This website should provide students and parents information concerning both first year and second year chemistry courses at MacArthur High School.

We have class copies of the textbooks so you can leave your book at home! The book images are shown for each class (below).

Chemistry 1 &2

First year chemistry (1 & 2) is part of a college preparatory program. Chemistry is a required course in college for a wide variety of fields. It is critical to success in pre-med, pre-vet, nursing, physical therapy, zoology, genetics and other biology careers, some psychology programs, food sciences, and many, many other careers. It is called "the central science".

Success in the course is largely dependent on your math skills. Sophomores in algebra 3 & 4 are excellent candidates for this class. Sophomores taking geometry have also done well, but sometimes have trouble. If you have a choice, delay taking chemistry until your junior year to allow for growth in your mathematical thinking.

Chemistry 3 & 4

Advanced chemistry is designed for those students who are seeking a greater depth in science. If you are wanting a competitive science career or simply want a more challenging academic schedule, then advanced chemistry is your course! I have found that students earning A's and B's in first year chemistry do well. Students earning lower averages during their first year have difficulty.


All students will need extra help at some point in the course. There is a CD-ROM of the textbook available which gives you access to movies and questions. There are also Drill and Practice sites and links associated with later editions of our text. See the "links" at the left.

When should I take Chem 3/4?

Look at ALL of your years in high school when planning your course schedule. A student interested in the sciences should consider balancing quantitative courses (math, chemistry 3 & 4, physics) and non-quantitative courses (human anatomy and physiology, biology 3 & 4) so that you aren't faced with the prospect of taking math, physics and advanced chemistry at the same time. You should always take a math course. After that, consider pairing advanced biology with physics or advanced biology with advanced chemistry. Some people find it difficult to pair physics with advanced chemistry, but it is not impossible.

If you are a junior in first year chemistry then you have fewer options. If you are planning a truly competitive career then you need to be able to handle multiple science and math courses. Ask your teachers which courses best fit your talents and your needs and then take them.

Remember: "senioritis" is a state of mind not a true disorder. Maturity is also a state of mind. Decide what you want and go for it.