Chemistry Placement Test
Overview
PLACEMENT TEST FORMAT
PLACEMENT TEST SCHEDULE
Test Topics
HOW TO TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST
Basic Chemistry Workshop
Workshop Format
Cost and Required Material
Overview
General Chemistry is required for all pre-health students and most of the science majors. High School chemistry is a prerequisite for all our General Chemistry courses (CHEM 104, 107 and 111). Our data show that students with inadequate high school chemistry background struggle in the course and it impacts not only the chemistry course but also the other courses taken in the semester.
The Chemistry placement test is designed to identify students with a weak high school chemistry background. Students with a poor performance in the test will be strongly encouraged to participate in a three-week Basic Chemistry Workshop. Another option to make up this deficiency is to take our Basic Chemistry Course (CHEM 100) offered in the summer and fall semesters. Our experience shows that students that address their background shortcomings by taking the Basic Chemistry Course have a much better chance of success in CHEM 104, 107 and 111.
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Placement Test format
You have one hour to take the test. It is administered online. The test has 50 questions. The questions are a combination of short answers and multiple choices. You can only take the test once. However, you may test your basic chemistry knowledge by taking the practice question module as many times as you want in preparation. Students may use a periodic table and a calculator. The passing grade is 50%, students required to register for the workshop will be contacted via email. The placement test can only be taken once.
If you have a disability and are unable to take the exam in the way described here, please contact us via email, chem100@binghamton.edu, and accommodations will be arranged.
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Placement Test Schedule
The placement test is offered over the summer from 5/15 to 7/21. Incoming students are required to take the placement test before registering for CHEM 104, CHEM 107, and CHEM 111.
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Test topics
The topics covered on the test are standard topics in high school chemistry, and, at a minimum, will include:
- Basic Math skills & Measurements applied to Chemistry
- Atoms, Molecules, Compounds, & Ions
- Composition of Substances
- Electrical Structure of Atoms
- Chemical Bonds
- States of Matter & Physical Behavior of Forces
Any high school chemistry book can be used for review.
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How to take the Placement Test
We strongly recommend that before taking the placement test you familiarize yourself with the LON-CAPA platform by completing the “how to use LON-CAPA tutorial” module and also taking the “Practice Question Module”. The LON-CAPA platform will be available from 5/10 to 7/28*. Here is the link to LON-CAPA: LON-CAPA Login Link
The “Practice Question Module” is not the “Chemistry Placement Test”. The Practice Question Module has the same basic format of the Chemistry Placement Test. A passing score on the Practice Question Module does not replace the Chemistry Placement Test. It is only intended to give you an idea of how you will do on the Chemistry Placement Test.
If you are having difficulty accessing LON-CAPA for the placement test, or have questions regarding the placement test, please email chem100@binghamton.edu for help.
**The placement test deadline has been extended to 11:59 PM on 7/28.
Accessing LON-CAPA
How to Use LON-CAPA
Accessing the Practice Questions and Chemistry Placement Test
Your results (pass/fail) for the Chemistry Placement Test will be emailed to you. If you do not pass the Chemistry Placement Test offered during the summer, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the "Basic Chemistry Workshop".
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Basic Chemistry Workshop
The Basic Chemistry Workshop is an overview of the basic concepts of chemistry and develops skills in problem solving that provides a foundation for future studies in chemistry. It does not fulfill any college requirements in Science or Math. However, it will be transcipted with a grade.
It will be offered online from July 24 to August 11, 2023. The goal of the workshop is to prepare students for more rigorous General Chemistry courses in the fall semester.
The workshop is designed by our General Chemistry Team. It will be facilitated by Dr. Murphy, an experienced Binghamton University General Chemistry instructor, and a team of Chemistry Graduate Students. For questions regarding the workshop, please email chem100@binghamton.edu.
Version 1 - Online Synchronous
FORMAT: Online synchronous, fully facilitated by the course instructor and facilitators with live help hours. Will run from July 24 - August 11. This course will be transcripted with a letter grade.
COST & REQUIRED MATERIALS: No cost. Student must have a computer with a high speed internet connection and a calculator. Access to our educational platforms (Brightspace and LON-CAPA) will be provided.
Version 2 - Online Asynchronous (Special Cases)
FORMAT: Online Asynchronous. Self-paced. Course will consist of ALEKS learning modules. The registration deadline is July 24. Must be completed successfully by August 18. This course will be transcripted with a grade of pass/fail.
COST & REQUIRED MATERIALS: No cost. Student must have a computer with a high speed internet connection and a calculator. Access to our educational platforms (Brightspace, LON-CAPA and ALEKS) will be provided.
