Department of Chemistry

Frequently asked questions

Undergraduate student

Answers to frequently asked questions about Chemistry Undergraduate Programs:

Can I take Chem 091 even if I have not completed Chem 11?
No, the web-based Chem 091 course requires a good introductory background to be successful in the course.

Does the Chemistry Department waive the prerequisites for Chem 101?
No, the Chemistry Department does not waive prerequisites. Students must complete Mathematics 12 and Chemistry 11 (or its equivalent) to enroll in Chem 101.

Since WebReg lets me register in Chem 102 before I complete Chem 101, can I still take Chem 102 if I fail Chem 101?
No, successful completion of Chem 101 or Chem 150 is required prior to taking Chem 102.

Will the Chemistry Department waive the prerequisites for first and second year courses?
No, the prerequisites assure that students have the background needed in order to be successful in each course.

Which physics courses should I take?
Most chemistry students should take Phys 112. If you are especially interested in physics or maths you may consider the Phys 120/130 combination. Phys 102 should not be taken by chemistry students.

I have taken Phys 102. What do I need to do to satisfy the physics requirement?
If you have been in biology/microbiology/biochemistry and are transferring to chemistry (or have taken Phys 102 for some other reason), you will need to upgrade your physics by taking Phys 120. You will end up with 4.5 units of physics, the maximum units allowable for first-year physics. It is also permissible to take Phys 112, but then you will find that your Phys 102 no longer counts and you have only 3 units of credit for 6 units of work.

What counts as an elective?
All undergraduate courses (in any faculty) are acceptable for elective credit (see calendar). These must still be chosen keeping in mind the other rules for degree requirements, such as the required number of upper level courses.

Can I take a 3rd-year science course for the 2nd-year science requirement?
In your chemistry degree, you must do some second-year science from outside chemistry. Only certain 3rd-year courses may be substituted for this purpose. A list of acceptable and unacceptable 3rd-year courses is given here. If the course you are interested in is not on the list, see the chemistry hons/major advisor. The general principle applied is that if a course is acceptable for students doing a degree in that discipline then it will probably be OK; if it is only available for elective credit in that discipline than it will not be acceptable.

How do I get into honours?
After you have completed your second year, you may be admitted into honours. There is no specific GPA entry requirement, but you will need a graduating GPA of 5.50 to graduate with an honours degree; the chemistry department does not track your GPA to see if you will satisfy this goal. To apply for honours, first see the chemistry honours/majors adviser, who will email the advising centre that chemistry accepts you into honours. Then you need to go over to the advising centre to declare your honours program.

Should I do an honours degree?
This is largely a personal choice. In general, if you are good at chemistry and intending to enter grad school, you should consider an honours degree. It may be possible to enter grad school with only a majors degree, but since grad school admission requirements across the country vary, it is not possible to give any universal rules. Even if entry with a majors degree is possible, makeup coursework may be required. You should consult the grad schools you are considering for further information.

Can I take stat 255 for my chemistry degree?
The mathematics department only allows students in biology/microbiology/biochemistry and related disciplines into this course (see the Stat 255 calendar entry). If you are in this category and are permitted to take this course by the math department, chemistry will accept it as a second year math option for your program (not usable with other stat courses). If you are in chemistry alone, you will not be permitted to take it and will have to take a substitute.

Which second-year math courses should I take?
Choose 3 units from the list in the calendar (but only one stats course). The common choices for students who are not strong in mathematics are Stat 260 and (Math 201 or Math 205). Note that Math 205 is a better choice than Math 200 unless you have a strong interest in mathematics. Some students prefer Math 201 and Math 205, and Math 233A is also a good choice because of its relevance to quantum mechanics. Stat 255 may be used instead of Stat 260 if you are eligible to take it. (See previous FAQ answer to "Can I take stat 255 for my chemistry degree?")

Can I challenge a chemistry course?
No. Course challenge is not available in the chemistry department.

Can I transfer chemistry courses without a lab to UVic?
Chemistry courses without lab components at other institutions are NOT equivalent to UVic Chemistry courses which include a laboratory component. Under some circumstances you may get some unit credit for such courses, but in general you will have to take the UVic course. Consult the transfer advisor regarding the transfer value of such courses at UVic to avoid any misunderstanding.

What do I do if I miss a lab period?
Please contact the coordinator of the lab course immediately you know that you will miss it. Contact may be by phone, email or in person. The coordinators are listed in the manuals, on this web site and on the course web sites.

Chem36x are independent lab courses (x=1, analytical; x=2, inorganic; x=3, organic; x=4, physical). Can I do the two halves of these courses in any order?
Yes, the order of terms is not important. For inorganic and organic, you can even take them as two consecutive fall terms or two consecutive spring terms as well as the more common fall + spring. For physical, the fall and the summer terms are the same, so the option becomes fall + spring or summer + spring. For analytical, the fall + spring pattern is currently the only option.