Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Chemistry 2301 is a foundational course designed for students pursuing majors in science, engineering, and health sciences. The course emphasizes the importance of organic compounds in everyday life and develops advanced problem-solving skills distinct from those used in general chemistry. Students will learn to analyze complex issues, find credible information, and draw reasonable conclusions based on scientific facts.

• Organic Chemistry studies the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds.

• Applications: Organic chemistry is essential for understanding biological systems, pharmaceuticals, and environmental chemistry.

• Skill Development: The course fosters three-dimensional thinking and relates organic compounds to real-world systems.

Prerequisites

Required Background

To enroll in CHEM 2301, students must have completed CHEM 1062 or an equivalent course with a grade of C- or better. This ensures foundational knowledge in general chemistry, which is necessary for success in organic chemistry.

• General Chemistry Concepts: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and basic reaction mechanisms.

• Importance: These concepts are critical for understanding organic chemistry topics such as molecular structure and reactivity.

Required Textbooks & Materials

Course Materials

The primary textbook for the course is Organic Chemistry by Francis A. Carey and Robert M. Giuliano (12th edition, McGraw-Hill). Students will also have access to ALEKS online homework and a Student Solutions Manual. A molecular model kit is recommended for visualizing three-dimensional structures.

• Textbook: Comprehensive coverage of organic chemistry topics, including reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy.

• Online Homework (ALEKS): Interactive assignments to reinforce learning and assess understanding.

• Student Solutions Manual: Provides worked solutions to textbook problems for additional practice.

• Molecular Model Kit (Optional): Useful for visualizing molecular geometry and conformational analysis.

Course Structure

Lecture and Office Hours

Lectures are held weekly, providing in-depth coverage of organic chemistry concepts. Office hours offer opportunities for students to ask questions and receive guidance from the instructor and teaching assistants.

• Lecture Time: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Fridays 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Kolthoff Hall 568C)

• TA Office Hours: To be announced on Canvas.

Exams and Assessment

Exam Format and Policies

There are four midterm exams and a comprehensive final exam. Exams are closed note/book and must be completed independently. A portion of the molecular model kit may be used during exams. The final exam covers all course material, including topics presented after the last midterm.

• Midterm Exams: Four exams scheduled during regular class time.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all lecture material.

• Exam Policy: Exams must be taken at the scheduled time and in the enrolled section. Failure to take the final exam without an excused absence results in an F.

• Model Kit Usage: Allowed for select portions of the exam to assist with three-dimensional visualization.

Course Topics (Based on Textbook)

Major Organic Chemistry Topics

The syllabus references the Carey & Giuliano textbook, which covers the following key topics in organic chemistry:

• Review of General Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids and bases.

• Structure and Properties of Organic Compounds: Functional groups, molecular geometry, and resonance.

• Reaction Mechanisms: Nucleophilic substitution, elimination, addition, and radical reactions.

• Stereochemistry: Chirality, optical activity, and conformational analysis.

• Spectroscopy: Techniques for identifying organic compounds (NMR, IR, MS).

• Biological and Environmental Applications: Organic chemistry in biological systems and environmental processes.

Additional info: The syllabus does not list specific chapter titles, but the referenced textbook and course description align with standard organic chemistry topics as outlined in the provided chapter list.

Summary Table: Course Logistics