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UBC Chemistry Basic Skills Test - Information

UBC Chemistry Basic Skills Test - Information

Last page update: Monday August 21st, 2023 00:30 - 2023 BST registration closed.

The UBC Chemistry Basic Skills Test (BST) assesses the readiness of students to take CHEM 111. Determine whether you need to take the Basic Skills Test using the diagram below:

basic skills test flow diagram

Based on the results of the Basic Skills Test, you will be informed of the introductory course that would best result in your academic success:

  • CHEM 111, an accelerated course with lecture and lab components covering a selection of B.C. CHEM 12 and CHEM 121 topics.

OR

  • CHEM 100, an accelerated lecture-only course covering B.C. CHEM 11 and B.C. CHEM 12.

CHEM 111 serves as a prerequisite for CHEM 123, and CHEM 100 serves as a prerequisite for CHEM 121. Students that successfully complete CHEM 100 may enroll in CHEM 121 and 123 in future summer terms so that their academic progress is not impeded.

 

Start-point

Fall

Winter

Summer session 1

Summer  session 2

CHEM 111

CHEM 111

CHEM 123

   

CHEM 100

 

CHEM 100

CHEM 121

CHEM 123

 

 

Students entering CHEM 111 from the wait-list will have to schedule a laboratory section into their timetable. Laboratory space is limited and students have to complete the Basic Skills Test before the deadline to secure a spot (pending the outcome of the Basic Skills Test).

 

For the Fall term - Writing the Basic Skills Test:

The Basic Skills Test is a timed, multiple choice assessment delivered online:

1) Students will register on the CHEM 111 waitlist. (Note: BSc students with Chemistry 11 may register for CHEM 111 directly and writing the BST is optional)

2) Students will sign up to write the CHEM BST using the following link:

Registration for 2023 has now closed.

3) Students will receive an email confirmation with instructions to take the Chemistry BST, and a deadline to complete the Chemistry BST. Students can attempt the Chemistry BST only once. Students having technical problems during the Chemistry BST may have to write a paper examination on-campus in September in order to complete their registration. Students should use the Chemistry Department Advising Inquiry Form (https://ost.chem.ubc.ca) to contact the Department if this occurs. 

The UBC Chemistry BST is 20-30 multiple-choice questions. Most of these questions will require the use of a calculator. A periodic table with element symbols, atomic numbers and atomic masses will be provided.

4) After you write the Chemistry BST, the Chemistry department can recommend and/or place you into a course (CHEM 100 or CHEM 111) that maximizes your chances for academic success.

5) Students who do not agree with the Department’s placement may request an interview and examination with a Chemistry faculty member in late August or early September. The examination may be oral or written. Students should use the Chemistry Department Advising Inquiry Form (https://ost.chem.ubc.ca) to contact the Department. 

6) The Chemistry Basic Skills Test asks questions related to the published learning outcomes of British Columbia CHEM 11: The B.C. Grade 11 Chemistry Learning Outcomes

A set of 5 example questions is provided here.