ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation documents (2026)

Attached are the update ALEKS Chem prep info sheets. Below is an email from Prof Miller with more info.

Remember, if student complete ALEKS Chem prep, they do not need to take CHEM031!!

I’ve attached several updated documents related to the 2026 ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module that students can use to help them prepare for CHEM 131.  The content is exactly the same as before; the only thing that has changed is the course code.  This module is now open for student enrollment.  Students can still enroll in the 2025 module, but it will close on May 30^th so it’s probably best to start using these new documents for advising initiatives.  We are in the process of updating the Rockville Campus Chemistry Dept website and the Chemistry Guided Placement website to include these instructions on using ALEKS.  The cost for 11-week access is ~$44 and for 6-week access is ~$34.

 Please feel free to share this information and documents with your counseling colleagues.  And as always, please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you for helping us spread the word about ALEKS for CHEM 131 Preparation!  It is most appreciated.

With Thanks,

Virginia

CHEM105 and CHEM106 NSD/NSLD Gen Ed courses

Re-numbered general education chemistry courses, CHEM105 and CHEM106 (formerly CHEM109 & CHEM109L):

• CHEM109 Chemistry & Society lecture    =>          CHEM105 Chemistry and Society (3 cr, NSD, *GCP)
• CHEM109L Chemistry & Society Lab        =>          CHEM106 Chemistry and Society Laboratory (1 cr, NSLD)

 

Students can take the CHEM105/106 lecture and lab courses concurrently; or they can complete the lecture and take the lab in any later term for the NSD/NSLD credit. It’s a great course that introduces students to the impact of chemistry on our everyday lives, the products and materials we use, climate change issues and the sustainability of our local and global environment.  CHEM105 lecture also satisfies the Global and Cultural Perspectives designation.  

 

We offer the courses in different formats for maximum flexibility in student scheduling.  For Fall 2023:  

• CHEM105 lecture:  In-person (RV), Structured Remote (late-start) and Distance-Learning (7-week, 1^st half of term)
• CHEM106 lab:  In-person (RV, late-start) and Distance-Learning (7-week, 2^nd half of term, students must pick up a free lab kit from RV campus).  

I’ve including an informational flyer for each course. Let me know of any questions.

Thanks!

Laura

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Laura J. Anna, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry, Chair

Montgomery College

Rockville, MD

Course renumbering change: CHEM109/CHEM109L => CHEM105/CHEM106

 

Chair colleagues,

We recently went through a numbering change to our general education chemistry courses. Please inform your faculty and program advisors of this change:

• CHEM109 Chemistry & Society lecture    => CHEM105 (3 cr, NSD, *GCP)
• CHEM109L Chemistry & Society Lab        => CHEM106 (1 cr, NSLD)

Students may take the lecture and lab courses concurrently; or they may complete the lecture and take the lab in any later term for the NSD/NSLD credit. Both lecture and lab are offered through Distance Learning and in-person on the Rockville campus. It’s a great course that introduces students to the impact of chemistry on our everyday lives, the products and materials we use, and the sustainability of our local and global environment.  CHEM105 lecture also has Global and Cultural Perspectives designation.  

The course renumbering change is effective for the Fall 2023 semester. However, our summer I schedule still reflects the CHEM109/CHEM109L numbering even though these numbers are no longer listed in the catalog. If the student wishes to take CHEM109/CHEM109L over the Summer, it will still count towards the science distribution.

Thanks,

Laura

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Laura J. Anna, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry, Chair

Montgomery College

Rockville, MD

 

New Chemistry Course Override Request Form

 Hello Counseling colleagues!

We created a form so students can submit course override requests directly to the Chemistry department for review.  The link is on the RV chemistry webpage and Remote placement page (part 3 – Chemistry): 

• https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/departments/chemistry-rockville/index.html
• https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions-registration/assessment-testing-centers/remote-placement-part-three.html

Students can still send requests by email to chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu, but we are hoping that the form is another resource for students (and maybe more efficient than back/forth emails!).

Feel free to use/share.

Laura

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Laura J. Anna, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry, Chair

Montgomery College

Rockville, MD

 

UM Chemistry Course Sequence

UM’s Chemistry sequence is unusual as they go from 1) Principles I to 2) Organic I to 3) Organic II and then 4) back to an advanced Principles II.

UM CHEMISTRY COURSE Sequence	MC CHEMISTRY COURSE Equivalent
CHEM131 General Chemistry I  3 cr.  and CHEM132 General Chemistry I Lab 1 cr.	CHEM 131 Principles of Chem I – 4 cr.
CHEM231 Organic Chemistry I  3 cr. and CHEM232 Organic Chemistry I Lab 1 cr.	CHEM 203 Organic Chemistry I – 5 cr.
CHEM241 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr.  and CHEM242 Organic Chemistry II Lab 1. Cr.	CHEM 204 Organic Chemistry II – 5 cr.
CHEM271 Gen Chem & Energetics 2 cr.	= CHEM 132 Prin of Chem II – 4 cr. only after completion of a CHEM 272 Bioanalytical Chem Laboratory, 2 cr.
CHEM272 Bioanalytical Chem Lab 2 cr.	Previously no equivalent at MC; students take UM’s CHEM272 Bioanalytical Chem Lab 2 cr. by itself after transfer to UM to then have MC’s CHEM 132 Prin of Chem II accepted.

You can see the an example of this semester-by-semester sequence in the UM Biological Science – Cell Biology & Genetics Four Year Plan:  https://static1.squarespace.com/static/530b693ce4b01ddda83c8078/t/5d65785144756300019defcd/1566931025231/CEBG_4yp_GenEd_May2018.pdf

View all UM Four Year Plans here:  https://www.4yearplans.umd.edu/

MC is “experimenting” with offering one section of CHEM 272 here at Montgomery College this Spring ‘22 for students to be able to finish CHEM 272 prior to transfer, however, note in the MC Course Description that this class has a pre or co-req of CHEM 204 Organic II –

BIOANALYTICAL LABORATORY - CHEM 272

View Catalog Description & Prerequisites Develop and practice analytical laboratory techniques used in advanced chemistry and biochemistry. Experiments will include statistics and error analysis, UV/vis spectroscopy, protein/DNA quantitation, chemical and biochemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids/bases/buffers, and oxidation/reduction. The course will also focus on computerized data processing techniques, data interpretation and critical analysis, technical writing, and formal presentations. PRE- or COREQUISITE(S): A grade of C or better in CHEM 204 or consent of department. Four hours laboratory each week.

 

Course

CRN

Credits

Days

Time

Start - End Dates

Seats Avail.

Waitlist Count

Campus

Location

Instructors

Schedule Type

Bookstore

CHEM272

35639

1.000

M

1:00 pm - 4:40 pm

01/24/22 - 05/15/22

14

0

Rockville

SC 321

TBA

Lab

Depending on a student’s major and career goal, some may decide to take just CHEM 131 Prin of Chem I at MC and then transfer to UM to start taking Organic Chem I and the remaining CHEM classes at UM.  Some students interested in pre-med or pre-dental will decide to take all 200-level science classes at UM so that they can qualify for UM’s Committee Letter of Recommendation for pre-professional schools by the end of their junior year.  This letter requires that students take 6 Laboratory sciences/24 credits at UM.  The disadvantage, of course, is that students usually need to transfer before finishing 60 credits at MC so that they can start the UM chem sequence after completing just CHEM 131 at MC.

This MC Transfer Pre-Med/Pre-Dental Advising article https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/_documents/counseling-and-advising/transfer-resources/premedpredentaltransferadvisingpage.pdf on the Transfer Resources for Counselors and Advisors page goes into depth about the UM Committee Letter of Recommendation and also discusses the idea of taking Organic Chem at the university-level at ANY transfer school.  It is a tough decision for students to have to make. 

In the case of the student you are advising (Dietetics and Food Science https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/_documents/counseling-and-advising/transfer-resources/dieteticsfoodsciencenutritionmajorsmctoumtransfer4yrplan.pdf ), MC does offer all of the other courses needed for this major so staying at MC and finishing our Principles 1 & 2 and then MC’s Organic I & II, then taking CHEM 272 by itself after Organic Chem either at MC or at UM after transfer keeps a student in line to meet UM’s unique Chemistry Sequence.

Best regards,

Anne

Anne Schleicher, Counselor (Part-time)
Montgomery College Online Advising Services

Chemistry Remote Placement Updates for Spring 2021

 

The alternate placement criteria that we are using for CHEM131 has not changed.  Since our CPT will be suspended indefinitely, we requested that the Banner pre-requisite coding be changed to allow students to register according to our temporary alternate criteria.  Pam did the recoding and hopefully this will reduce the number of overrides necessary for CHEM131 registration.    

 

And some other updates: 

 

·         The remote placement information for CHEM131 was recently updated on the Assessment Center webpage (the RV Chemistry Dept page also links to the Assessment center page).  We continue to encourage students that meet our alternate placement criteria to complete the low-cost ALEKS CHEM131 Preparation course module (I believe it is still $35 for 11-wk access; $25 for 6-wk access). 

https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions-registration/assessments.html

 

·         An updated pdf document of the CHEM131 remote alternate placement is attached.

 

·         Virginia Miller will be hosting ALEKS information sessions in the next 3 weeks.  There is a registration link on the RV Chemistry page and we have updated the Chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu Automatic response to include this info. 

https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/departments/chemistry-rockville/index.html

 

·         We still have some ALEKS course codes that can be distributed to students at no cost.  These would be for students that have limited to no chemistry background and meet the minimum MATH pre-req for CHEM131 and choose the ALEKS preparation option instead of CHEM099 or CHEM131+031.  Refer students to chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu

 

Spring 2021 Chemistry course offerings:

·         There are seven sections of CHEM131 + CHEM031 Exploration on the Spring schedule.

 

·         There are only 2 sections of CHEM099 on the Spring schedule (one POT 1 section and one POT 2 section).

 

·         We also have POT 2 and POT 3 courses where students can complete the following sequences: 

 

o   CHEM099 + CHEM131

o   CHEM131 + CHEM132

o   CHEM131 + CHEM150

o   CHEM203 + CHEM204

 

Please forward to others as needed and let me know of any questions.

Happy Registration Days!

Thanks,

Laura

Update: ALEKS codes for entry in CHEM 131

The Chemistry Department will not be issuing ALEKS access codes (for entry into CHEM 131) during the month of August.  The Department will restart issuing codes in mid-September.  Please advise all interested students to visit the department in mid-September for an access code (not earlier).

We made this decision because we found that students are requiring a substantial amount of time to complete the ALEKS CHEM 131 Prep module.  And at this point, students won't have enough time to work through ALEKS in time for Fall 2019 registration.  

Last Date for Fall 2019 = July 30 2019
For Spring/Summer 2020 = Begins 2nd week of September

Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Many Thanks,
Virginia

Virginia L. Miller, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Chemistry, Rockville Campus

51 Mannakee Street, SC 331L

Rockville, MD 20850

240-567-7621

Virginia.miller@montgomerycollege.edu

Chemistry - ALEKS

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!

Chemistry Placement Pilot (2019)

*Yes, students can start the ALEKS program later this spring. We will start taking student agreements in February.

Please have students contact chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu

Thanks,

Laura

______________
 

The Chemistry Department has started a pilot project to give students an alternative preparation option (instead of CHEM099) for CHEM131.  ALEKS in an adaptive online learning platform that customizes a learning experience for individual students to master. The Math Department has been using ALEKS, so some students are familiar with it from math. We are able to offer this to students free of charge at this time.  Students receive a course access code that will give them 12 weeks of access to the online course.  The topics in the ALEKS course align with the CHEM099 course content.  For a student to be eligible for CHEM131 in Spring 2019, they must complete the course with 85% mastery by Jan 14.  We are giving students overrides so they can register for CHEM131 while they are working through the program. 

Our recruitment of students originated at the Rockville campus through the Counseling Department and RV Assessment center only because of the faculty member involved and administrative aide support are at Rockville but it is open to any student across the college.  We just had an information session at TP this afternoon and there is another one in RV this Friday.  I am working with the chemistry department at Germantown to schedule an information session at your campus, hopefully for next week. 

We recently advertised the ALEKS program to targeted students (students that withdrew from CHEM131 this term and currently registered CHEM099 students) through a blast email, so it sounds like this is how this student learned of the opportunity.  She can contact the RV chemistry department at chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu for more information.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.  

Biochemistry Course - GWU

Through a collaborative agreement with GWU, MC students can take a 300-level biochemistry course (HSCI 3105) at an MC campus at MC tuition rates.  Pre-requisite is Organic Chemistry I (CHEM203…although completion of organic II, CHEM204, is strongly recommended) and students must apply and register through GWU.  Please find information attached on the Summer II session and Fall 2016 course offerings: 

Summer II Session schedule:  GW Registration deadline – June 27th

Class meets MTWR 6-7:15pm in SC 305, Rockville campus

Fall 2016 schedule:  GW Registration deadline - August 14th

Class meets Tues/Thurs, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm in SC 302, Rockville campus

It’s really a great opportunity to give MC students access to a 300-level biochemistry course which is often a pre-req course for admission to many pre-professional programs.  Dr. Alycia Palmer (Summer II) and Dr. Patricia Takahara (Fall 2016) – both MC full-time faculty are teaching the courses for GWU – students can contact the instructors directly as well.

Thanks!

Laura

Science Center Tutoring

http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/department.aspx?id=24413

CHEM Updates

From Laura Anna:

A few things to note

-          CHEM 109 does notrequire the CHEM placement exam, and it is a great course for general studies.

-          Even if a student has high school CHEM they must still take the CHEM placement exam.

-          CHEM 131 (CH101) requires the CHEM placement exam

CHEM135 (although it is more difficult than CHEM131) does not require the Chemistry placement test, although we often advise students to take the placement test anyway to ensure that they are prepared for CHEM135 (and recommend a score >27). 

More importantly, we advise students to have an appropriate math background for CHEM135 and assessment data shows that students are more successful in CHEM135 if they have completed MATH180.  The department does have here is a curriculum change proposal pending to change the pre-requisite for CHEM135 to:  Pre- or Co-req of MATH180, but we do not currently have any proposal to add the chemistry placement test for CHEM135.

 

Engineering Transfer - Chemistry

Dear Counselors,

In the new online catalog, a few of the engineering programs show CHEM135 as the preferred CHEM course for their program. Please explore transfer institutions with your student before advising them to take CHEM135. This course is UMCP exclusive and not accepted at other Universities. If they are considering UMBC or other transfer institutions recommend the CHEM131/132 option.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

This is an example of the notes section for the Electrical Engineering Degree. I put the note in bold and bigger print.

·         The appropriate initial chemistry courses will be determined by the student’s score on the Chemistry Placement Exam, mathematics level, AP/IB credits, or transfer credits. Possible courses include CHEM 099, CHEM 131, CHEM 132, orCHEM 135. Either CHEM 132 or CHEM 135 satisfies the required chemistry credit for UMCP. CHEM 131-CHEM 132 satisfies the required chemistry credit for UMBC, but CHEM 135 does not.

Thank you,

Marcella

Marcella W Karp, M.S.

Assistant Professor/Counselor

Counseling Department, CB-212

Office Phone: 240-567-5066

STEM Information Counselor

STEM Information Center, SC-217

Email: marcella.karp@montgomerycollege.edu

CH109A - NSLD/NSND

Before the break I spoke with Dr. Tahmazian in our Chemistry Department who was seeking some assistance in promoting CH109A – Chemistry and Society an another option for the Natural Science NON-LAB Distribution area (or a the LAB requirement with CH109B).  She shared with me that this course is not chemistry or math heavy; it does not have a chemistry prereq and only a MA094 (with a ‘C’ or better) prereq.  It has more practical application as “it is a very informative course that discusses current environmental issues, such as greenhouse gases, atmospheric pollution, waste water treatment methods, etc.”  If students would like to consider the 4-credit CH109A/B combination to satisfy the Natural Science WITH LAB requirement, I’m told the lab “has fun experiments, such as: preparing soap, making face cream and discovering the role of each main ingredient in it ,  comparing levels  of fat in different types of margarine and butter,  comparing the effectiveness of various antacids to determine which one neutralizes our  stomach acid more, etc.”