Introductory Courses
Students enter Cornell with wide range of interests and high school preparation in chemistry. The list below describes recommendations and requirements for your initial chemistry course.
One Semester Courses
There are two options for students who require only a single semester of introductory chemistry (e.g. most engineers). Credit for two semesters of introductory chemistry is required for a premedical or preveterinary course of study.
Engineers: ALL engineers must take Chem 2090, Engineering General Chemistry. Students majoring in C&BE, however, are required to take two semesters of introductory chemistry (see below).
Other students: Students needing only one semester of chemistry (except engineers) should take Chem 1560, Introduction to General Chemistry. In contrast to Chem 2070, Chem 1560 includes an introduction to both equilibrium and kinetics, which are essential topics for a sound foundation in chemistry.
Two Semester Courses (including premedical and preveterinary)
There are three primary tracks for students requiring two semesters of introductory chemistry, Chem 2150 (Fall) + AP credit, Chem 2070 + 2080 (Fall + Spring) and Chem 2090 + 2080 (Fall + Spring). The best option for you is determined by your preparation in chemistry and your college.
CEEB AP Credit: Students with a 5 on the CEEB AP exam will receive four credits for Chem 2070. This credit is retained if a student enrolls in Chem 2150, but is forfeit if a student completes Chem 1560, 2070, or Chem 2090. A student who has earned the AP score of 5 typically chooses among three options: (1) If only one semester of general chemistry is required, that requirement has been met. (2) The student accepts credit for Chem 2070, and takes Chem 2080 in the Spring. (3) The student accepts credit for Chem 2070 and takes Chem 2150 in the Fall. Cornell University advises medical schools that AP credit, together with completion of Chem 2150, is equivalent of 8 credits of introductory chemistry.
Strong preparation: Students with an AP Chemistry score of 5 or comparable preparation may enroll in Chem 2150, an honors general chemistry course that requires calculus or concurrent enrollment in calculus. This course is designed for students with a particular interest in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering. Students completing Chem 2150 in the Fall may then proceed in the Spring to Chem 3590, the first semester of the honors organic chemistry sequence. The sequence Chem 2150-Chem3590-Chem 3600 permits well-prepared students to complete general and organic chemistry sequences in three semesters.
Solid preparation: Students with a single year of high school chemistry or those with AP score below 5 should take Chem 2070 + 2080 (Fall + Spring), General Chemistry. These courses satisfy the introductory chemistry requirement for most medical and veterinary programs. Students intending to major in Chemistry may take either the Chem 2070-2080 sequence or Chem 2150. Engineers needing a two semester sequence should enroll in Chem 2090 + 2080.
No or very weak preparation: Students who have never taken a chemistry course or who have very weak preparation sometimes decide to take Chem 1560 + 2080 (Fall + Spring), although Chem 2070 is still appropriate and recommended for those continuing on to Chem 2080. Chem 1560 is not recommended for premedical or preveterinary students. Students who have had an AP chemistry course should not enroll in Chem 1560.