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CHEM 1, CSE 5, MATH 5, WRI 1 (preparatory classes)

Do I need to take a preparatory class?

Many first years need to take a preparatory course in one or more subjects before moving on to the next higher course required in that subject in their major or degree.

 

*IMPORTANT CHANGE* for MATH classes starting Fall 2024:

Starting Fall 2024, you cannot enroll in any introductory math class at UC Merced unless you have a qualifying math placement exam score.

Take the UC Merced math placement exam if you plan or might need to take any of the following classes:

  • MATH 005  Preparatory Calculus

  • MATH 008  Foundations of Quantitative Reasoning      (new course starting Fall 2024)

  • MATH 011  Calculus I

  • MATH 021  Calculus I for Physical Sciences and Engineering

 

UC Merced offers four preparatory classes:

  • Chemistry:  CHEM 001, Preparatory Chemistry (3 units)
  • Computer Science & Engineering:  CSE 005, Introduction to Computer Applications (4 units)
  • Mathematics:  MATH 005, Preparatory Calculus (4 units)
  • Writing:  WRI 001, Academic Writing (4 units)

 

What is the next course after the preparatory class?

  • CHEM 001 is a prerequisite for CHEM 002 (General Chemistry I).
    • CHEM 002 is required in most science and engineering majors.
      • CHEM 002 is not required in the Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) major.
    • CHEM 002 is required for most pre-health career paths (e.g., pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-nursing, pre-vet med)

 

  • CSE 005 is a prerequisite for CSE 022 (Introduction to Programming).
    • CSE 022 is required in the CSE major and the Applied Math--Computer Science emphasis major.

 

  • MATH 005 is a prerequisite for MATH 011 (Calculus I), MATH 021 (Calculus I for Physical Sciences and Engineering) and some statistics classes.
    • MATH 011 is required in majors that include Biological Sciences (BIO), Cognitive Science B.S. (COGS), Economics (ECON), Management & Business Economics (MBE), and others.
    • MATH 021 is required in most engineering, math, and physical science majors.
    • Some statistics classes may require MATH 005 as a prerequisite.

 

 

How can I avoid taking a preparatory class?

  • Complete the UC Merced placement exam in CHEM, CSE, MATH, or WRI before the deadline and earn a qualifying score to place in a higher class    OR

 

 

 

  • Send an official transcript from another college to UC Merced of college courses completed with a C grade or higher during high school.
    • The course from the other college must be the exact equivalent of the preparatory class or a more advanced class at UC Merced.
      • Use ASSIST to see how California community college courses transfer to UC Merced.
    • Examples:
      • Same class:  You would not need to take MATH 005 if you completed the MATH 005 equivalent at a California community college during high school, earned a C or higher, and sent the final official college transcript to UC Merced.
      • More advanced class:  You would not need to take MATH 005 if you completed the MATH 021 equivalent at a California community college, earned a C or higher, and sent the final official college transcript to UC Merced.