Pre-Chemistry

  What is Pre-Chemistry?

Chemists search and put to practical use new knowledge about substances. In basic research, they investigate the properties, composition and structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reactions of substances. In applied research and development, they create new products or improve existing ones, often using knowledge gained from basic research.

A bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry is the minimum educational requirement for many beginning jobs as a chemist, and the Raymond Walters College (RWC) pre-chemistry program provides the first two years toward completion of a bachelor's degree. The program is designed so that students may earn an associate of arts degree and transfer into the third year of the bachelor of science program at the University of Cincinnati McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, provided that all other admission requirements of that college are met.

  Success Factors

For more information about success factors for chemists see the American Chemical Society Web site: http://www.chemistry.org

  Career Possibilities

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry generally begin their careers in government or industry by analyzing or testing products, working in technical sales or service, or assisting senior chemists in research and development laboratories. Some in entry-level positions are considered chemists; others are considered senior chemical technicians.

Beginning chemists with a master's degree can usually teach in a two-year college or go into applied research in government or private industry. The PhD is required for basic research, for four-year college faculty positions, and for advancement to many administrative positions. Many people with a bachelor's degree in chemistry further their education in fields other than chemistry; some enter medical, dental, veterinary or other health professional schools. A law background may allow entry to technical patent opportunities.

  Majoring in Pre-Chemistry

Successful completion of this program will allow you to transfer to many four-year colleges and universities and enter directly into the junior year. Your program adviser will guide your course work in order for you to transfer to UC’s McMicken College of Arts and Sciences or to another four-year institution.

At UC's College of Arts and Sciences, it is possible to obtain a BS degree in chemistry, a BA degree in chemistry or a BS degree in biochemistry.

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Prerequisites:  High school algebra I, algebra II, plane geometry, and advanced mathematics, with grades of “C” or better.  High school chemistry with a grade of “C” or better.  Physics is recommended.  Placement at the level of calculus & analytic geometry on the mathematics portion of the college’s placement test.  Students who lack the prerequisites listed may take them while in the program.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
English Composition I	28ENGL101	3
First Year Chemistry Lecture I	28CHEM101	4
First Year Chemistry Lab I	28CHEM111	1
Calculus I (see note 1)	28MATH251	5
Social Science general education elective (see notes 2, 3)		3
TOTAL		16

Winter Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
English Composition II	28ENGL102	3
First Year Chemistry Lecture II	28CHEM102	4
First Year Chemistry Lab II	28CHEM112	1
Calculus II	28MATH252	5
Historical Perspectives general education elective (notes 2, 3)		3
TOTAL		16

Spring Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
First Year Chemistry Lecture III	28CHEM103	4
First Year Chemistry Lab III	28CHEM113	1
Calculus III	28MATH253	5
Fine Arts General Education elective (notes 2, 3)		3
TOTAL		13

 SECOND YEAR

Fall Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Foreign Language I (note 4)		5
Organic Chemistry Lecture I	28CHEM201	4
Organic Chemistry Lab I	28CHEM211	1
Literature General Education Elective (note 3)		3
General Physics I (note 1)	28PHYS201	4
General Physics Lab I (note 1)	28PHYS211	1
TOTAL		18

Winter Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Foreign Language II		5
Organic Chemistry Lecture II	28CHEM202	4
Organic Chemistry Lab II	28CHEM212	1
General Physics II	28PHYS202	4
General Physics Lab II	28PHYS212	1
Intermediate Composition	28ENGL289	3
TOTAL		18

Spring Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Foreign Language III		5
Organic Chemistry Lecture III	28CHEM203	4
Organic Chemistry Lab III	28CHEM213	2
General Physics III	28PHYS203	4
General Physics Lab III	28PHYS213	1
TOTAL		17

1. Students entering the bachelor of science program should take Calculus I, II, III and General Physics I, II, III with Lab as shown.  Those entering the bachelor of arts program at the UC College of Arts and Sciences should take Finite Math & Calculus I, II, III (225, 226, 227, 3 credits per quarter) or Calculus I, II and College Physics I, II, III (101, 102, 103, 3 credits per quarter) with Lab (111, 112, 113, 1 credit per quarter).

2. See the UC General Education booklet for a list of approved courses.

3. Students who are interested in the biochemistry option at the UC College of Arts and Sciences may substitute Biology I, II, III (101, 102, 103, 5 credits per quarter) and delay these electives.

4. One 15-credit sequence will satisfy the foreign language requirement of the UC College of Arts and Sciences.  A 2-year 18-credit sequence in a single language may be taken instead.

  Special Programs

A solid foundation to build upon is important to achieving success in chemistry. RWC's small classes and well-qualified, dedicated faculty will help you get a great start on your education and provide a firm basis for future learning.

  Admission Requirements

Admission to the College

You may enroll in Raymond Walters College if you graduated from an accredited high school or preparatory school, or have a GED certificate (minimum composite score of 45). The college’s rolling admissions policy allows you to start any quarter: fall, winter, spring or summer.

High school students who are considering RWC should take either the SAT or ACT college entrance examination for use in guidance and counseling. All students entering a degree program must also take the college’s placement test prior to registering for classes. This test is given on the RWC campus.

The RWC Admissions Office provides an application for admission and all the information you’ll need to enroll in the college.

Admission to the Program

In addition to the college admission requirements, applicants to this program must also meet these prerequisites:

• High school algebra I, algebra II, plane geometry, and advanced mathematics, with grades of “C” or better.
• High school chemistry with a grade of “C” or better.
• Physics is recommended.
• Placement at the level of calculus & analytical geometry on the mathematics portion of the college’s placement test.

Students who lack the prerequisites listed may take them while in the program.

  Transferring to UC Requirements

Transferring to Raymond Walters College

A student wishing to transfer to Raymond Walters College from another accredited college or university should be guided by the following statement of policy:

1. Transfer applications are individually reviewed, and acceptance is based on receipt of application materials, as well as official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. An official evaluation of transfer credit from other colleges will be processed after the student's file is complete.
2. Credits are accepted from any institution currently accredited by any of the six regional accrediting agencies. Enrollment Services shall have discretionary authority to accept credits from other institutions in consultation with program directors or department chairpersons.
3. Only grades of "C" or better are accepted. Special exceptions may be granted at the discretion of Enrollment Services in consultation with program directors or department chairpersons.
4. There is a 10-year expiration limit for acceptance of transfer credits. Exceptions can be made by Enrollment Services in consultation with the appropriate program directors or department chairpersons.
5. For all situations not covered by the above, the decision will be referred to the department involved when appropriate.

  Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from other programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.

  International Student Requirements

Students who did not graduate from a high school in the United States of America must take an ability-to-benefit test and achieve the minimum specified score to be eligible for admission to a degree or certificate program at Raymond Walters College. The scores will be used for placement in English courses and general advising for all courses.

  Application Deadlines

Students may enter the program during any quarter. Many courses are sequential, however, and are offered only one quarter per academic year. Entering during winter or spring may extend the length of the program.

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Asociation of Colleges and Schools.