Q.  How important are the math and/or chemistry prerequisites for a chemistry course?

A.  Most important!  Chemistry courses are designed to be taken in sequence, with the earlier courses providing the necessary foundation and background.  One of the main reasons students have difficulty with chemistry is lack of satisfactory completion of course prerequisites.  Since chemistry requires a lot of problem solving, it is equally important to have a sound background in basic math and algebra, particularly in General Chemistry, CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412, which require College Algebra, MATH 1314.

Q.  Will chemistry satisfy the science requirement for my degree plan at HCC?

A.  Yes.  All chemistry classes can be used to meet the core curriculum requirement for science at HCC and most universities.

Q.  Will my chemistry class from HCC transfer to four-year universities or other colleges?

A.  In general, yes.  Depending on your major, your department may require specific courses.  For example, if you are majoring in a science subject such as chemistry or biology, Introductory Chemistry could transfer as a science credit but would not meet the chemistry requirement for that major.  The laboratory component is taught as a separate course at many universities.  Depending on your major and university policy, you may be required to take the lab component there.  Most of the time there is no problem with transferring HCC chemistry courses to other universities, but for science courses particularly you should always check the transfer policy of your university.

Q.  Which chemistry should I take for nursing school?

A.  Depending on the nursing school, Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 1405), College Chemistry (CHEM 1413), or General Chemistry (CHEM 1411) may be taken.  Most nursing schools now require only one chemistry class with lab for the B.S.N. program, but requirements do vary so be sure to check the specific requirements of the nursing school you plan to attend.

Q.  Is chemistry tutoring available?

A.  Yes, every semester tutoring is offered free of charge.  The tutoring schedule will be posted in the lab and classroom as well as on the department web site.

Q.  Where can I obtain a copy of the course outline and other material provided by my instructor?

A.  Instructors at Houston Community College are required to post the course outline and syllabus on their Learning Web site. 

Q.  Can I ask the instructor to add me to his or her class roster since the class is already full?

A.  No, only the department chair can give you permission to enroll in a closed class.

Q.  Can I take more than one chemistry class at the same time?

A.  In general, not a good idea!  Certainly not if one class is the prerequisite for the other.  Occasionally a student will retake a chemistry course for a better grade while simultaneously taking a later class, such as organic chemistry.  But in general, one should not take more than two science courses with labs in one semester.

Q.  I already took the lab as a separate course at my university.  Do I have to do the lab in my class at HCC?

A.  Yes.  The labs are not offered separately at HCC or other area two-year colleges but rather are integrated with the course in a four semester hour format.  Since the lab is part of the course and your course grade, you are required to take it!

Q.  I did not do well on my final exam.  Can I get a Withdrawal (W) for the course?

A.  No.  If you complete the course, you must receive a regular letter grade.  It is therefore very important to realistically assess your situation before the withdrawal date in order to make the best decision about withdrawing.  You should meet with your instructor to get his or her opinion, and if you decide to withdraw, remember to turn in a withdrawal form at the registration office.  While we always want the best outcome, circumstances sometimes make it best to withdraw to avoid getting a low grade in the course.

Q.  I am not doing well in my class.  Can I get a grade of Incomplete and finish it next semester?

A.  In this case a Withdrawal (W) would be given.  The Incomplete ("I") is a temporary grade given only under special circumstances with department chair approval.  If a grade of I is given, no exams or labs can be repeated for a better grade.  When the missed material is made up, your instructor will calculate your course grade accordingly.  A grade of I automatically changes to a grade of F ("I/F") if the material is not made up by the end of the next semester!

Q.  Where can I get advice about taking a particular chemistry class?

A.  Always feel free to contact the Central College Physical Sciences department at (713) 718-6053 if you have any questions about a class.  It is very important to know that you are registering for the correct course with regard to your major and to clearly understand the course prerequisites and content before registering.