Advising Guide

Choosing Your Chemistry Courses

Choosing courses based on preparation
Minimal Preparation (little or no high school background in chemistry)
  • If your program of study requires two semesters (or 8 credits) of general chemistry, then the standard recommendation is CHEM 2070-71 and CHEM 2080-81.
  • Consider taking the Learning Strategy Center's academic support courses (CHEM 1007 and CHEM 1008) concurrently with General Chemistry I and II.
  • Consider taking the department's problem-solving course CHEM 1729 during fall of their first semester before moving on to CHEM 2070-71 in the spring.
  • Students may take CHEM 1560-61 and CHEM 2080-81 for their introductory chemistry sequence, but should only consider doing so after confirming with their program of study that they may take CHEM 1560-61 in place of 2070-71.
Standard Preparation (one year of high school chemistry with no AP/IB credit)
  • If your program of study requires two semesters (or 8 credits) of general chemistry, then the standard remains CHEM 2070-71 and CHEM 2080-81. 
  • The standard general chemistry sequence fulfills the Introductory Chemistry requirement for most medical and veterinary programs. 
  • Students majoring in Chemistry may choose to take CHEM 2070-71 and CHEM 2080-81 or CHEM 2150. Students considering CHEM 2150 without advanced credit for CHEM 2070-71 must obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling.
Strong Preparation (one or more years of high school chemistry and/or a score of 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB chemistry exam).
  • If your program of study requires two semesters (or 8 credits) of general chemistry, then you may take the standard sequence (CHEM 2070-71 and CHEM 2080-81) or enroll directly into CHEM 2150. CHEM 2150 is an honors course that requires AP calculus or concurrent enrollment in a calculus course, and is intended for students with a specific interest in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and/or Chemical Engineering. 
  • If you successfully complete CHEM 2150 in the Fall, and are majoring in a program that requires a full year of general and organic chemistry (i.e. two semesters of each), you might consider advancing to Honors Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 3590) in the spring of your first year. Progressing from CHEM 2150 to CHEM 3590 and CHEM 3600 allows well-prepared students to complete General and Organic Chemistry in three semesters.
One Semester vs. Two Semesters of General Chemistry
If your program requires one semester (or 4 credits) of general chemistry...If your program requires two semesters (or 8 credits) of general chemistry...

CHEM 1560 and 1561

Features a broader range of topics than CHEM 2070-71; not intended for pre-med or pre-vet students, or students with AP/IB credit.

CHEM 2070 and 2071

and CHEM 2080 and 2081

Standard two-semester sequence for most programs of study, including pre-med and pre-vet students.

CHEM 2090 and 2091

Some EN programs only require one semester (4 credits) of general chemistry. Students should confirm with their program of study.

CHEM 2090 and 2091

and CHEM 2080 and 2081

Some EN programs require two semesters (8 credits) of general chemistry. Students should confirm with their program of study.

 

Advanced Standing credit

and CHEM 2150

This is a good option for students who want to finish general and organic chemistry in 3 semesters. 

AP Credit and Chemistry

CEEB AP Credit: Students with a 5 on the CEEB AP exam receive a combined four credits for CHEM 2070 (3cr) and 2071 (1cr).  Students retain their AP credit if they enroll in CHEM 2150; however, they forfeit their credit if instead they opt to take CHEM 1560-61, CHEM 2070-71 or CHEM 2090-91.  

Typically, students who earn an AP chemistry score of 5 usually choose from three enrollment options:

  1. If one semester of Introductory Chemistry is needed, then the requirement is complete and no additional enrollment is needed.
  2. Accept the credit for CHEM 2070-71 and enroll in CHEM 2080-81.
  3. Accept the credit for CHEM 2070-71 and enroll in CHEM 2150.

Recommendations for Non-Chemistry Majors

 
Program of Study (non-Chemistry major)Year OneYear Two
Premedical or pre-veterinary tracks (standard)

2070-71 and 2080-81 

or AP Credit + 2150

3570 + 3580 + 2510
Engineering (Most majors, non-premed)2090-91 
Engineering (Chemical, Environmental, Biological)

2090-91 and 2080-81 

or AP Credit + 2150

 
Biology, Nutrition & Human Biology, Health and Society, premed2070-71 and 2080-813570 + 3580 + 2510
Animal Science (non pre-veterinary), Food Science1560-61 and 1570 

Premedical Students

Pre-med options for completing General Chemistry

Standard Sequence 

(8 credits)

"Honors" Sequence

(Advanced Standing + 4 credits)

CHEM 2070/71

and CHEM 2080/81

Score of 5 on the AP chemistry exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB chemistry exam

and CHEM 2080/81 or CHEM 2150

Cornell Chemistry considers completion of CHEM 2150 with AP credit equivalent to eight (8) credits of Introductory Chemistry. However, pre-med and pre-vet students should carefully consider whether this option aligns with their long-term goals, as not all medical or health-related graduate programs accept AP Chemistry credit. Students with AP or IB credit who complete CHEM 2150 may request a letter from the Chemistry Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) verifying proficiency in general chemistry for graduate or medical school applications. Pre-medical students are strongly encouraged to consult the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) before deciding how to complete general chemistry at Cornell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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