High School Preparation, Summer Bridge Courses, and Dual Credit Program

High School Preparation

What students should know when they enroll in General Chemistry I (CHEM 1215) at UNM 
(asterisk * indicates concepts used in CHEM 1225)

Math

  • Elementary arithmetic operations (associative, distributive properties, signs, etc.)
  • How to use and convert among decimals, fractions, percentages, and scientific notation
  • How to convert metric prefixes (micro-, milli-, kilo-, etc.) of different units
  • Understand the concept of ratios and be able to use them
  • Algebraic manipulation and solution of equations of one variable
  • How to combine 2 or 3 equations into a single equation of one variable*
  • How to use the quadratic equation to solve a simple polynomial*
  • How to use exponents, powers and logarithms*
  • Be able to calculate areas and volumes of regular solids (cubes and spheres)
  • Be able to plot linear data and find the slope and intercept of the best-fit line*
  • Graphical representation of basic functions (lines and quadratic, and exponential)*

Chemistry

I. Atomic Structure

  • Understand that atoms are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons
  • Be able to determine atomic number and mass from number of protons and neutrons
  • Understand the concept of isotopes and average atomic weight
  • Understand how the number of electrons and protons determines ionic charge
  • Be able to relate mass and number of atoms using Avogadro’s number

II. Periodic Table and atomic properties

  • Understand trends in the periodic table in terms of atomic number and electron “shells”
  • Use the periodic table to identify groups of elements: halogens, alkali metals, etc.
  • Use the periodic table to identify trends in ionization potential, electronegativity, etc.
  • Use the periodic table to identify trends in atomic size, weight, etc.

III. Compounds and stoichiometry

  • Be able to distinguish a chemical compound from a mixture or a solution
  • Understand compound stoichiometry
  • Be able to calculate molar mass and formula weight from compound stoichiometry
  • Understand the differences among covalent, metallic and ionic bonding
  • Be able to draw and interpret Lewis dot structures for covalent compounds of smaller elements (H, C, O, N, F, Cl, B, etc.)

IV. States of matter

  • Understand three states of matter and their transition points (MP, BP)
  • Understand Celsius and Kelvin scales of temperature and absolute zero
  • Be able to convert temperature among Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin scales
  • Be familiar with the general properties:
    • Gases- atoms/molecules do not interact, volume is mostly space, fluid
    • Liquids- atoms/molecules interact, but attractions are too weak to solidify, fluid
    • Solids- atoms/molecules are mutually attracted, stay in position, fixed shape

V. Chemical reactions

  • Be able to write and recognize a simple, balanced chemical reaction equation
  • Calculate moles or masses of reactants required to produce a quantity of product and vice versa (moles of masses of products from a given quantity of reactant)
  • Recognize/define proton transfer, ionic dissolution and combustion reactions
  • Understand that the speed of chemical reactions varies with the type of reaction and conditions, including reactant concentrations and temperature

VI. Energy in Chemistry

  • Understand that all physical and chemical changes require transfer of energy
  • Understand that heat is released and/or absorbed in phase changes
  • Understand that chemical reactions can be endothermic (absorb heat) or exothermic (release heat)
  • Understand that temperature is an indicator of molecular motion

ACT

SAT

Advanced Placement Scores

General Sciences

  • Know how to propose and test a hypothesis
  • Be able to distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory
  • Understand the need for reproducibility in scientific results
  • Be able to convert a quantitative scientific statement into a mathematical equation
  • Having solved an equation, be able to use the solution to provide a scientific answer

Physics

  • Understand Coulomb’s Law qualitatively (opposite charges attract, like charges repel)
  • Understand density and be able to calculate it from volume and mass
  • Know how to use the metric system and convert units of a single type (e.g., mg to kg)
  • Understand conservation of matter
  • Understand conservation of energy
  • Understand how the wavelength and frequency relate to the speed of light, c.

Summer Bridge Courses

This course prepares you for the first college chemistry course, and is offered in the summer before you start the first college semester. Upon passing this course you will be waived from the pre-requisites for the first chemistry course.

Questions? Contact: Dr. Joseph Ho at khoj@unm.edu  

Dual Credit Program

Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment is a program designed to provide high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. The courses offered at the University are not normally offered at the high school level.

Admission to Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment is in Non-Degree status and is not considered “Early Admission” to the University. Students would would like to continue in degree status after high school graduation must fulfill the admission requirements described in the current UNM Catalog.