Chemistry Handbook

As a general rule, the Chemistry Department administration feels that in-person hands-on laboratory learning is superior than online laboratory training.  The department has worked to minimize the likelihood of students transferring online lab credits to GVSU, mainly by eliminating blanket transfer equivalencies from schools that heavily utilize such approaches.  There are some nuances to consider:

• It is important to note that our concern with online pedagogy is limited to labs--we have no objection to online lecture content.
• It is not possible to eliminate all online lab transfers.  Many schools have a small number of online lab sections listed amongst a large number of in-person labs.  Almost all schools use the same designation for online sections and in-person sections, so it is not typically possible to even know when a course is online.  Unfortunately, our administration has not acknowledged our concern--our own Registrar has said that "it is best practice...that courses should be counted as equivalent regardless of the modality of the course".  
• We are much more protective of majors-level course labs (ie. 115/116/241/242/462 etc) than we are Allied Health courses.  For these classes, we have gone so far as to fully eliminate equivalencies when online labs are discovered--for instance, we revoked CHM 241/242 equivalency for two-semester organic courses from Western Michigan University once we found out that their summer organic labs were fully online.  The registrar approved this with the understanding that we would accept labs from WMU if the student could demonstrate that they were in-person (which of course, we would).
• For Allied Health courses, we have a more relaxed attitude.  Programs that use these courses as pre-reqs (OSH, KCON etc) were informally surveyed, and most were surprisingly ambivalent about lab modality.  We still try to tamp down heavy use of online labs, but the rationale in this case is to make sure students are not coming into our classes unprepared for hands-on work.    (DAL 6/2024)

Organic Chemistry (235/236/237/238) Drop policies

(Adopted by the Organic Chemistry Instructors November 2025)

Students who struggle with CHM 115 can drop down to CHM 100 as part of a special "parachute" program.  There is a Parachute information page and a Parachute sign-up page.  The former can be found under "student forms" on the department website.  It will be available at all times, and will be sent to all advisors (department and CLAS) to help make sure everyone understands the process.  The sign-up page is not publicly available, but instructors can send a link to eligible students after they meet to discuss the program. 

By special arrangement with the registrar, this process is different from the normal late drop/add in several ways:

• The students will be dropped from both lecture and lab for CHM 115.
• They will receive a 100% refund for the CHM 115 course and are expected to pay for the CHM 100 course at the time of the switch. This should resolve itself by applying any refund from CHM 115 to CHM 100.
• The Dean's office will not need to sign off.
• We will not charge any late fees.  
• No grade will be reflected on the students record. The course registration record for CHM 115 can only be found in our system. 

Procedure:

• Students can switch to CHM 100 ONLY during the first week (add/drop via Banner) OR using the parachute option during week 4 (deadline is Friday 3 pm).  
• CHM 115 must have an assessment that addresses concepts from CHM 100 during week
• Send emails to any students who receive less than 60% on assessment IF they have completed other class requirements to date.
• If after the instructor talks to the student both agree that the switch to CHM 100 would be good, student is provided with the link to the form to fill out. 
• When ACSA receives a submission through this form, all instructors involved (115 and 100, lecture and lab) will be emailed to ensure the student's eligibility and to let the everyone know the student is going to be transferred soon. 
• ACSA sends a final list of all parachute students to all instructors after the deadline, just to cap it off.
• Sarah Clark (or some other CHM 100) will contact Aktiv to have all parachute students moved from the CHM 115 to the CHM 100 course.

In the past we have awarded BIC elective credit for students who have completed BMS 310, as long as they have also passed BMS 250/251.  (Dave Leonard, 7/2025)

The BIC subgroup approved the use of the following course as a substitution for the elective section of the BIC major

PSY 432 - PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

Study of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior. The course introduces students to the principle of neurotransmission in the brain, how the neurotransmission becomes disturbed in the psychological/behavioral disorder, psychopharmacologic treatments of psychological/behavioral disorders, and the actions of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior. Offered every academic year. Prerequisites: PSY 101; and one of PSY 300, BMS 301, CJ 300, PLS 300, NUR 435, or SW 430.

(Dave Leonard) 3/15/2025

Current University policy states:

"Repeating a course more than once is allowed only with the approval of the student's academic advisor. In cases when the course is not in the student's academic advisor's unit, approval to repeat the course must be approved by the appropriate unit head of the department where the course is offered."

The Associate Chair of Student Affairs currently handles these requests when departmental approval is required.  Students often request a permit through MyBanner, but this cannot be handled through the permit system.  The student is directed to the Registration Repeat Limit Approval Form and once they have filled it out, they send it to the ACSA.  These are almost always approved, but we usually request a quick conversation to find out why the student struggled in the first two attempts, and to point them toward tutoring resources.  Once the ACSA signs it, it can be forwarded to the Registrar by email.   (DAL 6/2024)

In Fall 2025, we decided that if students take CHM 234 after having previously taken CHM 232 or CHM 230, the CHM 234 grade (and credit) will replace the older classes.  Advisors asked if it would be possible to keep the older courses if a student requested it (for instance if they needed the credit to graduate).  We asked the CHM 234 instructors to put the following statement on their syllabi:

If a student previously took CHM 230 or CHM 232 and completes CHM 234, the CHM 234 grade will automatically replace the grade from the earlier course (CHM 230 or CHM 232).  As with normal course repeats, the credit will only be awarded for the repeat class (CHM 234).  In some cases, a student may wish to retain credit (and the grade) for both classesfor instance, if they need the credit to graduate.  In such cases, the student can petition the Chemistry Department by contacting Prof. Dave Leonard [email protected]

We inquired about how this would be implemented, and Bill Widmaier responded on 12/17:

Were planning to replace the 230 and 232 grades with the 234 grades automatically&actually manually, but it will be automatic as far as the student is concerned.  Regarding the retaining of credit for both classes, that is an unusual circumstance when courses are considered repeats, but not unheard of.  Those requests would go through Cathy Buyarski in the Provosts Office for approval

Students who study abroad sometimes wish to take Chemistry classes at a foreign institution, and receive credit for a GVSU class.  Standard procedure dictates that the Chemistry Department makes the decision about such credits.  The rationale for such decisions is similar that used for judging courses from U.S. institutions:

• Does the course cover the majority of the same content? (we don't expect perfect alignment--that never happens)
• Would a student who completes the class be ok in more advanced classes that use it as a pre-requisite?
• Does the class have a lab that is reasonably similar to the GVSU class?

Beyond these general guidelines, it is not possible to summarize how to make these judgments.  These decisions are handled by the Associate Chair for Student Affairs (in consultation with relevant instructors if necessary).  (DAL 6/2024)

We do not allow any substitutions in the CHM minor.  This is a long-standing policy and there are no exceptions.  For example:  

• A Physics major requested to substitute Physical Chemistry for Organic Chemistry.  This was denied because organic chemistry is considered to be part of the broad survey of topics needed for the minor.  This was treated similarly when a BMS major asked to use CHM 463 as a substitute for CHM 221.
• BMS majors often ask to substitute something for CHM 221, usually because of the difficulty of fitting it in their schedule.  The problem is that anything that would appropriately substitute for CHM 221 usually requires that course as a pre-requisite.
• Students seeking a Chemistry Teachable Minor must use SCI440 as their 6th class.  If they wish to change to a regular CHM minor, they should not use SCI440 as a substitute, and it is suggested they take another class.  Debbie Herrington noted that there is no point to SCI440 unless they are going into education, so they should take something else to make themselves more marketable. (DAL 6/2024)

We do not allow any substitutions in the CHM minor.  This is a long-standing policy and there are no exceptions.  For example:  

• A Physics major requested to substitute Physical Chemistry for Organic Chemistry.  This was denied because organic chemistry is considered to be part of the broad survey of topics needed for the minor.  This was treated similarly when a BMS major asked to use CHM 463 as a substitute for CHM 221.
• BMS majors often ask to substitute something for CHM 221, usually because of the difficulty of fitting it in their schedule.  The problem is that anything that would appropriately substitute for CHM 221 usually requires that course as a pre-requisite.
• Students seeking a Chemistry Teachable Minor must use SCI440 as their 6th class.  If they wish to change to a regular CHM minor, they should not use SCI440 as a substitute, and it is suggested they take another class.  Debbie Herrington noted that there is no point to SCI440 unless they are going into education, so they should take something else to make themselves more marketable. (DAL 6/2024)

Generally, we try to be as loose as we can with pre-reqs, but we don't typically allow CHM 242 without CHM 241.  The concern here is that there are very important skills and concepts that are covered in CHM 241 lab that would not be covered in CHM 231.  This becomes a safety issue if a student were to enter into CHM 242 without the proper training.  For the same reason, we generally turn down students who request to take CHM 241 and 242 concurrently.  (DAL 12/2024)

As noted in the "Credit by Exam" webpage, the university will grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP tests. In order to receive credit, the student must request that the College Board send score reports to the university. When Grand Valley receives the AP scores (usually in early July), students who have earned the appropriate score will be awarded credit. Each student who earns credit will receive an evaluation indicating the credit awarded.

The following shows the current score/credit relationship for AP Chemistry:

• AP score of 3 receives CHM 109 credit
• AP score of 4 receives CHM 115 credit
• AP score of 5 receives CHM 115 & 116 credit (with review of lab notebook)

Please note the following:

• For many years, Blair Miller reviewed the AP notebooks to determine if students could received full 116 credit, but he sometimes had help from Julie Henderleiter and others.  Blair used to say he was looking for a) data b) grades c) teacher's comments.  He especially liked to see some lab-work related to buffers.   This was a serious review, and I would estimate that only 50-60% of submissions were successful.  In ambiguous cases, or when the lab notebook was electronic, he sometimes contacted the high school teacher to discuss the work and/or the student.  Blair never stated his overall philosophy, but I think it makes that students don't necessarily need to have covered everything we cover in CHM 116, but rather that we make a judgment that they will be able to successfully move on into CHM 221, CHM 245/246 etc.  
• If a student has a score of 5, but does not pass the notebook review, we have typically allowed them to take a CHM 180 1 credit lab-only version of CHM 116 lab.  We allow such students to proceed into organic before they have completed this class, but would require them to successfully complete it before allowing them to register for CHM 221.  
• In some cases, students have an AP score of 4 or 5, but would rather rather credit for CHM 109.  This is particularly relevant for Allied Health students whose program requires CHM 109.  In such cases, it is acceptable to contact the registrar and request that the higher AP score count as CHM 109 rather than the major's courses.  

Students often request notebook reviews in summer before they have arrived on campus. It is recommended to never give a pre-req waiver until the notebook review is complete. If the student wants the waiver, they can send the notebook by mail.(DAL 6/2024)

Julie Henderleiter has taken over the review now that Blair has retired.  From conversations with her, it is clear that the main consideration is whether students have enough experience with real glassware and other lab equipment to jump right into CHM 221 and CHM 246.  Therefore, if a student does not receive lab credit, they should take CHM 128 in the Fall and pick up CHM 241 in Winter or better, CHM 245/246 the following year. (DAL 7/2025)

In the UK, high school students can take a 2-year course covering General Chemistry and some Organic.  This course-work includes extensive lab work.  It is generally considered to be more difficult than AP Chemistry in the US.  At the end of the 2 years, students take an exam, and earn a grade of A, B, C, D or NA (or F).  After review of the materials and consultation with Prof. Derrick Thomas (BMS; went high school in Wales), Blair Miller and Dave Leonard determined that a grade of A, B, or C would be granted CHM 115 and CHM 116 at GVSUno lab notebook check required. This has only happened once since 2018(DAL 6/2024)

The Department feels that Junior Seminar is an important part of the curriculum for all CHM, BIC and CHMX majors, and is therefore not generally waived.  Under very rare circumstances, it may be possible to make alternative arrangements, for instance:

• in some cases transfer students need to take CHM 391 in the Fall and CHM 491 in the Winter to graduate on time, and all 391 speaking slots are taken.  
• senior double majors sometimes have a required class in their other curriculum that meets at the same time as 391 in the Fall.

In such cases, it may be possible to waive CHM 391 on the condition that the student is required to a) attend several senior seminars and b) take US 301 Internship and Job Search Strategies.  This exception should not be advertised to students, and is subject to approval by both the Associate Chair of Student Affairs and the CHM 391 instructor.  (DAL 6/2024)

As noted in the "Credit by Exam" webpage, the university will grant credit for successful completion of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. In order to receive credit, the student must request that the score report be sent to the university.  Each student who earns credit will receive an evaluation indicating the credit awarded.

The following shows the current score/credit relationship for AP Chemistry:

• CLEP score of 55 receives CHM 109 credit
• CLEP score of 60 receives CHM 115 credit
• CLEP score of 65 receives CHM 115 & 116 credit (with review of lab notebook)

Please note the following:

• These scores represent hard cut-offs, with no exceptions.
• In cases of CLEP waivers, it is not likely that students will have a high school notebook for review, and if they do, it is not likely to be of similar quality to that produced from an AP or IB program.  In such cases, we have typically allowed them to take a CHM 180 1 credit lab-only version of CHM 116 lab.  We allow such students to proceed into organic before they have completed this class, but would require them to successfully complete it before allowing them to register for CHM 221.  
• In some cases, students have an CLEP score of 60 or higher, but would rather rather credit for CHM 109.  This is particularly relevant for Allied Health students whose program requires CHM 109.  In such cases, it is acceptable to contact the registrar and request that the higher CLEP score count as CHM 109 rather than the major's courses.   (DAL 6/2024)

As noted in the "Credit by Exam" webpage, the university will grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP tests. In order to receive credit, the student must request that the College Board send score reports to the university. When Grand Valley receives the AP scores (usually in early July), students who have earned the appropriate score will be awarded credit. Each student who earns credit will receive an evaluation indicating the credit awarded.

The following shows the current score/credit relationship for AP Chemistry:

• An IB score of 4 without a successful lab notebook review receives 8 credits of general CHM
• An IB score of 4 with a successful lab notebook review receives 9 credits of  CHM 115/116

Please note the following:

• For many years, Blair Miller reviewed the IB notebooks to determine if students could receive full 116 credit, but he sometimes had help from Julie Henderleiter and others.  Blair used to say he was looking for a) data b) grades c) teacher's comments.  He especially liked to see some lab-work related to buffers.   IB courses seemed to be a little harder to review than AP courses.  This was a serious review, and I would estimate that only 50-60% of submissions were successful.  In ambiguous cases, or when the lab notebook was electronic, he sometimes contacted the high school teacher to discuss the work and/or the student.  Blair never stated his overall philosophy, but I think it makes sense that students don't necessarily need to have covered everything we cover in CHM 116, but rather that we make a judgment that they will be able to successfully move on into CHM 221, CHM 245/246 etc.  
• I don't remember it ever coming up, but a score of 4 without a lab notebook should probably get CHM 115 credit even though that is not in the credit-by-exam website.
• If a student has a score of 4, but does not pass the notebook review, we have typically allowed them to take a CHM 180 1 credit lab-only version of CHM 116 lab.  We allow such students to proceed to organic before they have completed this class, but would require them to successfully complete it before allowing them to register for CHM 221.  
• While I don't remember a case of it happening, students with an IB score of 4, might rather get credit for CHM 109.  This is particularly relevant for Allied Health students whose program requires CHM 109.  In such cases, it is acceptable to contact the registrar and request that the IB score count as CHM 109 rather than the major's courses.   (DAL 6/2024)

Sometimes students transfer from a school on trimester or quarters, and the equivalencies can be tricky.  The first trimester of a 3 trimester general chemistry sequence is not generally good enough to get CHM 115 credit, especially .  Two trimesters might equal CHM 115 and three might be CHM 115/116.

Debbie Herrington and George McBane had this policy about transfer equivalencies for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry: Two semester sequences that are taken by Chemistry majors (or perhaps engineering/pre-med etc) at a reputable U.S. institution and that have a lab are generally going to be good for transfer credit. (DAL 6/2024)

Over the years, I have had several requests to use the online lecture only biochemistry class UNE 1050 from the University of New England as a course equivalent for CHM 461.  Typically, these requests have come from BMS majors who need to take or repeat CHM 461 to graduate, but they have moved away, or they have some good reason they don't want to come to campus.   More recently, the PA program has inquired about using this class to help students fulfill pre-requisites before they arrive at GVSU.  Because it does not have a lab, it cannot be equivalent to CHM 232.   For the record, we accept this class as CHM 461 because:

• It covers the content of that class reasonably well and has a two-semester organic recommended pre-req
• the syllabus states that it is an advanced class at the 300-level, which we typically bring in as 461
• the exams for this online class are proctored using webcams, ensuring strong academic integrity

I have been reluctant to establish an official course equivalency, because we are not keen to have CHM or BIC majors take this class.  We generally bring all it on a case-by-case basis (we use the notation "for this student only").  (Dave Leonard 3/2025)

Over the years, I have had several requests to use the online lecture only biochemistry class UNE 1050 from the University of New England as a course equivalent for CHM 461.  Typically, these requests have come from BMS majors who need to take or repeat CHM 461 to graduate, but they have moved away, or they have some good reason they don't want to come to campus.   More recently, the PA program has inquired about using this class to help students fulfill pre-requisites before they arrive at GVSU.  Because it does not have a lab, it cannot be equivalent to CHM 232.   For the record, we accept this class as CHM 461 because:

• It covers the content of that class reasonably well and has a two-semester organic recommended pre-req
• the syllabus states that it is an advanced class at the 300-level, which we typically bring in as 461
• the exams for this online class are proctored using webcams, ensuring strong academic integrity

I have been reluctant to establish an official course equivalency, because we are not keen to have CHM or BIC majors take this class.  We generally bring all it on a case-by-case basis (we use the notation "for this student only").  (Dave Leonard 3/2025)