Academic Procedures for the Department of Chemistry
General academic procedures for the university can be found in the Academic Procedures Dictionary http://publications.umw.edu/academicproceduresdirectory/ and in the Academic Catalog http://publications.umw.edu/undergraduatecatalog/academic_policies/.
The following procedures are additional policies for courses within the Department of Chemistry.
Chemistry Placement exam
All students interested in a science field (biology, environmental science (natural science track), chemistry, climate science minor, neuroscience minor, pre-conservation in fine art minor, pre-medical studies (including physician’s assistant track), pre-veterinary studies) and intending to enroll in General Chemistry (CHEM 111) are required to take a placement examination to advise you on the best sequence of chemistry courses for you.
This placement test is to help determine the appropriate introductory chemistry course for you that will ensure your best chances for academic success. Your score, along with consideration of your performance on the SAT or ACT (if available), is an advising tool. Using it, we will recommend registering for either CHEM 101 (Foundations in Chemistry) or CHEM 111 (General Chemistry).
The table below shows the recommended course to register for based on your test score and either SAT or ACT math scores.
| Test Score | MATH SAT | MATH ACT | Recommended Starting Course | ALEKS Summer Preparation (see below) |
| 30 or below | Any | Any | CHEM 101 | strongly recommended |
| 31 to 34 | Below 500 | Below 21 | CHEM 101 | strongly recommended |
| Above 500 | Above 21 | CHEM 111 | strongly recommended | |
| 35 or above | Any | Any | CHEM 111 | recommended |
Accessing the Exam
The chemistry placement exam is offered during certain blocks of time during the year.
Note: students failing to complete the placement exam during the announced exam blocks will have to wait until the next testing date.
Incomplete Grades
An incomplete (I) is given only when the work of a course is not completed for reasons of extensive illness or serious emergency in the final three weeks of the semester. The request for an incomplete can be made by a student, faculty, or academic advisor to the Department Chair. The Chair shall contact the faculty member to determine if an incomplete is appropriate. The incomplete cannot be used merely to extend the semester. If approved, the incomplete grade must be removed from the student’s record no later than the last day of the semester following the one in which the incomplete was given. Incompletes not removed by this deadline will change to a grade of F.
Students who are in military service (active duty, reserves, or National Guard) may request an incomplete grade for military deployment, mobilizations, or duty changes occurring in the final three weeks of the course. A copy of the military orders must be provided to the Department Chair as documentation. The deadline for removing an incomplete given on the basis of military service is the last day of the semester following the one in which the incomplete was given. Every effort will be made to work with the student and the faculty member to facilitate completion of the incomplete. Should military service commitments prevent the student from fulfilling the requirements for removal of the incomplete, a grade of W will replace the incomplete.
As soon as the emergency is over, the student should attempt to make up the incomplete by working directly with the instructor. If the course is of such a nature that it cannot be completed until the opening of the next semester (for instance, if the work requires laboratory facilities), the student may use the first two weeks of the next semester for completion of his or her incomplete coursework. Within two weeks after receiving the work, the instructor must file a Removal of Incomplete form with the Office of the Registrar and assign a permanent grade for the student’s performance in the course. If these conditions are not met, the grade will be changed to an F.
Lab attendance
For laboratory courses, laboratory attendance is mandatory. Students who miss more than two laboratory classes will automatically receive a failing grade in the course. Students should not count on “making up” any laboratory sessions. In most courses, make up labs are not possible due to safety considerations, time and space constraints.
Prerequisite Courses and Grades
Effective Fall 2014, the following minimum grades are required for continuing in higher level chemistry courses:
- CHEM 112 requires a grade of C- or better in Chemistry 111.
- CHEM 211, CHEM 253, CHEM 254, or CHEM 343 require a grade of C or better in CHEM 112.
- CHEM 212 requires a grade of C or better in CHEM 211.
- CHEM 317 requires a grade of C or better in CHEM 212.
- CHEM 383, 384 Prerequisites: MATH 122, PHYS 105 and 106 or 101 and 102, and a grade of C or better in CHEM 112.
- CHEM 453 is open to graduating majors only with a major GPA of 2.0 or higher
Effective Fall 2014, students who have received credit for CHEM 111 may not enroll in Foundations of Chemistry (CHEM 101).
Effective Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 only,the following minimum grades are required for continuing in higher level chemistry courses:
- CHEM 112 requires a grade of C- or better or CRT (alternative grade) in Chemistry 111.
- CHEM 211, CHEM 253, CHEM 254, or CHEM 343 require a grade of C or better or CRT (alternative grade) in CHEM 112.
- CHEM 212 requires a grade of C or better or CRT (alternative grade) in CHEM 211.
- CHEM 317 requires a grade of C or better or CRT (alternative grade) in CHEM 212.
Alternative Grading Scale: (Effective Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 only)
See above for details about pre-requisite grades for courses. For the chemistry or biochemistry major, an alternative grade of CRT or P-19 can fulfill a major requirement. All students considering alternative grading scale should consult with a faculty advisor before switching from graded courses to the alternative grading scale.
University Policy Statements for Selected Courses
Please visit this website for additional university policies.