prefixes, structure of the atom including electronic structure, balancing chemical equations, states of matter, periodic table interpretation and significance, names and formulas for compounds, stoichiometric calculations, gas law, molecular geometry.
Completion of Chemistry 20 or 25, OR the equivalent at another college/university (to be reviewed by Evaluations by submitting a prerequisite clearance request), OR a College Board AP Chemistry score of a 3 or higher (to be reviewed by Evaluations by submitting a prerequisite clearance request),
Completion of Math 105 (intermediate algebra), or higher, OR the equivalent at another college/university (to be reviewed by Evaluations by submitting a prerequisite clearance request), OR a College Board AP Calculus AB or BC score of a 3 or higher (to be reviewed by Evaluations by submitting a prerequisite clearance request), OR placement out of Math 105 by assessment.
If you completed Chemistry 20 or 25, OR the equivalent at another college/university OR received an AP Chemistry score of a 3, or higher, you may be able to submit a prerequisite clearance request to clear the chemistry prerequisite.
If you do not have a current math placement, a math placement will be given to you based on the high school transcript you submit during the survey OR the official high school transcript on file with Admissions and Records.
To avoid this, please make sure you have a math placement higher than Math 105 already OR request and complete our math assessment before completing the Chemistry 1A Placement Survey OR confirm that your math prerequisite clearance request submission to Evaluations has been approved and processed before completing our Chemistry 1A Placement Survey.
The Department of Chemistry offers two placement exams to help students determine which introductory course is the best one for them. The General Chemistry Placement Exam is used for enrollment in CHEM 110, 120, 142 or 143. The Honors CHEM 145 Placement Exam is used for enrollment in CHEM 145. See Choosing Intro Courses for descriptions of the introductory general chemistry courses.
Once you are in the Canvas portal you will need to enroll and then follow instructions given on the canvas homepage. Please ensure you have a valid UW student ID number as this will be required. If you are a new student attending Advising and Orientation (A&O), you will need to complete the online exam at least 2 business days prior to the start of your A&O for scores to be updated in time for course registration. Exams taken after will not be updated in time for course registration at your A&O. The placement test may be taken a total of two times. You must wait at least 24 hours after completing the first attempt before taking the second attempt at the placement test.
The General Chemistry Placement Exam covers a range of basic chemistry concepts along with mathematical and problem solving skills. The topics covered by the exam are measurement, atomic theory of matter, periodicity, bonding, compound nomenclature, atomic and molar mass, mole concept, compound composition, chemical equations and basic stoichiometry. A free online course provides a review of these topics. The Honors Chemistry Placement Exam includes the above topics, but in more depth, as well as electronic structure and properties of gases.
If you are unsure of your preparation for the chemistry courses you may want to enroll in the UW GEN CHEM PREP COURSE. Registration for the prep course is free and introduces you to ALEKS, the online homework system used in CHEM 110 and the CHEM 142-152-162 and 143-153 sequences. To enroll:
Aside from taking the General Chemistry Placement Exam there are several alternate ways to place into Chem 142 or 143. You can place into CHEM 142 or 143 by completing a preparatory chemistry course such as CHEM 110 or equivalent. An AP Chemistry score of 1 or greater is accepted for placement into CHEM 142 and 143 while a score of 3 or greater is accepted for placement into CHEM 145.
For IB exams, a score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 on the standard level exam will get you credit for CHEM 110 and allows you to enroll in CHEM 142 or 143. A score of 4 on the High Level exam can place you into CHEM 142 or 143 and a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the High Level Chemistry IB exam is accepted for placement into CHEM 145.
Accelerated General Chemistry sequence is designed for students who have a very strong background and interest in chemistry. Mastery of basic concepts of stoichiometry and gas laws are required. This course will move at a faster pace than CHEM 142. Excellent problem solving and mathematical reasoning skills are required for success in this sequence.
Honors Chemistry, CHEM 145, assumes full mastery of the basic concepts of elementary chemistry so the course will not review this material. The expectation for math and problem solving proficiency is also high in the honors courses.
Once a student meets the prerequisites for CHEM 121N, they may self-register for the course. When registering for the course, students must choose a CHEM 121N lecture section, a CHEM 121N recitation section with the same instructor as the chosen lecture section, and a CHEM 122N lab.
The Chemistry Placement exam is a 50 minute, 50 question, multiple choice, online exam that tests your math and chemistry background. It covers content that is typically covered in a high school chemistry course. The purpose of the exam is to determine if you are prepared to take and be successful in CHEM 121N.
The chemistry placement exam is required for all students who want to enroll in CHEM 121N unless a student chooses to take CHEM 103 or has already received credit for CHEM 121N trough transfer or AP credit.
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