Chemistry (CHEM) | University of New Hampshire Academic Catalog (2024)

Table of Contents
CHEM400 - Freshman Seminar CHEM403 - General Chemistry I CHEM404 - General Chemistry II CHEM404H - Honors/General Chemistry II CHEM405 - Chemical Principles for Engineers CHEM408 - Green Goggles: Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM409 - Chemistry and Society CHEM411 - Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences CHEM413 - General Chemistry Lecture I CHEM415 - General Chemistry Lecture II CHEM416 - General Chemistry Lab II CHEM501 - Peer-led Team Learning in Chemistry CHEM502 - Advanced Peer-led Team Leadership in Chemistry CHEM503 - Mentoring for Peer Team Learning CHEM517 - Introduction to Chemical Measurement Science CHEM518 - Practical Chemical Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation CHEM545 - Organic Chemistry CHEM546 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory CHEM547 - Organic Chemistry I CHEM548 - Organic Chemistry II CHEM549 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory CHEM550 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory CHEM574 - Chemistry Across the Periodic Table CHEM576 - Experimental Inorganic Chemistry CHEM651 - Organic Chemistry I CHEM652 - Organic Chemistry II CHEM652A - Organic Chemistry II CHEM653 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory CHEM654 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory CHEM683 - Physical Chemistry I CHEM684 - Physical Chemistry II CHEM685 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory CHEM686 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory CHEM696 - Independent Study CHEM708 - Spectroscopic Investigations of Organic Molecules CHEM740 - Chemical Biology CHEM741 - Chemical Biology Laboratory View Course Learning Outcomes CHEM755 - Advanced Organic Chemistry CHEM762 - Advanced Chemical Analysis Instrumentation CHEM763 - Advanced Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory CHEM774 - Inorganic Chemistry CHEM776 - Physical Chemistry III CHEM777 - Advanced Synthesis and Characterization CHEM795 - Special Topics CHEM798 - Senior Seminar CHEM799 - Senior Thesis FAQs References

CHEM400 - Freshman Seminar

Credits: 1

An introduction to the chemistry profession. Talks and workshops on the career of a chemist in academia, industry, medicine, law, teaching and government. Required for chemistry majors.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 2 credits.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

CHEM403 - General Chemistry I

Credits: 0 or 4

Fundamental laws and concepts applied to nonmetals, metals, and their compounds. For students who plan to take further chemistry courses. Previous chemistry recommended. Knowledge of algebra, exponentials, and logarithms required. Lab. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for CHEM405. Required for chemistry majors.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Equivalent(s): CHEM405

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM404 - General Chemistry II

Credits: 0 or 4

Fundamental laws and concepts applied to nonmetals, metals, and their compounds. For students who plan to take further chemistry courses. Previous chemistry recommended. Knowledge of algebra, exponentials, and logarithms required. Required for chemistry majors. Lab.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Prerequisite(s): CHEM403 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): CHEM404H, CHEM405, CHEM415, CHEM416

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM404H - Honors/General Chemistry II

Credits: 0 or 4

Fundamental laws and concepts applied to nonmetals, metals, and their compounds. For students who plan to take further chemistry courses. Previous chemistry recommended. Knowledge of algebra, exponentials, and logarithms required. Required for chemistry majors. Lab. Honors course is designed for students who have enrolled in the honors degree program. Lab. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for CHEM 402.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Honors course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Prerequisite(s): CHEM403 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): CHEM404, CHEM405, CHEM415, CHEM416

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM405 - Chemical Principles for Engineers

Credits: 0 or 4

Basic principles; atomic structure, bonding, equilibria, and thermodynamics. One year of high school chemistry, algebra, and knowledge of logarithms. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for CHEM403 and CHEM404. Required for chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, environmental engineering: industrial majors. Not applicable for credit for majors in chemistry or biochemistry.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Equivalent(s): CHEM403, CHEM404, CHEM404H, CHEM413, CHEM 414

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM408 - Green Goggles: Introduction to Green Chemistry

Credits: 4

In this course, we investigate the principles and practice of Green Chemistry as they connect to real world examples. Green Chemistry is the field of science that uses a principle-based approach to design chemical reactions and processes to make them more sustainable. In exploring green chemistry, many of the fundamental concepts of a general chemistry course are investigated. Some topics include use of renewable feedstocks, atom economy, catalysis, waste prevention, and design for degradation.

Attributes: Physical Science(Discovery)

Equivalent(s): CHEM 444G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM409 - Chemistry and Society

Credits: 4

Elementary survey of chemistry; integrates principles and applications. For students who do not intend to take any other chemistry courses and those interested in satisfying a general education science requirement. Not a prerequisite for any other chemistry courses. (Not offered every year.) Chemistry majors are excluded from taking this course.

Attributes: Physical Science(Discovery); Inquiry (Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM411 - Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences

Credits: 0 or 4

Fundamental and pragmatic aspects of chemistry, particularly as foundation for nutritional biochemistry. Includes basics of bonding, acid/base behavior, reaction energy, intermolecular forces, stoichiometry, and equilibrium. High school chemistry not required. This course is not a replacement to CHEM403 and is not an acceptable pre-requisite for CHEM404.

Attributes: Discovery Lab Course; Physical Science(Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM413 - General Chemistry Lecture I

Credits: 3

Fundamental laws and concepts applied to nonmetals, metals, and their compounds. For students who plan to take further chemistry courses. Previous chemistry recommended. Knowledge of algebra, exponentials, and logarithms required. Not offered every summer. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for CHEM 401, CHEM403, CHEM405, or CHEM409.

Equivalent(s): CHEM403, CHEM405

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM415 - General Chemistry Lecture II

Credits: 3

Fundamental laws and concepts applied to nonmetals, metals, and their compounds. For students who plan to take further chemistry courses. Previous chemistry recommended. Knowledge of algebra, exponentials, and logarithms required. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for CHEM 402 or CHEM404.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM403 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM413 with a minimum grade of D-).

Equivalent(s): CHEM404, CHEM404H

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM416 - General Chemistry Lab II

Credits: 1

Lab application of fundamental laws and concepts applied to nonmetals, metals and their compounds. Previous general chemistry lecture required. Special permission. Not offered every summer. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for CHEM 402 or CHEM404. Not open to Chemistry majors.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM403 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM 414 with a minimum grade of D-).

Equivalent(s): CHEM404, CHEM404H

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM501 - Peer-led Team Learning in Chemistry

Credits: 2

Initial experience as peer instructional leader. Practical application of theories of cognition, group dynamics, learning, and motivation to helping other students learn chemistry in general chemistry. Requires one weekly meeting with students.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM403 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM502 - Advanced Peer-led Team Leadership in Chemistry

Credits: 1

Development and assessment of leadership skills. Practical application of theories of cognition, group dynamics, learning, and motivation to helping other students learn chemistry in general chemistry. Requires one weekly meeting with students.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM501 with a minimum grade of D- or INCO501 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM503 - Mentoring for Peer Team Learning

Credits: 1

Experienced leaders mentor a new leader in implementation of PLTL model, including initial co-leading and observational formative assessment. Mentors report on mentee development, visit other experienced leaders, and provide a final evaluation. Mentors lead their own weekly group and assist part-time in the PLTL leader meetings.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM501 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM517 - Introduction to Chemical Measurement Science

Credits: 3

Application of chemical principles, particularly equilibrium, to quantitative measurement of chemical substances. Measurement design and control, accuracy and precision, calibration of instruments, sample representativeness and integrity.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM518 - Practical Chemical Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation

Credits: 2

Development of practical skills for quantitative measurement of chemical substances, proper use of laboratory tools and instruments. Introduction to analytical separations, ion-selective electrodes, spectrophotometry.

Co-requisite: CHEM517

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM545 - Organic Chemistry

Credits: 3

Introductory study of carbon compounds for those who desire a brief terminal course. This course is a one semester course only. CHEM545 and 546 are not applicable for pre-med, pre-vet, pharmacological majors or minors requiring a year long course of organic. CHEM545 and CHEM546 cannot be used to meet semester 1 of the year long-organic course (CHEM547 or CHEM651). CHEM545 and CHEM 546L are co-requisites and must be taken together.

Co-requisite: CHEM546

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM546 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Introductory study of carbon compounds for those who desire a brief terminal course. Lab.

Co-requisite: CHEM545

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM547 - Organic Chemistry I

Credits: 3

Principal classes of organic compounds, aliphatic and aromatic; class reactions and structural theory. Intended primarily for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Students receiving credit for CHEM547-548 may not receive credit for either CHEM545 or CHEM651 and CHEM652.

Co-requisite: CHEM549

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Equivalent(s): CHEM651

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM548 - Organic Chemistry II

Credits: 3

Principal classes of organic compounds, aliphatic and aromatic; class reactions and structural theory. Intended primarily for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Students receiving credit for CHEM547 and CHEM548 may not receive credit for either CHEM545 or CHEM651 and CHEM652. Only listed majors allowed: Chemistry (BS), Chemistry (BA), Bchmmolcebio, and Biochemistry.

Co-requisite: CHEM550

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-) and CHEM547 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): CHEM652

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM549 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Lab.

Co-requisite: CHEM547

Equivalent(s): CHEM546, CHEM653

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM550 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Organic Chemistry Laboratory.

Co-requisite: CHEM548

Equivalent(s): CHEM654

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM574 - Chemistry Across the Periodic Table

Credits: 4

Ninety-eight elements form the building blocks of every substance on Earth-they are elegantly organized into what we now call The Periodic Table. This course will discuss the structure/property/reactivity patterns inherent in The Periodic Table, their origins according to the quantum mechanical model of the atom, and how they are manifest in current research advancements and modern applications of main group element chemistry, transition metal chemistry, and the chemistry of solids and materials.

Attributes: Inquiry (Discovery)

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM576 - Experimental Inorganic Chemistry

Credits: 2

This laboratory course is an introduction to synthetic methods in inorganic chemistry and the study of the elements across the periodic table. This course will emphasize the use of spectroscopic and analytical techniques specifically aimed at characterizing and identifying inorganic compounds, such as multi-nuclear NMR, UV\Vis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. An introduction to scientific writing will be included.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM574 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM651 - Organic Chemistry I

Credits: 3

Principal classes of organic compounds, aliphatic and aromatic, class reactions and structural theory. Intended primarily for pre-healing arts, biological science, and health science students. Students receiving credit for CHEM651 and CHEM652 may not receive credit for either CHEM545 or CHEM547 and CHEM548.

Co-requisite: CHEM653

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Equivalent(s): CHEM547

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM652 - Organic Chemistry II

Credits: 3

Principal classes of organic compounds, aliphatic and aromatic, class reactions and structural theory. Intended primarily for pre-healing arts, biological science, and health science students.

Co-requisite: CHEM654

Prerequisite(s): CHEM651 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM653 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): CHEM548

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM652A - Organic Chemistry II

Credits: 3

Principal classes of organic compounds, aliphatic and aromatic, class reactions, and structural theory. Intended primarily for pre-healing arts, biological science, and health science students. Students receiving credit for CHEM651 and CHEM652 may not receive credit for either CHEM545 or CHEM547 and CHEM548. This course is for Chemical Engineers only.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM651 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM653 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM653 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Lab.

Co-requisite: CHEM651

Equivalent(s): CHEM546, CHEM549

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM654 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Organic Chemistry Laboratory.

Co-requisite: CHEM652

Equivalent(s): CHEM550

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM683 - Physical Chemistry I

Credits: 3

Topics may be chosen from: properties of gases, liquids, and solids; thermochemistry, and thermodynamics; chemical equilibria; reaction rates; quantum chemistry and spectroscopy.

Co-requisite: CHEM685

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-) and (MATH426 with a minimum grade of D- or MATH426H with a minimum grade of D-) and (PHYS402 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407H (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407S (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM684 - Physical Chemistry II

Credits: 3

Topics may be chosen from: properties of gases, liquids, and solids; thermochemistry, and thermodynamics; chemical equilibria; reaction rates; quantum chemistry and spectroscopy.

Co-requisite: CHEM686

Prerequisite(s): CHEM683 with a minimum grade of D- and (MATH426 with a minimum grade of D- or MATH426H with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM685 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Measurement of thermodynamic properties, chemical kinetics, and methods of determining the structure of matter.

Co-requisite: CHEM683

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-) and (MATH426 with a minimum grade of D- or MATH426H with a minimum grade of D-) and (PHYS407 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407H (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS402 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407S (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM686 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Credits: 2

Measurement of thermodynamic properties, chemical kinetics, and methods of determining the structure of matter.

Co-requisite: CHEM684

Prerequisite(s): CHEM683 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM685 with a minimum grade of D- and (PHYS407 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407H with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS402 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS407S (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM696 - Independent Study

Credits: 1-4

For exceptional students. Individual reading, writing, or laboratory work carried out under the tutelage of a faculty member. May be used to replace specific required courses in chemistry.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM404 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM404H with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM405 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM708 - Spectroscopic Investigations of Organic Molecules

Credits: 3

Identification and structural analysis of chemical compounds by selected instrumental methods. Typical topics include proton and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy, IR and UV spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM740 - Chemical Biology

Credits: 3

How does the COVID vaccine work? What is an antibody conjugate? What is bioconjugation? How do we see mRNA in living cells? How do we evolve enzymes? Chemical Biology is the interdisciplinary study of the chemicals and chemical reactions involved to probe, manipulate, and control biological systems in vitro and in vivo. This course is designed for biologists, chemists, and engineers who want to understand cutting edge and relevant research techniques used in modern medicine.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM547 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM548 with a minimum grade of D-) or (CHEM651 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM652 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM741 - Chemical Biology Laboratory

Credits: 4

In this course we will perform 3 month-long experiments that will demonstrate the three major pillars of chemical biology: Perceive, profile, and perturb. This will demonstrate how chemical entities can be used to further understand biological systems and organisms.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM740 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Learn to synthesize materials that can interact with biological systems.
  2. Learn to perform basic biochemical and molecular biology laboratory techniques.
  3. Learn to work with bacterial and mammalian cell cultures.
  4. Learn to write full reports of extensive experiments.

View Course Learning Outcomes

CHEM755 - Advanced Organic Chemistry

Credits: 3

Methods of synthesis and determination of structure, including stereochemistry of complex organic compounds.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM548 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM652 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM762 - Advanced Chemical Analysis Instrumentation

Credits: 3

Theory, instrumentation, and application of methods to qualitative identification and quantitative measurement of trace chemical substances including environmental pollutants. Includes methods of such as atomic spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, IR and UV-VIS spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, fluorescence, mass spectrometry, X-ray techniques.

Co-requisite: CHEM763

Prerequisite(s): CHEM517 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM518 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM763 - Advanced Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory

Credits: 2 or 3

Hands-on experience with modern instrumentation for trace chemical analysis described in CHEM762. Performance capabilities and limitations, care, and safety.

Co-requisite: CHEM762

Prerequisite(s): CHEM518 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM774 - Inorganic Chemistry

Credits: 3

Basic theoretical concepts and their applications to inorganic reactions and compounds.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM548 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM652 with a minimum grade of D-).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM776 - Physical Chemistry III

Credits: 3

Application of quantum theory to atomic electron structure, molecular structure, and spectroscopy. Advanced topics in physical chemistry.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM684 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM777 - Advanced Synthesis and Characterization

Credits: 0 or 3

This is an advanced laboratory course involving the synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic compounds. Students will leave this course with sufficient proficiency to reproduce synthetic procedures and prepare compounds from the chemical literature.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM550 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM576 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

CHEM795 - Special Topics

Credits: 2-4

New or specialized topics not covered in regular course offerings.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

CHEM798 - Senior Seminar

Credits: 1

Student reports on topics of interest.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM548 with a minimum grade of D- or CHEM652 with a minimum grade of D-) and CHEM684 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): CHEM 698

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

CHEM799 - Senior Thesis

Credits: 4

Yearlong investigation in a selected topic, with background and experimental investigation. For chemistry majors who have completed CHEM548, CHEM 694, and CHEM762. Required for B.S. majors. Strongly recommended for B.A. chemistry majors. 2.50 average and approval of department chairperson. Lab. Two semesters of 4 credits each are required.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): CHEM548 with a minimum grade of D- and CHEM684 with a minimum grade of D-.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to 1 time.

Equivalent(s): CHEM 699

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Chemistry (CHEM) | University of New Hampshire Academic Catalog (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest chemistry class in college? ›

Organic Chemistry – This course weeds out the doctors from the wannabes. It's certainly difficult. There's a consensus that it takes a lot of work, memorization, and commitment.

Why is org chem hard? ›

The problem is there are hundreds of reactions you have to learn. You have to know them forwards, backwards, and inside out. Test questions often require you to recall five separate reactions to come to an answer.

How hard is HS chemistry? ›

Considering chemistry is like an endless stream of word problems, it's no surprise that a chemistry course can seem to be exceedingly challenging. The good news, however, is that the math in high-school chemistry is pre-algebra to algebra level at most.

Is chemistry 20 hard? ›

This is probably the hardest unit, as it is the most abstract. It's a concept-intensive unit, for sure, and the concepts must be applied to predict the behavior of compounds, but there is little or no math involved.

What is the most dropped class in college? ›

Most Failed College Classes?
  1. Organic Chemistry — This course is known for its breadth and depth, and for requiring students to learn complex concepts at a fast pace and apply them to problem-solving. ...
  2. Physics — Calculus-based Physics can be tough due to the heavy application of mathematics and abstract concepts.
Mar 1, 2024

What percentage of college students fail chemistry? ›

General chemistry is often called a gatekeeper course. This means it prevents many students from achieving their academic goals. How many? On average about 25% fail general chemistry according to Cooper and Peterson (2012).

How many people fail orgo 1? ›

An average of 40% of students who take the course fail the first time taking it. There is an average of an almost 50% fail rate among universities across the nation.

Is Chem harder than biology? ›

For some, Chemistry may be considered more difficult due to the amount of math and abstract concepts involved, while others might find Biology challenging because of the amount of memorization required. You should consider your personal interests and previous experiences with these subjects when making your decision.

Which branch of chemistry is the hardest? ›

  • Physical Chemistry is the hardest branch of chemistry.
  • It involves the study of physical properties and constitution of matter, the laws of chemical combination, and theories governing chemical reactions.

What is the hardest HS year? ›

Junior year is often considered the most challenging due to a heavy course load and the pressure of preparing for college.

What is the hardest thing in high school chemistry? ›

The hardest part of high school chemistry is often grappling with complex concepts, mastering mathematical calculations, and understanding abstract theories.

Is chemistry harder than physics? ›

Some people find Physics easier because it involves mainly mathematical concepts and logic, while others prefer Chemistry due to its mix of concepts, memorization, and hands-on lab work.

Why is chemistry so hard? ›

Chemistry uses a lot of math: Another aspect that contributes to the difficulty of chemistry is its reliance on mathematical calculations. Chemistry involves working with equations, balancing chemical reactions, calculating molar masses, and solving problems using various mathematical formulas.

Is chemistry the hardest class in college? ›

1. Organic Chemistry: Often a requirement for pre-med, biology, and chemistry majors, Organic Chemistry is reputed to be extremely rigorous due to the need to memorize numerous complex reactions and mechanisms. Many students also find the subject matter to be abstract and unintuitive. 2.

How hard is normal chemistry? ›

Chemistry a-level is extremely hard compared to other subjects, with only 13.6% achieving an A* in 2022 and 24.4% getting an A. Many students struggle with chemistry in school and wonder if they have what it takes to handle the rigours of an A-Level chemistry course.

What is most difficult in chemistry? ›

Thermodynamics. The branch of chemistry that deals with the energy and work of chemical processes. Abstract concepts: Difficult to visualize concepts like entropy and enthalpy.

What is the most difficult course in college? ›

Top 10 Toughest Courses in the World in 2024
  • Medicine.
  • Engineering.
  • Chartered Accountancy.
  • Pharmacy.
  • Law.
  • Architecture.
  • Psychology.
  • Statistics.
Jun 10, 2024

Which chemistry class is the easiest? ›

Although chemistry is generally considered a complex science, Analytical chemistry is one of its easiest branches.

Is chemistry the hardest college major? ›

Engineering majors such as nuclear and energy engineering are considered among the hardest, with GPA averages typically between 3.20 and 3.40. Applied mathematics, astrophysics, and chemistry are also highly challenging, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

References

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