Placement Options for CHEM 105 – General Chemistry I
This page includes information on which majors require CHEM 105 – General Chemistry I, how students test into and register for the course, and important placement deadlines.
Majors Requiring CHEM 105 – General Chemistry I
- Allied Health
- Biochemistry
- Biological Science
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Health Sciences
- Kinesiology: Exercise Science
- Kinesiology: Health and Human Performance
- Physics
- Public Health: Pre-Health Professions
*Allied Health and Kinesiology: Human Performance majors may take CHEM 105 or CHEM 120 for their chemistry requirement.
Placement Options for CHEM 105 — General Chemistry I
There are four ways to test into CHEM 105: General Chemistry I. Complete the form below and the Chemistry department will send placement instructions to you based on your chosen path.
Path 1: AP Chemistry (Score 3+)
A verified AP Chemistry score of 3 or higher will clear a student to register for CHEM 105.
Path 2: AP Calculus (Score 3+) or MATH 150: Calculus I
A verified AP Calculus exam score of 3 or higher or equivalent college-level Calculus course (with passing or transferable grade) will clear a student to register for CHEM 105.
Path 3: Online Placement Exam
- Take an online, asynchronous placement exam via ALEKS. A passing score of 85% or higher is required to be eligible for CHEM 105.
- Students who do not pass the placement exam will be given a chance to complete a “Preparation for Chemistry” module in ALEKS and retake the exam one time.
- Due August 15, 2025.
Path 4: CHEM 107: Introduction to Chemistry
- Taking CHEM 107: Introduction to Chemistry with a C- or higher grade meets the prerequisite for CHEM 105.
- Students who do not pass the online placement exam take this course to meet the CHEM 105 prerequisite.
- Students may also opt to take this course in lieu of the placement exam.
Once you successfully finish a path, the Chemistry department will provide your scores to your academic advisor in the Advising Center so they can register you into CHEM 105 (incoming students) or will give you instructions for adding the course (continuing students).
Placement Deadlines
Incoming Students are highly encouraged to register for their chemistry placement path before June 17 in order to receive the most accurate class schedule.
Students who admit to the university after August 20 will be able to complete their chemistry placement through one of the paths listed above.
Continuing Students are highly encouraged to register for their chemistry placement path 3-4 weeks prior to class registration in order to ensure access to the course when class registration opens (November and March).
How to Register for CHEM 105 — General Chemistry I
Incoming Students
Incoming students are registered into their first semester courses by the Advising Center and are automatically registered for CHEM 107: Introduction to Chemistry.
If you finish a placement before July 1 and are cleared for CHEM 105, you will see the new course reflected on your first-semester class schedule. If you complete the placement after July 1 (including receiving AP scores or CHEM 107 grades) and are cleared for CHEM 105, your advisor will remove CHEM 107 from your schedule and register you for CHEM 105. You will receive an email to your @biola.edu email once the new course has been added to your schedule.
Current Students
Once a current student completes one of the placement paths, the Chemistry department will verify your placement and email instructions to your @biola.edu email for how to register for CHEM 105.
Questions?
Email the Department of Chemistry at bio.chem@biola.edu. Please include your student ID and use your Biola email address when reaching out for support.