Placement Test/ALEKS
The chemistry placement test is an online test used to place students into an appropriate general chemistry course.
Note: Students who have never taken a chemistry course should enroll in
CHEM 100 – Introductory Chemistry. They do not need to take the Chemistry Placement Test.
ALEKS , a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses, is used to determine a student’s chemistry placement score. CHEM 101 General Chemistry I has some prerequisite material. The placement test is used to determine if you have that background knowledge so that you will have the greatest likelihood of success in CHEM 101. Upon completion of the placement test, your score will be uploaded to your student record within 24-48 hours.
A score on the Initial Assessment of 60% or greater, will place a student into CHEM 101. Scoring below 60% on the Initial Assessment places a student into CHEM 100 – Introductory Chemistry. Students may continue with the ALEKS modules and complete them at 100% as an alternative way to place into CHEM 101 or they may take the CHEM 100 course. Students have 6 weeks to complete the modules from the time they complete the initial chemistry placement assessment. No extensions will be granted. The placement test generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete up to 25 questions. It may end earlier if students are not getting questions correct.
Students who earn below 60% will have two options:
- Take a semester of CHEM 100 and earn a B or better
- Complete the ALEKS modules within 6 weeks
Do I have to take the chemistry placement test?
Any student planning on registering for CHEM 101 must take the chemistry placement test. This includes current VCU students, incoming freshmen, returning students and transfer students. Below are groups of students who will likely have to complete CHEM 101 for their degree.
- Bioinformatics
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Life Science Engineering
- Chemistry
- Communication Arts (Scientific Illustration Concentration)
- Computer Engineerings
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Forensic Science
- Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Laboratory Services
- Physics (Nanoscience Concentration)
- Physics (Premed Concentration)
- Pre-Dental Hygiene
- Science
If you have already taken the chemistry placement test and it has expired, please email chemistry@vcu.edu so we can assist you.
You will be required to download the Respondus Lockdown Browser and the Respondus Monitor if they are not already downloaded onto your device AND have a computer with access to a webcam in order to take the chemistry placement test. If a download of the Respondus Lockdown Browser is required, you will need administrator rights to install it. Otherwise, there are no additional plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have reliable internet access and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your placement test. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements. If you are found to be cheating or turn off your webcam during the exam, you will be automatically placed into CHEM 100.
60% on the initial assessment
The following topics are considered background knowledge for CHEM 101 and are included on the placement test:
- Basic math skills (through algebra)
- Metric unit conversions
- Significant figures
- Reading glassware/instruments to correct significant digits
- Scientific notation
- Density
- Temperature scales, Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin
- Specific heat
- Names and symbols of elements
- Periodic table: groups, periods, metals/nonmetals, phases of elements
- Writing chemical formulas of compounds
- Knowing ionic vs. molecular (covalent) compounds
- Naming compounds: molecular (covalent), ionic (metal+nonmetal, with polyatomic ion, with transition metal) and acids
- Atomic structure: atomic number, mass number, number of p+, n, e-, isotopes, ions
- Chemical equations: writing from names, balancing
- Identifying types of reactions: precipitation, acid-base and redox
- Mole concept: grams-->moles-->numbers of atoms/molecules
- Simple stoichiometry
Your chemistry placement test score is good for one academic year.
- Students only receive one attempt at the chemistry placement test. Therefore, it is imperative that students make sure they find an appropriate time and space with a reliable internet connection conducive to seriously taking a chemistry placement test.
- There are no outside aids, including calculators, allowed on the placement test. For questions on the placement test that require a calculator, ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator to use. Use of any outside aid is a violation of VCU's Honor System and will be reported to the Division of Student Affairs.
- You must stay in frame the entire test. While completing the test you must stay in frame of the camera for the entire test. Students who do not stay in frame the entire time will automatically be placed into CHEM 100.
- There is a two hour time limit to complete the placement test. Students who do not submit the test within the 2 hour time limit will automatically be placed into CHEM 100. Therefore, it is important that you submit the test before the two hour time limit expires.
If you require ADA accommodations, the chemistry department recommends that you visit the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity office (SAEO) first so they can provide you with appropriate accommodations. If any accommodations affect testing such as extended time, please send an email to dlpolo@vcu.edu and attach your accommodation letter from SAEO. We will work with SAEO to make sure you are able to take the math placement test in a manner that allows you to demonstrate your chemistry knowledge level. Note that in order to meet all accommodations SAEO may provide, you may be required to take the chemistry placement test in person at the SAEO office during their operating hours.
Accessing ALEKS
- Read the above information about taking the test
- Log into ALEKS using the link below
- You should see the course: Chemistry Placement/Prep VCU
- Go through the tutorial before beginning the Initial Assessment
STUDENTS HAVE 6 WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE MODULE FROM THE TIME THEY TOUCH THIS BUTTON. THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS
Tips for Success
- Be honest. There is no benefit to cheating on the placement test. You do NOT receive credit for a chemistry class. The result will be that you enroll in a class that you are not ready for, potentially costing you time and money.
- Find a space to take the test. Make sure it is quiet and distraction free.
You have up to two hours to take your assessment, but most students will complete it in 60-90 minutes. - Get out some paper and a pencil to work out your questions the old- fashioned way.
- Use the tutorial once you are logged in to learn how to use the calculator and graphing tools prior to starting.
- Don’t forget to check your work and answer as many questions as you can.
- Don’t be surprised if you are asked questions on material you do not know. In these cases it is appropriate to answer “I don’t know.” However, if you are familiar with the topic it is better to do your best and try to submit an answer. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question, it only helps ALEKS better understand what you do and do not know.
ALEKS cannot be used to place into CHEM 101 if a grade of D or F was already earned in CHEM 100. Those students must retake CHEM 100 to meet the CHEM 101 prerequisite.