The San Dieguito Union High School District does not have mandatory prerequisites for courses offered in science at its four comprehensive high schools; however there are recommendations listed for each course.  The recommendations for College Preparatory Chemistry as listed by the San Dieguito Union High School District Course Description are:

• Completion of Geometry (A or B) or approval of the instructor

In order to increase success in College Preparatory Chemistry is it strongly recommended each student be proficient with the following mathematical topics:

• Solving for a Variable in a multi-variable problem using Algebra.
• Use of exponents (simplification, division, and multiplication).
• Use ratios and proportions.
• Perform calculations involving units (unit analysis or dimensional analysis).
• Simplify rational expressions.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers in scientific notation.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers without a calculator.

The items listed above as topics students should be proficient in completing coordinate with the California State Algebra I Standards:

• 2.0 Understand and use the rules of exponents.
• 4.0 Simplify expressions before solving linear equations.
• 5.0 Solve multi-step problems, including word problems, involving linear equations with one variable and provide justification (work) for each step.
• 13.0 Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.  Solve both computationally and conceptually challenging problems by using these techniques.
• 15.0 Apply algebraic techniques to solve rate problems.

Along with these mathematical skills, students are assumed to be able to perform the following study skills:

• The ability to read and comprehend information from a science textbook.
• The ability to write notes by reading a textbook or presented in a discussion/lecture by an instructor.
• The ability to use other resources to assist in learning the content, such as the Internet, other textbooks, tutoring, etc.
• The ability to seek (without prompting from instructor) help when unable to understand content or materials presented or read in class.