CHM 2001 Organic Chemistry 1 – Syllabus and Study Guide Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry 1

This course, CHM 2001 Organic Chemistry 1, provides a foundational understanding of organic chemistry, focusing on the structure, properties, and reactivity of organic molecules. The course is designed for science majors and covers essential topics that form the basis for advanced studies in chemistry, biology, and related fields.

• Instructor: Professor Nasri Nesnas, PhD

• Textbooks: L. G. Wade, Organic Chemistry (7th, 8th, or 9th ed.); or Klein’s Organic Chemistry

• Molecular Models: Required for visualizing molecular structures

• Class Meetings: MWF 12:00 – 12:50 pm

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is mandatory for all lectures, whether in-person or via approved Zoom access.

• Electronic Devices: Laptops and mobile phones are prohibited during class; tablets may be used only for note-taking.

• Class Recordings: Lectures are recorded for student use but may not be shared outside the class.

Academic Integrity

• Zero-tolerance policy for cheating or academic dishonesty.

• Collaborative work is only allowed for ungraded homework unless otherwise approved.

• All students must adhere to the university’s academic honesty policies.

Grading Breakdown

Component	Points	Percentage
Online Homework	50 (out of 100 possible)	10%
Attendance	50	10%
Hour Exams (3 x 100)	300	60%
Final Exam	100	20%
Total	500	100%

Note: Grades are assigned based on class performance distribution, not a strict percentage scale.

Course Learning Objectives

Key Skills Developed

• Nomenclature: Naming organic compounds according to IUPAC rules.

• Structure-from-Spectra: Interpreting IR, MS, and NMR spectra to deduce molecular structures.

• Synthesis: Designing synthetic routes for organic molecules.

• Prediction of Reactivity: Anticipating chemical behavior based on structure and functional groups.

• Mechanism (Electron-Pushing): Understanding and illustrating reaction mechanisms using curved-arrow notation.

Students will also gain an appreciation for the role of organic chemistry in everyday life, including applications in medicine, materials, and the natural world.

Course Outline and Topics

Major Topics Covered

• Introduction and Review

• Structures of Molecules and Acids/Bases (Ch. 1, 2)

• Alkanes and Conformational Analysis (Ch. 3)

• Chemical Reactions and Mechanisms (Ch. 4)

• Stereochemistry (Ch. 5)

• Introduction to Spectroscopy (IR, MS, NMR) (Ch. 12, 13)

• Substitution and Elimination Reactions (Ch. 6, 7)

• Alkenes: Structure, Synthesis, and Reactions (Ch. 7, 8)

Additional info: The course schedule aligns with standard organic chemistry curricula, ensuring coverage of foundational concepts necessary for further study in chemistry and related disciplines.

Tentative Lecture Schedule

• Weeks 1-2: Structure and Bonding (Ch. 1)

• Weeks 3-4: Acids and Bases; Functional Groups (Ch. 2)

• Weeks 5-6: Alkanes and Conformational Analysis (Ch. 3)

• Weeks 7-8: Chemical Reactions and Mechanisms (Ch. 4)

• Weeks 9-10: Stereochemistry (Ch. 5)

• Weeks 11-12: Spectroscopy (Ch. 12, 13)

• Weeks 13-14: Alkyl Halides and Nucleophilic Substitution (Ch. 6)

• Weeks 15-16: Alkenes: Structure, Synthesis, and Reactions (Ch. 7, 8)

Exams and Important Dates

• Exam I: Friday, Feb 6 (Ch. 1, 2, parts of 3)

• Exam II: Wednesday, March 11 (Ch. 4, 5, 12)

• Exam III: Friday, April 10 (Ch. 13, 6)

• Final Exam: Tuesday, May 5 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)

Homework and Practice Problems

Recommended Practice

Students are encouraged to complete assigned problems from the textbook for each chapter. These problems reinforce lecture material and prepare students for exams.

• Online Homework: Graded assignments via Pearson’s Mastering platform.

• Practice Problems: Suggested problems from each chapter (see syllabus for detailed list).

Extra Credit Opportunity

BACON Tutorials

• 5% extra credit available by completing BACON (Biology and Chemistry Online Notes and Tutorials) modules.

• Connects organic chemistry concepts to real-life applications in medicine and pop culture.

• Sign up at learnbacon.com using Course PIN: CHM2001NN$

University Policies and Support

Title IX and Student Support

• Title IX: Prohibits discrimination based on sex; students are encouraged to report any incidents.

• Support Services: Confidential counseling and reporting resources are available to all students.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Lectures	MWF 12:00 – 12:50 pm; in-person and recorded
Textbook	Wade or Klein Organic Chemistry
Exams	Three in-class exams and a cumulative final
Homework	Online and recommended practice problems
Extra Credit	BACON tutorials (up to 5%)
Academic Integrity	Strict adherence required

Conclusion

This syllabus provides a comprehensive guide to the structure, expectations, and content of CHM 2001 Organic Chemistry 1. Students are expected to engage actively with the material, complete all assignments, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Mastery of the topics outlined will provide a strong foundation for further studies in organic chemistry and related scientific fields.