The Chemistry Department offers two general chemistry tracks.

1. A two-term general chemistry sequence: Chem5 (offered Fall and Winter) and Chem6 (offered Winter and Spring).
2. A one-term standalone course in general chemistry, Chem11 (offered Fall and Spring).

While most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry complete general chemistry in their first year, it is possible for students to pursue a chemistry major by taking general (5 and 6 or 11) and organic chemistry (51 and 52) in their second year.  

Which General Chemistry option will I take?

Chemistry Placement Flowchart

Students with a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam, 6 or 7 on the IB higher level Chemistry Exam, or an A on the A-level Chemistry Exam 

1. Receive credit on entrance for Chem5.
2. Are placed into Chem11.
3. May opt to take the Chem6 credit exam which would give the student credit for Chem6 and allow them to enroll directly in organic chemistry, Chem51.

Note - Students with A-level Chemistry exams need to contact the Registrar and the Department as it will not automatically give credit for Chem5.

All other students are placed into Chem5 but are encouraged to complete the Chemistry Placement Exam on Canvas, especially if they aren't sure which course is right for them.  A student's performance on the exam will result in their placement into either Chem5 or Chem11.

Note – All students without credit on entrance for Chem5 who wish to take Chem11 must take and pass the placement exam.  Students who aren't sure which course is right for them are encouraged to take the placement exam.

Please see Chemistry Placement Exams page for more information on placement and links to the exam.

What is the math prerequisite for General Chemistry?

Math3 is a prerequisite for all our general chemistry courses.  If you are interested in taking Chem5 and Chem6 (or Chem11) in your first year at Dartmouth College, please be sure to take Math3 during your first year Fall term if you do not already have credit for Math3.

Are there any resources available to help me feel prepared for General Chemistry?

Students interested in a refresher in some basic concepts in general chemistry are encouraged to complete the Self-Guided Chem5 Preparation Course on Canvas, which can be found here.  This course can be taken during the four weeks preceding the term that you will take Chem5 and will serve as an excellent introduction to some topics that will be covered quickly during the first week of the term.

What are the possible paths to completing General Chemistry in my first year?

If you are interested in completing general chemistry during your first year at Dartmouth College, some possible paths through general chemistry in the first year are shown below.

• Students without Math3 credit who place plan to take Chem5:
  • Fall Math3, Winter Chem5, Spring Chem6
• Students with Math3 credit who place into or intend to take Chem5:
  • Fall Chem5, Winter Chem6 OR
  • Winter Chem5, Spring Chem6
• Students with Math3 credit who place into Chem11:
  • Fall Chem11 OR
  • Spring Chem11
• Students without Math3 credit who place into Chem11:
  • Fall Math3, Spring Chem11