Biola University Chemistry Proficiency Self Assessment
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FAQs about the Chemistry Self-Assessment Test & Placement Exam
A: Although students with no prior background in chemistry (but with very strong skills in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry) have successfully completed the year-long General Chemistry course at Biola University, this is definitely not the norm. If you have not had a high school chemistry course, it is highly recommended that you take an intro to chemistry course at a community college or other school over the summer prior to coming to Biola. Alternatively, you may wish to make use of the online study materials and lectures available from Biola’s Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering. Biola University does offer a semester-long review course for students not meeting the chemistry proficiency requirement, but taking this course will delay your entrance into the chemistry course series by up to a year, resulting in a highly compressed class schedule in your sophomore, junior, and senior years. This option also increases the likelihood of requiring a fifth year of college in order to graduate.
Q: I have had chemistry (even AP chemistry) in High School. Do I need to take the Self-Assessment Exam and Placement Exam?
A: In a word: YES. High School chemistry courses (even AP courses) vary tremendously in their level of preparation for the study of chemistry at the college level. If a year or more has passed since your High School chemistry class, a quick refresher before starting college can mean the difference between graduating in four years or requiring a fifth year to complete your Bachelor’s degree.
Q: Why should I take the Self-Assessment Test?
A: You should take the Self-Assessment test to determine whether your skills are adequate to let you successfully make the jump to studies at the college level. The apostle Paul says to run the race as if you are going to win. The “race” of college is a marathon, and your goal is to finish, and finish well. Most students find the pace of college courses is more rapid than their previous educational experience, and the resulting stress is most keenly felt in the freshman year. By taking the Self-Assessment Test early in the summer, you will have time to refresh any needed skills by taking an “Introduction to Chemistry” course at a local college or online over the summer. The benefits: a less stressful freshman year, a more successful adaptation to college life, less risk of delayed graduation, and potentially, a higher GPA at graduation.
Q: What should I review before taking this test?
A: Biola University’s General Chemistry course will cover even the introductory concepts of chemistry, but the pace of the course is rapid enough that many students cannot absorb the material if they are seeing it for the first time. The basic knowledge that has been found to be most essential for success in the first year courses is:
- Significant digits, scientific notation.
- Mastery of algebraic manipulation of equations.
- Mastery of basic geometry and trigonometry.
- Mastery in converting measurements from one unit system to another.
- Atomic symbols, element names, and familiarity with the periodic table.
- General knowledge of the structure of the atom.
- Understanding of elements, compounds, mixtures.
- An ability to identify physical versus chemical changes, and changes of state.
- Some practice in writing chemical formulae and balancing chemical reactions.
- Previous exposure to density, pressure, volume, temperature, and the ideal gas law.
- Previous exposure to the concept of the mole, molar masses, and molarity.
- Logarithms and Antilogarithms (natural logs and base ten logs)
- Extremely helpful: proficiency in high school physics (mechanics) and chemistry.
Q: How should I take the Self-Assessment test?
A: It is recommended that you take the Self-Assessment Test under simulated test conditions: quiet, no notes, no interruptions. You can use a non-graphing scientific calculator for this test, but you will not be allowed to use a calculator at all on the Placement Exam. (Questions on the actual Placement Exam are designed so that you can solve them without a calculator.) Conversion factors and a periodic table will be provided for both tests. Resist the temptation to look at the Self-Assessment Test as a “study guide” only. Ask yourself “Can I pass this test with my current understanding of chemistry?”
Q: What if I cannot pass the Self-Assessment Test with 75% or more correct?
A: If you cannot pass the Self-Assessment test, you are at significant risk of not passing the Chemistry Placement Exam, and very possibly at risk of experiencing delays in your college graduation timetable. It is recommended that you use the summer before beginning college to take an introductory chemistry course at a community college, or if you are self-motivated, consider an online course or the online review materials available through Biola University’s Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering.
Q: What if I score 75% or more on the Self-Assessment Test?
A: A score of 75% or more indicates that you have significant background knowledge in Chemistry. It is recommended that you still identify any areas on the examination that caused you trouble, and review these topics using self-study materials available through your local library, online, or through the web resources provided by the department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering at Biola University. That way, you will be well prepared to pass the actual Chemistry Placement Exam and enroll in Chemistry 105 or Chemistry 120 the fall of your freshman year, on schedule and equipped to do well in college chemistry.