Chem 326 Organic Chemistry I – Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Information

This document provides an overview of Chem 326: Organic Chemistry I, including course logistics, expectations, grading, and a detailed schedule. The course covers foundational topics in organic chemistry, including nomenclature, structure, reactivity, mechanisms, synthesis, and spectroscopy, aligning with standard undergraduate organic chemistry curricula.

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: George Nora, PhD

• Office: 217 Jewett Regional Science Education Center

• Email: George.nora@northern.edu

• Phone: 605-626-2471

• Office Hours: Multiple times weekly and by appointment

Course Description and Prerequisites

• Catalog Description: Systematic treatment of the chemistry of carbon compounds, including nomenclature, structure-reactivity relationships, reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and spectroscopy.

• Prerequisite: Chem 114

• Co-requisite: Chem 326L (Laboratory)

Required Materials

• Molecular model set

• Textbook: Organic Chemistry (10th ed.) by John McMurry, OpenStax (free PDF provided)

• Online Homework: Achieve platform (purchase required)

Accessing Achieve Homework Platform

Students must enroll in the Achieve online homework system. Access can be purchased via the Student Store or directly through the Achieve sign-in page. Follow the steps below to enroll:

1. Go to the Achieve sign-in page and select "I Need to Enroll in a Course."

2. Enter the course ID provided by your instructor.

3. Click "Purchase Access" and complete the transaction in the Student Store.

4. If already signed in, use the "Enroll In A New Course" button.

Attendance and Participation Policy

• Active participation in laboratory sessions is mandatory; unexcused absences result in forfeiture of lab points.

• More than six absences (excused or unexcused) result in loss of course credit.

• Missed exams due to excused absences must be rescheduled in advance.

Instructional Methods

• Lecture, group activities, demonstrations, class participation, homework, and tests.

• Active classroom discussions and problem-solving are required.

Academic Integrity Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic misconduct includes cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, academic interference, and facilitating dishonesty. Sanctions may include grade penalties, assignment repetition, or course withdrawal.

• Cheating: Unauthorized assistance, use of prohibited materials, or collaboration without permission.

• Fabrication: Falsifying or inventing information or data.

• Plagiarism: Using others' ideas or words without proper acknowledgment.

• Academic Interference: Tampering with or impeding another student’s work.

• Facilitating Dishonesty: Assisting others in academic misconduct.

Course Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand and apply the scientific method in laboratory and classroom settings.

• Demonstrate proficiency in organic chemistry concepts, laboratory techniques, and data analysis.

• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.

• Apply organic chemistry principles to contemporary scientific issues.

Assessment and Grading

• Grading Scale:

  • A: 900–1000 pts

  • B: 800–899 pts

  • C: 700–799 pts

  • D: 600–699 pts

  • F: 0–599 pts

Course Schedule Overview

The course follows a chapter-based schedule, covering the following topics (with associated activities and assignments):

• Chapter 1: Lewis structures, charges, dipoles, molecular orbital theory, structure drawing

• Chapter 2: Functional groups, dipoles, intermolecular forces, FTIR spectroscopy

• Chapter 3: Acids/bases, reaction mechanisms, pKa, arrow pushing

• Chapter 4: Nomenclature, isomerism, Newman projections, chair conformations

• Chapter 5: Stereochemistry (R/S, E/Z), Fischer projections

• Chapter 6: Nucleophilic substitution (SN1/SN2), reaction mechanisms

• Chapter 7: Alkenes, elimination reactions (E2), alkynes, spectroscopy prediction

• Chapter 8: Alkene and alkyne reactions, spectroscopy prediction

• Chapter 9: Mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy

Exams are scheduled after every three chapters, with a cumulative final exam at the end of the semester.

Student Support and Accessibility

• Student Success Center offers academic advising, tutoring, workshops, and support services.

• Accessibility accommodations are available through the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

Additional Policies

• Honor and Respect: Mutual respect between students and instructor is expected.

• Assignment Make-Up: Absences require a signed note for make-up work; late assignments lose credit.

• Regrades: Requests must be submitted within one week with written explanation.

• Emergency Communication: Students must keep contact information updated for campus alerts.

• Diversity and Academic Freedom: The course values diverse perspectives and upholds academic freedom.

Course Outline and Schedule

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course policies, expectations, and the sequence of topics, but does not include detailed content explanations for each chapter. For in-depth study, refer to the assigned textbook chapters and lecture materials.