Chemistry Preparation & Placement Program
CHEM P³: Start Chemistry with Confidence
Beginning chemistry students arrive at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder with different backgrounds, experiences, and goals. Some students have recently completed chemistry courses, while others may be returning to chemistry after several years away from the subject.
The Chemistry Preparation & Placement Program (CHEM P³) is designed to help you prepare, review important concepts, evaluate your readiness, and choose a successful starting point in chemistry.
There is more than one successful way to begin your journey with us.
How do I access CHEM P³?
Once you are a member of the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder campus, you may use that will take you directly to the CHEM P³ course inside Canvas, the learning management system used at CU.Ìý
Prepare Before You Begin
CHEM P³ includes a collection of review materials designed to help you refresh key concepts before classes begin. Whether you are reviewing chemistry after a long break, strengthening your math skills, or simply looking for extra confidence before the semester starts, these resources are available to support you.
Resources include:
- Math review and readiness exercises
- Tutorial videos
- Fundamental Chemistry Definitions and Skills
- Atoms and Ions
- Molecules and Compounds
- Chemical Reactions
Whether you are feeling confident or simply want a refresher, these resources are available to help you begin chemistry from a position of strength.
Assess Your Readiness
It is strongly encouraged that the Chemistry Self-Assessment be completed before New Student Orientation and before your academic advising appointment.
The assessment helps you evaluate:
- Basic chemistry knowledge
- Chemistry-related math preparation
- Critical-thinking skills used in chemistry courses
The goal is to help you make an informed decision about where to begin.
Students are encouraged to:
- Review the learning materials
- Complete the assessment honestly
- Record their results
- Review and retake the assessment if desired
A score of 75% or greater typically indicates readiness for CHEM 1113/1114 or CHEM 1400/1401.Ìý
A score below 75% suggests that CHEM 1021 may provide a stronger starting foundation.Ìý
Wherever you start, you will reach the finish line set up for success.
Discovering Your Pathway
Once you've explored the review materials and completed the self-assessment, you're ready to identify which of the three chemistry major pathways that best matches your preparation and goals.
CHEM 1021 PathwayÌý
→Build a strong foundation before moving into advanced chemistry coursework.
CHEM 1113/1114 PathwayÌý
→Begin General Chemistry and continue through the degree path aligned with that starting point.
CHEM 1400/1401 PathwayÌý
→Begin the Foundations sequence designed for both Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you've identified your starting point, explore the Chemistry Degree Flowcharts to see how your path unfolds from your first chemistry course through graduation.
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