What is CHEM4U?
CHEM4U is a non-mandatory preparation course (CHEM0999) for university level chemistry courses, namely first year introductory chemistry (CHEM1001). The aim of this week-long course is to prepare students with basic information and skills they’ll need to be successful in future chemistry courses. This program is offered to incoming Carleton students who will have to complete CHEM1001 in their first year. During CHEM4U, we teach topics that are reported in the literature to be difficult for students, and those that we have observed that students struggle with in the first year. Some subjects are reviews of high school material, while others tackle subjects and practices that will help students better conceptualize and solve problems in CHEM1001.
What topics are typically covered?
CHEM4U is a week-long course designed to prepare students entering CHEM 1001 or CHEM 1101 by introducing them to fundamental chemistry concepts and practicing skills to solve chemical problems. By having a strong grasp of the underlying concepts that are common to all chemistry courses, you’ll enter first year with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills you can use and build upon. Some skills being applicable for all university courses! In this course, you’ll learn how to manipulate, understand, and solve for variables in simple chemical equations then transfer this knowledge and skills to increasingly more complicated systems. Starting university with a strong basis of chemistry knowledge, problem-solving, scientific reasoning, and metacognitive skills will help you feel confident and prepare you to be successful moving forward in your studies.
Is CHEM4U mandatory?
No, CHEM4U is not mandatory. The course is designed to help solidify basic and fundamental chemistry skills for students who feel they could use some improvement before starting first year.
Who should attend CHEM4U?
This program is offered to any incoming students who will be taking CHEM1001/1101 in their first year. This program will benefit students who would like to develop a strong fundamental basis in chemistry prior to attending their first-year chemistry course.
Should students attend CHEM4U if they have strong chemistry grades?
Registering for CHEM4U does not necessarily need to reflect your grades, but if you’re achieving high grades in high school chemistry courses you likely already have strong chemistry fundamentals and won’t need this course. CHEM4U is designed to instill confidence and understanding of the most basic beginning steps to solving chemistry problems that many students lack.
When is CHEM4U offered?
CHEM4U will be offered from Monday August 18th to Friday August 22nd, inclusive. The program will run virtually each day during the week.
How much does CHEM4U cost?
The fee for CHEM4U is $375 including HST.
What is included in the cost of the program?
The registration fee covers the cost to access online materials through Brightspace, the lectures components and the daily group session tutorial. There is no required textbook for CHEM 0999, but it is based around material that will be covered in CHEM 1001/1101.
How do students pay for CHEM Matters?
The fee for CHEM0999 will be added to each student’s account for the Fall 2025 semester. The payment deadline for all charges on student accounts (including CHEM Matters charge and fall/winter tuition fees) is August 25th. Students can visit Student Accounts Receivable for information on how to pay fees. Once registered, students can view their account summary on Carleton Central.
When and where do students register for CHEM Matters?
Students can register for CHEM4U on Carleton Central when their time ticket opens using the course code CHEM0999 and the CRN provided on the CHEM4U registration page.
Registration for CHEM4U closes at noon on August 8th, 2025.
If a student gets an error message when trying to register for CHEM0999, what should they do?
If you get an error message during registration, you should:
- Make sure you’re in your time ticket slot, and
- Ensure that the deadline to register for CHEM4U hasn’t passed.
If you’ve checked these things and you’re still not sure of the error’s cause, please contact the Science Student Success Centre at (613) 520-2600 ext. 3111.
If students cannot attend the course or change their mind, what can they do?
You can withdraw from CHEM4U through the Registration tab on Carleton Central with a full fee-adjustment up until noon on August 8th. After that date, the course is non-refundable.
What supplies do I need for CHEM4U?
Course Textbook- Recommended but not required for CHEM4U
Olmsted, John A., Williams, Gregory M., Burk, Robert C. (2020). Chemistry 4th edition. Wiley
This textbook is available at the Carleton University bookstore. The textbook is available in print or electronically (at a reduced cost, more information on Brightspace). This is the textbook used in CHEM 1001, 1002 and 1101 courses.
Technology Checklist:
- An internet-enabled computer (laptop/desktop)
- Zoom software installed on computer (can also install on phone as backup!)
- Access to reliable internet
- Webcam
- Headset with microphone
Note: If you do not have access to some or all of these resources, there are several options to consider. (1) You can apply for financial aid, (2) there are some inexpensive options for purchasing technology (Best Buy refurbished products, Kijiji), & (3) single workspaces are available for student use on campus. Every student has free access to Zoom and internet access on campus using your MyCarleton1 credentials.
What happens if a student must miss a day of CHEM4U?
CHEM4U is only a week-long course, so it’s important that students plan to attend every day. Please only register for CHEM4U if you are able and plan to attend the five days of class. If extenuating circumstances prevent attendance unexpectedly, students should contact the instructor as soon as possible.