New Students

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry! The faculty and staff of our department appreciate your commitment to Cal Poly and your interest in the Chemistry and Biochemistry programs.

We take academics seriously, and getting off to the correct start is vital to your success at Cal Poly. Please read all of the information below carefully.

Once you have enrolled at Cal Poly, your college and department advisors will be available to help you select appropriate courses each term. You will use the online catalog and registration systems, PASS and CPReg, before you arrive on campus. Every summer there is a Summer Advising Program for new students, including transfers from community colleges or other universities. There are other materials available online and/or in hard copy available to help you in planning your curriculum and going through registration. If you need more personal help, contact the College of Science and Math Advising Center (a link is under the College above).

You will also be assigned a faculty advisor who can help you with academic planning, career choices, and personal issues. Be sure to make a friend on the faculty as soon as possible.

FRESHMEN

If you are entering as a freshman, we recommend that you register for ~15 units and choose as your first term courses the following:

Major Course: CHEM 127 - Chem 127 requires a solid chemistry course in high school and, at the very least, high school algebra. It is highly recommended that you have current knowledge of the basics of chemical nomenclature, atomic structure, and the mole concept.

Support Course: MATH 141(Calculus I) or appropriate level of Math. The Entry Level Math (ELM) examination is designed to assess the skill levels of entering CSU students in the areas of mathematics typically covered in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school. It is strongly recommended that your ELM exam results be above 540, or that you qualify for an exemption from the exam prior to taking CHEM 127. See the University Catalog for further information.

General Education(GE): ENGL 134 and 1-2 other GE courses.
Entering freshmen eligible to take English 134 (who have not satisfied the requirement by AP credit) should try to enroll in English 134 their first quarter. Because of the high demand for this course, keep in mind that ENGL 134 is offered every quarter and, if you are not able to register in the Fall, you should make this course a priority in your winter or spring quarters.

Consult the GE course list in the 2007-2009 Cal Poly Catalog for requirements. Some appropriate choices include courses listed in Areas A2, C3, D1, D2, and D4. Advanced Placement
If you have taken Advanced Placement tests, please check the 2007-2009 Cal Poly Catalog for appropriate credit before enrolling in any courses.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

If you are joining us as a transfer student, take the lowest numbered courses you know you have not taken before, being mindful of the prerequisites when making your choices. Pay particular attention to completing the organic chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and calculus sequences, which are important to the following classes in your major.

You will be receiving registration information via email and postal service in the near future. This information will explain how to register during August 2008 and how to access your information through the Cal Poly portal at https://my.calpoly.edu/cas/login The Summer Advisiing program, SOAR, is scheduled for July 24th. You will be receiving further information soon.

If you have any questions regarding registration and the registration system, please go online to www.calpoly.edu for more information or you may call our College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Advising Center at 805-756-2615. The CSM Advising Center website can be accessed at (http://www.calpoly.edu/~cosamac/).

The quality of your education and your future success will be influenced, to a large degree, by your participation in university activities, particularly those related to your major department. We encourage you to become involved in the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter, Alpha Chi Sigma (professional chemistry fraternity), and/or other selected activities that will enhance your skills and broaden your perspective. This university's motto is "learn by doing," and that philosophy extends beyond the classroom.

Please feel free to ask for help with any questions concerning the recommended courses or the department. You can get in touch with me or any member of our faculty or staff by calling (805) 756 2693, or by visiting the department office in Building 25, Room 125B. and/or the Advising Center office in Building 53, Room 219 to talk with a college advisor. You will be assigned a faculty member from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to whom you may go for advising at any time. We want you to understand your program so that you obtain the greatest benefit from it in attaining your goals.

Be sure to visit our department website at http://www.calpoly.edu/~chem.

The faculty and staff of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are here to help you succeed. We extend a warm welcome and hope that you will learn and enjoy to the fullest.

Dr. Christina A. (Tina) Bailey, Chair
cbailey@calpoly.edu Phone - 805-756-2694

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