Department of Chemistry

Close up of student hands doing chemistry experiment in lab

Chemistry Placement

Which General Chemistry Course Should You Register For?

Selecting the right chemistry course is essential for your academic success. We have outlined the prerequisites for our 100- and 200-level chemistry courses to help you make an informed decision.

CH 104Z (CH 104Z - 106Z Series)

  • Recommended for: Students pursuing introductory chemistry courses. It is a survey of chemistry for students in nursing and other allied health fields. This course is not intended for science or engineering majors.
  • Prerequisite/Corequisite:
    • Math 095 completion or
    • Co-enrollment in Math 095

CH 150Z

  • Recommended for: Students with little to no prior chemistry experience. CH 150Z, Preparatory Chemistry, is a class that is designed to prepare you for the rigors and content of General Chemistry by providing you with math review and support, slower coverage of foundational materials, tools to improve your learning outcomes, and set you up for a successful run at the general chemistry sequence.
  • Prerequisite/Corequisite:
    • Math 111z completion or
    • ALEKS-Math assessment score between 46 - 60

CH 221Z (CH 221Z - 223Z Series)

  • Recommended for: Students with prior chemistry experience who already have the equivalent of a Math 111Z background. This class covers the fundamental basis of chemistry for science, engineering and health professional students (such as predental, premedical,
    premedical technology and veterinary students).
  • Prerequisite:
    • Math 111z completion or
    • ALEKS-Math assessment score greater than 60

CH 221H (Honors/Majors Section)

  • Recommended for: Students in the honors program that have taken at least one year of high-school chemistry, and have completed Math 112Z. This course is designed to challenge well-prepared students while covering the fundamental basis of chemistry concepts.
  • Prerequisite:
    • Math 112z completion or
    • ALEKS-Math assessment score greater than 75

Next Steps

  • If necessary, take the ALEKS-Math assessment to determine your placement.
  • Ensure you meet the math prerequisites before registering.
  • Consult your academic advisor for additional guidance on course
    selection. https://www.pdx.edu/advising/advising-locations

By following these recommendations, you can ensure a smooth and successful start to your chemistry coursework. If you have any questions, please contact the chemistry department (chemistry@pdx.edu) for further assistance.

Students who are eligible to take CH221Z during fall term will be in the Main Sequence of General Chemistry. Students who end up taking CH50Z will be able to follow the trailer sequence of General Chemistry.

Table for Chemistry Placement page. Term: Fall, Main Sequence: CH221, Trailer Sequence: CH121. Term: Winter, Main Sequence: CH222, Trailer Sequence: CH211, Term: Spring, Main Sequence: CH223, Trailer Sequence: CH222, Term: Summer, Main Sequence: (blank), Trailer Sequence: CH223*, Term: Fall 2nd Year, Main Sequence: (blank), Trailer Sequence: CH223*

**The summer session of CH223Z will be offered as either a 3- or 6-week long summer course, or it can be taken during the fall term of the next academic year.