Chemistry 1091 (Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning I) is the first semester of a two-semester general chemistry sequence and is only offered in the fall. It covers the same content as Chemistry 1101/1102 with additional instruction focused on developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills in the context of learning chemistry. CHEM 1091 meets for 3 hours of lecture, 3.5 hours of lab, and 1 hour of problem-solving/quantitative skills building per week. Students enrolled in Chemistry 1091 would go on to take Chemistry 1092 in the spring.
Getting Started in Chemistry
Complete the Placement Exam:
The Bowdoin chemistry department offers multiple options for introductory chemistry courses, which depend upon your level of preparation in high school. To help you determine the most appropriate starting chemistry course, we require that all students planning to take chemistry courses at Bowdoin take a placement exam. Even if you have AP credit, you will still need to take this exam. This will not affect your ability to receive AP credit, but will help us determine the best placement option.
What if you never took the placement exam and want to take a chemistry course? It’s not too late! Simply find the placement exam on Canvas for your class year, complete the exam, and notify Michael Danahy (mdanahy@bowdoin.edu) that you have completed the exam. You and the registrar will be notified about your placement within one or two days of reporting to us that you have completed the exam.
Enroll in a Course:
Once you receive your placement results, you may enroll in one of the following courses: