New students selecting their first chemistry course should first decide if they want to eventually study chemistry at a more advanced level. Students who want to study chemistry to fulfill a distribution requirement can opt for Chemistry 113. Students who want to become a science major or prepare for medical school should start at either Chemistry 122, 123, or 128. Students who want to take chemistry to fulfill a distribution requirement are also welcomed to take these courses.

Of the courses offered in chemistry to entering students who want to eventually pursue the study of chemistry at a more advanced level, most will take Chemistry 123 Principles of Chemistry or Chemistry 128 Principles of Environmental Chemistry as their first course. Both Chemistry 123 and Chemistry 128 are one-term courses designed for students who have had a good high school chemistry course. Although taught from slightly different perspectives, all sections of Chemistry 123 or Chemistry 128 will cover the fundamental topics that prepare students for further work in chemistry, biology, geology, or medicine. A section of Chemistry 123 with problem solving is also offered for students who wish to further develop their general analytical and critical thinking skills. This smaller section will have additional class meetings for problem solving and review. Chemistry 123 with problem solving is appropriate for students who would like to have more scheduled time to work with a faculty member on developing their scientific reasoning skills and understanding of the foundations of chemistry.

Students who have not had a high school chemistry course should take Chemistry 122. Chemistry 122 An Introduction to Chemistry is a course designed to prepare students with little or no prior work in chemistry to take Chemistry 123 or Chemistry 128. Students planning to take Chemistry 122, 123 or 128 should take the self-administered Chemistry Placement Evaluation, which can be found on the Chemistry Department's Web site.