Our department strives to provide excellent, equitable, and inclusive experiences throughout our course offerings. If you have any concerns about your current course, but do not feel comfortable discussing with your instructor, please contact either Dr. Michelle Driessen, Director of General Chemistry (mdd@umn.edu) or Dr. Angela Perkins, Director of Undergraduate Studies (aperkins@umn.edu).
As the central science, chemistry provides a foundation for us to understand fundamental principles of our world. With this understanding, we can answer essential questions and apply chemical principles to our everyday lives. Our course is divided into three themes: the chemistry of life, the chemistry of living, and the chemistry of dying and death. From a chemical perspective, what does it mean to be alive (or not)? What is living, and how does chemistry play a role in living well?
During the semester, students will complete in-class activities and engage with content outside of class designed to augment our in-class discussions. Students will complete weekly homework assignments, write reflections on course material, take seven quizzes, and complete two final projects (an infographic and a short video) that are scaffolded throughout the semester.
CHEM 1001 (lecture), when taken with CHEM 1017 (lab), is an introductory chemistry course with an accompanying lab course that meets the Physical Sciences Liberal Education requirement.
Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1017 lab is required.
As of Fall 2026, CHEM 1001 is replacing CHEM 1015. CHEM 1001 is equivalent to CHEM 1015.
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1011, CHEM 1015
Atomic theory, periodic properties of elements. Thermochemistry, reaction stoichiometry. Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Molecular/ionic structure/bonding. Organic chemistry and polymers, energy sources, environmental issues related to energy use.
prereq: Math placement of MATH 1151 or grade of at least C- in MATH 1031 or 1051 or CI 1806
Concurrent registration is required in 1065; registration for 1065 must precede registration for 1061
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1071, CHEM 1071H, CHEM 1081
Chemical kinetics. Radioactive decay. Chemical equilibrium. Solutions. Acids/bases. Solubility. Second law of thermodynamics. Electrochemistry/corrosion. Descriptive chemistry of elements. Coordination chemistry. Biochemistry.
prereq: Grade of at least C- in 1061 or equiv, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1066; registration for 1066 must precede registration for 1062
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1072, CHEM 1072H, CHEM 1082
Gas laws and kinetic molecular theory; thermochemistry and energy flow in chemical reactions; quantum theory, atomic electronic structure and periodic properties of the elements; models of ionic and covalent bonding, molecular shape and polarity; intermolecular forces and properties of liquids and solids; introduction to organic compounds. Mathematical analysis of atomic and molecular phenomena. Intended to provide a strong background for students pursuing majors in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, and other physical science and engineering fields.
Prereq: A strong understanding of College Algebra or Precalculus is recommended. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration is required (or allowed in) CHEM 1065; registration for 1065 must precede registration for 1071.
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1061, CHEM 1071H, CHEM 1081
Advanced introduction. Chemical kinetics/reaction mechanisms, chemical/physical equilibria, acids/bases, entropy/second law of thermodynamics, electrochemistry/corrosion; descriptive chemistry of elements; coordination chemistry; biochemistry.
prereq: Grade of at least C- in 1071 or equivalent, concurrent registration is required in 1066; registration for 1066 must precede registration for 1072
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1062, CHEM 1072H, CHEM 1082
The topics of atomic theory, molecular structure, bonding and shape, energy and enthalpy, gases, properties of solutions, and equilibrium will be presented along with their application to biological systems. Intended to provide a strong chemistry background for students pursuing life science related majors or careers in life science-related fields.
Prereq: Math placement of MATH 1151 or grade of at least C- in MATH 1031 or 1051 or CI 1806
Concurrent registration is required in 1065; registration for 1065 must precede registration for 1081.
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1061, CHEM 1071, CHEM 1071H
The topics of acids, bases and equilibrium, kinetics, nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, free radicals, electrochemistry, and alkene addition reactions will be presented along with their application to biological systems. Intended to provide a strong chemistry background for students pursuing life science related majors or careers in life science related fields. prereq: grade of a C- or better in CHEM 1081 (lecture) and CHEM 1065 (lab); concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1086; registration for 1086 must precede registration for 1082. This course is recommended for CBS majors.
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: CHEM 1062, CHEM 1072, CHEM 1072H