Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Advising Guide to Chemistry Courses

General Chemistry Courses

Chemistry 1560 (Fall/Summer, 4 units; 3 lecs/wk; Median grade: 2.8): Introduction to General Chemistry is a one-semester introduction to the field of chemistry that prepares students for Chem 1570. Chem 1560 has one more lecture per week than Chem 2070 and recitation section. Students who have never taken a chemistry course or who have very weak preparation sometimes take Chem 1560 + 2080 (Fall + Spring), although Chem 2070 is appropriate and recommended for students continuing on to Chem 2080. Chem 1560 is not recommended for premed or prevet students. Students who have had an AP chem course should not enroll in Chem 1560.

Chemistry 2070 and 2080 (Fall + Spring or Summer, 4 units; 2 lecs/wk; Median grade: 2.8 and 2.9, respectively): General Chemistry I and II is the standard two-semester sequence in general chemistry and covers fundamental chemical principles. Students with one year of high school chemistry usually take Chem 2070 + 2080. These courses satisfy the introductory chemistry requirement for most medical and veterinary programs, as well as for the chemistry major.

Chemistry 2090 (Fall or Spring, 4 units; 3 lecs/wk; Median grade: 3.0): Engineering General Chemistry is a one-semester course, equivalent to 2070, for all students in the College of Engineering. High school chemistry is a prerequisite. Students interested in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering may take Chem 2150, depending on their level of interest and preparation. Chem 2090 prepares students for Chem 2080 and is therefore an appropriate pre-medical choice.

Chemistry 2150 (Fall, 4 units; 3 lecs/wk; Median grade: 3.3): Honors General Chemistry is an honors-level one semester course in introductory chemistry. It requires calculus or concurrent enrollment in calculus. This course is intended for students who have earned a score of 5 on the CEEB AP exam, or who have comparable preparation. Students will maintain AP credit by taking Chem 2150. Chem 2150 may be followed by Chem 3590 in the Spring.

Organic Chemistry Courses

Chemistry 1570 (Spring or Summer, 3 units; 3 lecs/wk): Introductory Organic and Biological Chemistry is a one-semester overview of organic chemistry. The prerequisite is Chemistry 1560 or 2070 or 2090. The course is not recommended for premedical or preveterinary students, but it will adequately prepare students for biochemistry courses. This course can be followed by Chemistry 3570 and/or 3580, but credit will not be given for both 1570 and 3570.

Chemistry 3570 and 3580 (Fall + Spring or Summer, 3 units; 3 lecs/wk): Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences is the standard two-semester sequence of organic chemistry. These are the recommended courses for students with premedical or preveterinary interests. The prerequisite for Chem 3570 is Chemistry 2080 or 2150.

Chemistry 3590 (2012-2013: Fall and Spring.  Thereafter, Spring only) and 3600 (2012-2013: Spring only.  Thereafter, Fall only.), (4 units, 3 lecs/wk): Honors Organic Chemistry I and II are the honors-level, two semester courses in organic chemistry. The sequence begins in the Spring to accommodate students who have completed Chem 2150 in the Fall. The prerequisite is Chemistry 2080 or 2150.

Chemistry 2510 (Fall, Spring or Summer) 2 units. Introduction to Experimental Organic Chemistry is a laboratory course intended to fulfill the organic laboratory requirement of various curricula.

Questions? Please call the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at 607-255-5287.

Contact Information 

Office of Undergraduate Studies
131 Baker Laboratory
Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm

Undergraduate Program Administrator
Pat Hine
pah3@cornell.edu
607-255-5287

Undergraduate Course Coordinator
Christine Ward
cmz32@cornell.edu
607-255-5287