Recommended Courses & Schedules

Course Selection for Science Majors and Pre-Health Students

Follow these steps to find your recommended chemistry course.

Step 1: Count How Many Science and Math Courses You Completed in High School with a Grade of C (70%) or Higher

Science & Math Courses
Science Math
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Other Topic
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus I or II
  • Discrete Math
  • Other Topic

Step 2: Was Your Total at Least 2 Science and at Least 2 Math Courses?

If Yes

Enroll in CHM 109: General Chemistry I (5 credits)
CHM 109 is the introductory university-level course for science majors and minors, pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and pre-PA/PT students, as well as Honors Program students. CHM 109 fulfills the Iona University core science requirement and is offered in the fall semester.

If Not

Choose your course based on your high school GPA and/or SAT score.

  1. If you have a high school GPA lower than 85% OR a Combined (math + verbal) SAT score lower than 950
    • Choose CHM 101: Introduction to Chemistry (3 credits)
      CHM 101 is a preparatory course for students who arrive to Iona with less prior preparation in chemistry and math. CHM 101 prepares students to successfully complete CHM 109 General Chemistry I and to complete a science major or pre-health program. CHM 101 is a University-wide elective that provides credit towards graduation. It is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
  2. If you have a high school GPA of 85% or higher OR a Combined (math + verbal) SAT score higher than 950
    • Choose CHM 109: General Chemistry I (5 credits)

Recommended Freshman Year Schedules

For students advised to enroll in CHM 109: General Chemistry I (Five credits)

Fall (16.5-17.5 credits) Spring (16.5 credits)
CHM 109 - General CHM I (5 credits) CHM 110 - General CHM II (5 credits)
BIO 101 - General BIO I (4.5 credits) BIO 102 - General BIO II (4.5 credits)
MTH 135 - Pre-Calculus (3 credits) or MTH 231 - Calculus I (4 credits) MTH 231 - Calculus I (4 credits) or MTH 232 - Calculus II (4 credits)
COL 150 - Columba Seminar (4 credits) ENG 120 - English Composition (3 credits)

For students advised to enroll in CHM 101: Introduction to Chemistry (3 credits)

Fall (16 credits) Spring (15-16 credits)
MTH 115 - College Algebra (3 credits) or MTH 135 - Pre-Calculus (3 credits) MTH 135 - Pre-Calculus (3 credits) or MTH 231 - Calculus I (4 credits)
College Core (3 credits), if placed in MTH 115 ], or CHM 101 - Intro to Chemistry (3 credits), if in MTH 135 CHM 101 - Intro to Chemistry (3 credits), if in MTH 135, or CS 201 - Computer Science I (4 credits), if in MTH 231
PSY 201 - General Psychology I (3 credits) PSY 202 - General Psychology II (3 credits)
COL 150 - Columba Seminar (4 credits) ENG 120 - English Composition (3 credits)
College Core course (3 credits) College Core course (3 credits)

If you have any questions or are unsure, please contact Dr. Sunghee Lee or Dr. Kathleen Kristian for advising.

For students advised to enroll in CHM 109: General Chemistry I (Five credits)

Fall (15-17.5 credits) Spring (15-16.5 credits)
CHM 109 - General CHM I (5 credits) CHM 110 - General CHM II (5 credits)
MTH 135 - Pre-Calculus (3 credits) or MTH 231 - Calculus I (4 credits) MTH 231 - Calculus I (4 credits) or MTH 232 - Calculus II (4 credits)
COL 150 - Columba Seminar (4 credits) ENG 120 - English Composition (3 credits)
College Core (3 credits) or Related science, such as BIO, CS or PHY (4-4.5 credits)* College Core (3 credits) or Related science, such as BIO, CS or PHY (4-4.5 credits)*

*If you are undecided between a Chemistry or Biology major and the Biochemistry major, take BIO 101 as “related science” in the fall semester. If you are a BS in Chemistry/MST Computer Science student, take PHY 101 as “related science” in the fall and PHY 102 in spring.


For students advised to enroll in CHM 101: Introduction to Chemistry (3 credits)

Fall (16 credits) Spring (15-17 credits)
MTH 115 - College Algebra (3 credits)
or
MTH 135 - Pre-Calculus (3 credits)
MTH 135 - Pre-Calculus (3 credits)
or
MTH 231 - Calculus I (4 credits)
College Core (3 credits), if placed in MTH 115
or
CHM 101 - Intro to Chemistry (3 credits), if in MTH 135
CHM 101 - Intro to Chemistry (3 credits), if in MTH 135
or
CS 201 - Computer Science I (4 credits), if in MTH 231
COL 150 - Columba Seminar (4 credits) ENG 120 - English Composition (3 credits)
Two College Core courses (6 credits) Two College Core courses (6 credits)

If you have any questions or are unsure, please contact Dr. Sunghee Lee or Dr. Kathleen Kristian for advising.

Contact Us

Kathleen Kristian

Kathleen E. Kristian, Ph.D.

Department Chair