CHE 302 – General Organic Chemistry II: Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

CHE 302 – General Organic Chemistry II is a comprehensive course designed for science, pre-pharmacy, and pre-health majors. The course focuses on the systematic study of the sources, nomenclature, properties, and uses of organic (carbon) compounds, with an emphasis on their reactions in pharmaceuticals and biological systems.

Course Description and Prerequisites

• Systematic study of organic compounds: nomenclature, properties, uses, and reactions.

• Prerequisite: CHE 201-202 and CHE 301 with a grade of “C” or better.

• Concurrent enrollment in CHE 302L (laboratory) is required.

• Molecular modeling kit required for 3D visualization of organic molecules.

Required Textbook and Materials

• Textbook: Organic Chemistry, Paula Yurkanis Bruice, 8th Edition, Pearson Education.

• Digital Access: Pearson Mastering Chemistry (via Canvas) for homework, quizzes, and adaptive learning.

• Internet Access: Required for supplemental information and computational chemistry exercises.

Core Competencies and Learning Outcomes

The course is structured to develop the following core competencies, which are assessed through various evaluative measures:

Competency	Measurable Outcome	Evaluative Measure
Critical Thinking	Use analogy to solve new problems	Short answer questions in tests/exams
Ethics	Aversion to cheating	Absence of cheating incidents
International Diversity	Recognize contributions of international scientists	Knowledge of scientists in course material
Information & Technology Literacy	Use and interpret chemical instrumentation	Data interpretation, calculations, reports
Oral Communication	Discuss course material with instructor/peers	Class participation
Quantitative Reasoning	Use dimensional analysis in problem-solving	Correct answers in tests/exams
Scientific Reasoning	Synthesize concepts for higher-level solutions	Problem-solving requiring multiple concepts
Written Communication	Provide concise, theory-based answers	Essay answers, lab reports

Course Objectives

• Identify correct IUPAC and common names for simple organic compounds.

• Predict bonding, physical, and chemical properties of organic functional groups.

• Deduce compound nature from qualitative tests.

• Safely employ organic chemistry equipment and techniques.

• Verify chemical concepts experimentally.

• Use molecular modeling software for visualization and prediction.

• Communicate laboratory results effectively in writing and speech.

Curriculum Outline and Student Learning Outcomes

• Give correct IUPAC names for hydrocarbons.

• Predict chemical and physical trends (acidity, boiling point, polarity).

• Write reaction schemes for organic compounds.

• Identify organic compounds using instrumental, chemical, and physical measurements.

• Perform multi-step syntheses of organic compounds.

• Employ molecular modeling techniques to predict behavior of organic compounds.

Course Topics

The following topics are covered, corresponding to chapters in Bruice's Organic Chemistry (9th Edition):

Topic	Bruice Chapter(s)
Conjugated Compounds and UV Spectroscopy	Ch. 8 (Delocalization), Ch. 12 (UV/Vis)
Chemistry of Benzene: Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution; Alcohols and Phenols	Ch. 17
Ethers and Epoxides; Thiols and Sulfides	Ch. 10
Preview of Carbonyl Chemistry	Part 5 Intro, Ch. 14
Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition	Ch. 15
Carboxylic Acids and Nitriles	Ch. 14
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution	Ch. 14 & 15
Carbonyl Alpha-Substitution	Ch. 16
Carbonyl Condensation Reactions	Ch. 16
Biomolecules: Carbohydrates	Ch. 20
Biomolecules: Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins	Ch. 21
Biomolecules: Nucleic Acids	Ch. 26
Synthetic Polymers	Ch. 27

Assessment and Grading Policy

• Unit Exams (3): 30% of course grade (multiple-choice and short answer).

• Final Exam: 20% (cumulative).

• Laboratory: 25% (see lab syllabus for details).

• Homework: 10% (via Pearson Mastering Chemistry).

• Attendance, Participation, Quizzes: 15% (includes daily quizzes and class participation).

• Extra Credit: Up to 5% for additional questions on Pearson.

Grade Calculation Formula

The weighted average grade is calculated as follows:

$Weighted\ Average\ Grade = (Unit\ Exams\ and\ Quizzes\ Average \times 0.30) + (Homework\ Average \times 0.10) + (Lab\ Average \times 0.25) + (Class\ Participation\ Average \times 0.15) + (Final\ Exam \times 0.20)$

If some categories are missing, weights are adjusted proportionally. For example, if lab and final exam grades are missing:

$Weighted\ Average\ Grade = (Unit\ Exams\ and\ Quizzes\ Average \times 0.55) + (Homework\ Average \times 0.18) + (Class\ Participation\ Average \times 0.27)$

Letter Grade Scale

Grade	Range (%)	Grade	Range (%)	Grade	Range (%)	Grade	Range (%)
A+	97-100	B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69
A	93-96	B	83-86	C	73-76	D	63-66
A-	90-92	B-	80-82	C-	70-72	D-	60-62
F: Below 60

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance: Required; students are responsible for all material and assignments.

• Quizzes: Daily, often unannounced; no make-ups except for excused absences.

• Exams: No electronic devices except calculators; academic dishonesty is strictly penalized.

• Homework: Due dates are posted on Canvas; late work not accepted without valid excuse.

• Participation: Includes discussion boards, introductory video, and surveys.

• Writing Across the Curriculum: Achieved through lab journal entries (CHE 302L).

Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct

• Cheating and Plagiarism: Result in an “F” for the course and possible dismissal from the university.

• Respect, Professionalism, Integrity, Community: All students are expected to uphold these core values.

• AI Policy: Ethical, responsible use of AI tools is permitted for writing and research, with proper citation and understanding required.

Support and Resources

• Student Support Services: Tutorial Center, hamptonu.joinknack.com

• Disability Services: Office of Compliance and Disability Services for accommodations.

• Wellness: Student Counseling Center, Health Center, Therapy Assistance Online, Student Success Center.

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Dates	Topics/Activities	Chapters
Jan 6, Jan 8	Introduction; Syllabus Discussion	-
Jan 13, Jan 15	Conjugated Compounds and UV Spectroscopy	Ch. 8, 12
Jan 20, Jan 22	Chemistry of Benzene; Alcohols and Phenols	Ch. 17
Jan 27, Jan 29	Ethers, Epoxides, Thiols, Sulfides	Ch. 10
Feb 3, Feb 5	Preview of Carbonyl Chemistry	Part 5 Intro, Ch. 14
Feb 10, Feb 12	Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition	Ch. 15
Feb 17, Feb 19	Carboxylic Acids and Nitriles	Ch. 14
Feb 24, Feb 26	Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution	Ch. 14 & 15
Mar 3, Mar 5	Carbonyl Alpha-Substitution	Ch. 16
Mar 17, Mar 19	Carbonyl Condensation Reactions	Ch. 16
Mar 24, Mar 26	Biomolecules: Carbohydrates	Ch. 20
Mar 31, Apr 2	Biomolecules: Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins	Ch. 21
Apr 7, Apr 9	Biomolecules: Nucleic Acids	Ch. 26
Apr 14, Apr 16	Synthetic Polymers	Ch. 27
Apr 21, Apr 23	Review	Ch. 20, 21, 26, 27
Apr 29	Final Exam (Cumulative)	All Chapters

Additional Policies

• Make-Up/Late Work: Not accepted without valid excuse; instructor determines validity.

• Netiquette: Maintain professionalism and respect in all online communications.

• Disclaimer: Syllabus subject to change as needed by the instructor.

Summary

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive guide to the structure, expectations, and content of CHE 302 – General Organic Chemistry II.

• Students are expected to engage with the material, participate actively, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professionalism.

• Success in this course requires consistent attendance, timely completion of assignments, and proactive use of available resources.

Additional info: This summary is based on the official course syllabus and includes expanded explanations of policies, grading, and course structure for clarity and exam preparation.