Placement Options for General Chemistry I (CHEM 102 or CHEM 105)
General Chemistry at Biola is offered in two tracks:
CHEM 102: General Chemistry with Recitation (4 credits)
CHEM 105: General Chemistry I (3 credits)
This page includes information on the two tracks, how students test into General Chemistry and register for their chemistry track, and important placement deadlines.
Majors Requiring General Chemistry I
The following majors are required to take General Chemistry I.
- Allied Health*
- Biochemistry
- Biological Science
- Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
- Health Sciences
- Kinesiology: Health and Exercise Science
- Kinesiology: Health and Human Performance (25-26 catalog and earlier)*
- Kinesiology: Strength and Conditioning
- Physical Science
- Physics
*Allied Health, and Kinesiology: Health and Human Performance (25-26 catalog and earlier), and Kinesiology: Strength and Conditioning majors may take CHEM 102, CHEM 105 or CHEM 120 for their chemistry requirement.
What is CHEM 102 and CHEM 105?
CHEM 102 and CHEM 105 both meet the “General Chemistry” requirement at Biola. Both course options include optional TA, tutoring and office hours available in addition to the lecture and lab times.
CHEM 102: General Chemistry with Recitation (4 credits) – A 1.25 hour lecture that meets 3 times a week, and includes a 3 hour recitation + 3-hour lab (CHEM 115). A recitation is extra class time with your professor to work on assignments and ask questions!
CHEM 105: General Chemistry (3 credits) – A 1.25 hour lecture that meets 3 times a week and includes a weekly 3-hour lab (CHEM 115).
The primary differences between CHEM 102 and CHEM 105 are:
- Number of credits – CHEM 105 is 3 credits, while CHEM 102 is 4. This additional credit reflects the extra class time (3 hours recitation) in CHEM 102.
- ALEKS Placement into CHEM 102 – students who score a 70-89 on the ALEKS placement register for CHEM 102: General Chemistry with Recitation.
Placement Options for General Chemistry I
There are five ways to test into General Chemistry I (CHEM 102 or CHEM 105). 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 or CHEM 102.
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 or CHEM 102.
Path 3: Stewart Honors Program
Acceptance and participation in the Stewart Honors Program meets the prerequisite for CHEM 105: General Chemistry I + CHEM 1155: Honors General Chemistry I Lab.
Path 4: Online Placement Exam
- Students complete a free, online chemistry review module (apx. 2-4 hours) and then an online placement exam via ALEKS. No retakes of the placement exam are permitted.
- Placement Range:
Score Placement ALEKS Score 90+ Cleared for CHEM 105: General Chemistry (3 cr) ALEKS Score 70-89 Cleared for CHEM 102: General Chemistry with Recitation (4 cr) ALEKS Score less than 70 Cleared for CHEM 107: Introduction to Chemistry (3 cr + General Chemistry) - Due August 15, 2026.
Path 5: CHEM 107: Introduction to Chemistry
- Taking CHEM 107: Introduction to Chemistry with a C- or higher grade meets the prerequisite for CHEM 105 or CHEM 102.
- Students who do not pass the online placement exam take this course to meet the CHEM 105 or CHEM 102 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 102 or 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 20 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 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 102 or 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 102 or 105, your advisor will remove CHEM 107 from your schedule and register you for CHEM 102 or 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 102 or 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.