Chemistry Department
Dear MC Student,
Did you place into CHEM 099 (Introductory Chemistry)?
OR
Did you place into CHEM 131 but want more preparation for this course?
WE HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE!!The
Chemistry Department has developed an online course, CHEM 131
Preparation Module, designed to allow students to prepare for CHEM 131
on their own instead of taking the CHEM 099 (Introductory Chemistry)
course. This online course module uses ALEKS, an adaptive online system
that creates a unique learning experience that recognizes your past
knowledge so that you only need to spend time on the content you don’t
know to prepare for CHEM 131.
We would like to invite you to take
advantage of this web-based alternative to the Introductory Chemistry
course offered at Montgomery College. If you accept, you will be given
access to the CHEM 131 Preparation Module for 12 weeks*. You will be
able to work through the course module at your own pace. Once you reach
95% mastery in the course module, you will be given an override that
will allow you to register for CHEM 131 directly.
THERE IS NO COST TO STUDENTS TO TAKE THE CHEM 131 PREPARATION MODULE!
*Please note that you cannot take the CHEM 131 Preparation Module while simultaneously enrolled in CHEM 099.Stop
by the Rockville Chemistry Department (SC 331) for more information and
for a course access code to get started in the ALEKS CHEM 131
Preparation Module.
Rockville Chemistry Department
Science Center 331-C
Montgomery College
chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu
Chemistry Department
Student Information and Frequently Asked Questions about the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module
What is ALEKS and how does it work?
ALEKS is a Web-based, artificially intelligent learning and assessment system that uses adaptive
questioning to accurately determine your knowledge level in chemistry. It provides you with an
individualized learning experience tailored to your specific strengths and weakness. Because it
recognizes your prior knowledge, it allows you to spend time learning only the content you need to
master while bypassing content you already know. This system gives you the ability to take control of
your own learning and master the material at your own pace.
The ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module is designed to provide you with the pre-requisite information
necessary to be successful in CHEM 131. You must achieve a 95% mastery of all topics within this online
module in order to register for CHEM 131.
Who should use the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module?
This on-line module is designed for students who wish to take CHEM 131 but are lacking the required
chemistry pre-requisite knowledge. It is being offered as a web-based alternative to the Introductory
Chemistry course (CHEM 099) offered at Montgomery College. Because ALEKS is an on-line system, you
can learn the required material at a time and location that is convenient for you. You do not need to
come to campus to complete this module. This is a self-paced system that is best utilized by highly
motivated students with good time-management skills.
The ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module cannot be utilized in combination with CHEM 099!
You must also have the appropriate MATH Assessment Level (MATH 050) in order to use the ALEKS
CHEM 131 Preparation Module.
How long will it take to complete the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module?
Everyone’s path through ALEKS will be different. ALEKS will tell you what you need to learn and help
you track your progress in the pie chart learning mode. The average amount of time it takes to
complete this module ranges from 40-90 hours.
The Rockville Chemistry Department will give you an access code for ALEKS that is valid for 12 weeks
from date of first use. You are highly encouraged to spend time in ALEKS every week. Do NOT wait until
the last minute to start working in ALEKS or your access code may expire before you successfully
complete all of the material (additional access codes will NOT be issued under any circumstances). We
recommend that you start working in ALEKS immediately.
What is required to use ALEKS?
In order to use ALEKS, you must have daily access to a computer with reliable internet access. We
recommend that you do NOT use a smart phone or tablet with ALEKS. Be prepared to spend several
hours every week in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module.
What topics are covered in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module?
The following topics are covered in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module. You are required to
achieve a mastery score of 95% in all of these topics in order to register for CHEM 131.
- scientific notation, unit conversions, significant figures in measurements
- physical & chemical properties & changes, density, properties of matter
- atomic structure, isotopes, atomic mass, ions
- Ionic, molecular & acidic compounds (nomenclature & determining chemical formulae)
- Avogadro’s number, molar mass, elemental analysis, mass percent
- chemical equations and reaction stoichiometry, types of reactions, limiting reactants, percent yield, solutions & molarity
What if I need assistance?
The chemistry tutors at the Ackerman STEM Learning Center (located on the ground floor of Science
Center West, Rockville Campus) can provide assistance with any of your chemistry-related questions.
Please note that these tutors will answer content specific questions and provide general assistance, but
they will NOT teach you the material.
If you have a technical question or problem related to the ALEKS system, then please go to
http://support.aleks.com. ALEKS provides excellent support for this program. No one at Montgomery
College can provide you with competent technical support for ALEKS. Please do NOT write to anyone
within the Chemistry Department, the Ackerman STEM learning Center, or the Montgomery College
Help Desk with technical questions about ALEKS.
How do I get started?
If you would like to use the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module, then please come to the Rockville
Chemistry Department (Science Center room 331B) IN PERSON between the hours of 10 am – 2 pm
(Monday-Friday) to sign a ‘Student Agreement’ form. You will then be given a 10-digit course code, a
student access code for ALEKS, and detailed instructions on how to get started in ALEKS. Alternatively,
you may attend one of the ALEKS Chemistry Information Sessions that are offered periodically
throughout the semester.
Requests to utilize ALEKS must be made IN PERSON at the Rockville Chemistry Department. Access
codes will NOT be distributed via e-mail.
You MUST bring your MC ID with you to the Chemistry Department!