Department Homepage

Challenge Exam

Courses & Schedules

Faculty & Staff

Student Enrichment

News & Links

Videos

CONTACT INFORMATION

Location: Science Math Bldg.
Second Floor, SM204-242
[campus map]

Dean of MSE Division
Dr. Christopher McDonald
Phone: 949.582.4820

Chair of Chemistry Dept.
Dr. Scott Fier
Phone: 949.582.4687

Back to FAQ's

Chemistry Course Questions...

Question 1: How much time can a student expect to spend outside of class each week studying for CHEM 1A?

Answer: The actual number of hours varies from student to student. Professors do their best to guide students through the chemistry topics in class, but students need to go over these concepts on their own. Students can expect regular homework assignments and the laboratory section may involve time outside the scheduled lab period. Most of our students have questions or want to speak directly with the course professor, which will take time beyond the lecture period.

Question 2: Why do I have to take CHEM 106 along with CHEM 1A?

Answer: Decades of combined experience have shown that very few of our students enrolled in CHEM 1A are prepared to handle the rigor and depth of the course. Simply stated, CHEM 1A is the first really hard course that many science majors are required to take. In the words of one student, "Even when you're prepared, CHEM 1A is overwhelming. The amount of detail you must absorb to see and understand the concepts was a shock." With the extra time afforded by the CHEM 106, professors are able to supply help and support that would not be possible otherwise. Professors can not recall one student who actually took the CHEM 1A/106 course and afterwards said that the CHEM 106 was not helpful to their success. Actually, many students have asked us why there is not a CHEM 107 to accompany CHEM 1B!

Question 3: Do I need to buy an expensive/complicated calculator?

Answer: NO. An inexpensive scientific calculator like the Texas Instruments TI-30 or equivalent is fine.

Question 4: What course materials will I need for CHEM 1A?

Answer: All CHEM 1A sections use the text "Chemistry" 7th edition by Zumdahl and Zumdahl. Each CHEM 1A instructor uses a different laboratory manual, so you will need to check the listing at the Saddleback Bookstore to find the right lab manual. Individual instructors may require additional materials, which will be listed and available at the Saddleback Bookstore.

More Questions...

We have the answers! Our collective mission is to help students get from where they are to where they want to be. Please contact any member of our Chemistry Faculty for more information. See our FACULTY webpage for contact information.

Back to FAQ's