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Chemical Principles I (CHE 131E/CHE 131LE)

Chemical Principles I Lecture (CHE 131E) is a self-paced, online course.

Chemical Principles I Lab (CHE 131LE) is available in two formats (self-paced, online lab course or semester-based, on-campus lab course). The semester-based, on-campus course is currently unavailable.

These courses emphasize the construction of scientific concepts based on observation and development of reasoning skills. Topics include mass, force, interpreting phenomena in terms of atomic theory, gases, stoichiometry, periodic properties of the elements, and solutions.

After completing the course above, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a degree in fields such as optometry, pharmacy and physician assistant.

MCPHS also offers Chemical Principles II. Please visit our Chemical Principles II prerequisite course page for more information.

Chemical Principles I Lab (semester based, on-campus) Prerequisites: Chemical Principles I Lecture

Why MCPHS?

  • Accreditation: MCPHS is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
  • Competitive Pricing: New self-paced, online students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one self-paced, online prerequisite course. The discount is not available for semester-based, on-campus prerequisite courses. Please complete the request discount form to receive the discount code.
  • Easy to Get Started: No application process is required. Simply select your course and register.

Course Format

Self-paced, online course: Chemical Principles I (CHE 131E/CHE 131LE) is an online, asynchronous, self-paced course that includes both a 3-credit lecture session and 1-credit laboratory session. This course does not have specific meeting times or deadlines. You will complete your assignments on your own schedule over the course of 16 weeks using Blackboard, an online learning platform. You will also have the support of an instructor, as well as 24/7 online tutoring as you progress through the coursework. After completing this course, you will receive a final letter grade and be able to request an official transcript from our Registrar’s Office. Please note: Students are able to register for the lecture, the lab, or both. Registration is separate for each of these courses.

Semester-based, on-campus lab course: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the School of Professional Studies has canceled the Spring 2021 on-campus Chemical Principles I Lab (CHE 131LE). If you are interested in taking this course, please contact an advisor at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu or 339.236.2605 for more information regarding future start dates.

Get Started

Once you’ve selected your course of interest and are ready to register, all that’s left is to create your account and pay the tuition fees.

Create your account and begin the registration process here.

You'll be asked to create a username and password, provide some basic personal information, and pay the course's tuition.

Self-paced, online course: You’ll receive access to your course within two business days of paying tuition.

Semester-based, on-campus lab course: You’ll begin your course at the start of the semester. Please review the academic calendar for the exact dates.

We suggest that students purchase their course materials after registering and gaining access to their course. Detailed instructions will then be provided. 

Self-paced, online course:

The lecture course requires the following textbook:

  • Chemistry Sixth Edition, Gilbert, Kirss, Foster, Bretz, and Davies
  • A model kit and a webcam are also required

The lab course requires the following:

  • Hayden-McNeil Lab Simulations
  • Scientific calculator

Semester-based, on-campus lab course:

Once you complete the registration process, you’ll have access to the course syllabus which contains the materials required for the course.

Self-paced, online courses run at a rate of $445 per credit hour.

Semester-based, on-campus lab courses cost $725.

New students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one course. Please complete the discount code form to receive the discount code.

Degree applicants who have been admitted to a degree program and paid their enrollment deposit are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for any self-paced, online prerequisite course that the Admission Office has indicated must be completed prior to starting the degree program. Please contact the Admission Office at 617.879.5964 (Boston), 508.373.5607 (Worcester), or 603.314.1701 (Manchester) for more information.

*Semester-based, on-campus lab courses are not eligible for the 50% reduction in cost for tuition promotion.

Create your account and begin the registration process here.

Self-paced, online course:

  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: OS X 10.10 or higher
  • iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only)
  • Web camera (1080p or higher resolution) and microphone
  • A broadband internet connection

Self-paced, online course: Students can receive a full tuition refund if they drop a course within business five days of registering. Course changes will also be allowed during this five-day window.

After the five-day window closes (and up until the course's completion date), students may choose to withdraw from the course without a refund. This would result in a "W" on their student record.

Semester-based, on-campus lab course: Tuition refund is based on the MCPHS academic calendar. Please review the academic calendar for exact dates.

The Office of Student Access and Accommodations (OSAA) is a part of the Division of Student Affairs and provides accommodations to students across all MCPHS campuses (Manchester, Boston and Worcester) and online.

Due to the format of School of Professional Studies (SPS) courses, students planning to take self-paced courses are encouraged, though not required, to reach out to OSAA prior to registering for any courses. This will give OSAA ample time to work with the student to review their request for reasonable accommodations.

Students can visit the OSAA website for additional information. 


Questions about our prerequisites? Connect with the School of Professional Studies at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu or 339.236.2605.