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Introduction to Organic and Physiological Chemistry: Syllabus and Chapter Learning Outcomes

Study Guide - Smart Notes

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Course Overview

This course, Introduction to Organic and Physiological Chemistry (CHEM 1023), provides foundational knowledge in organic chemistry with an emphasis on physiological and biological applications. The syllabus outlines the structure, policies, and learning outcomes for the course, which covers nomenclature, reactions, and the chemistry of major biomolecules.

Course Structure and Grading

  • Textbook: Timberlake, General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: Structures of Life (5th or 6th ed.)

  • Homework: Mastering Chemistry online system (20%)

  • Exams: Four in-class exams (15% each, total 60%)

  • Final Exam: 20%

  • Bonus Quizzes: Available for each chapter; passing earns bonus points on exams

Major Course Topics

  • Nomenclature and reactions of aliphatic and aromatic compounds

  • Chemistry of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids

  • Metabolism and physiological chemical processes

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify major functional groups and biomolecule classes from structural representations

  • Explain the relationship between molecular structure and chemical behavior

  • Analyze physiological chemical processes using organic chemistry principles

Chapter Learning Outcomes

Chapter 12: Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatics, and Polymers

  • Identify properties characteristic of organic or inorganic compounds

  • Write IUPAC names and structural formulas for alkanes, including those with substituents

  • Classify organic molecules by functional group

  • Write IUPAC and common names for alkenes and alkynes; identify cis-trans isomers

  • Write equations for combustion and addition reactions

  • Draw monomers and polymer sections

  • Describe bonding in benzene and aromatic compounds; write substitution products

Chapter 13: Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Thiols

  • Give IUPAC and common names for alcohols, phenols, thiols, and ethers

  • Classify alcohols as primary, secondary, or tertiary

  • Describe physical properties and write equations for combustion, dehydration, and oxidation

Chapter 14: Aldehydes and Ketones

  • Identify aldehydes and ketones; give IUPAC and common names

  • Compare boiling points and solubility to alkanes and alcohols

  • Write equations for oxidation, reduction, and addition of alcohols

  • Draw hemiacetals and acetals

Chapter 15: Carbohydrates

  • Classify monosaccharides as aldose or ketose; indicate number of carbons

  • Identify chiral and achiral carbons

  • Draw D/L configurations and cyclic structures of glucose, galactose, and fructose

  • Describe oxidation/reduction products and reducing sugars

  • Describe disaccharide linkages and polysaccharide structures

Chapter 16: Carboxylic Acids and Esters

  • Give names and formulas for carboxylic acids and esters

  • Describe boiling points, solubility, and ionization in water

  • Write equations for ester formation and hydrolysis

Chapter 17: Lipids

  • Describe classes of lipids and structures of fatty acids

  • Write structures of waxes, fats, and oils; describe reactions (hydrogenation, hydrolysis, oxidation)

  • Describe glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, steroids, and lipid bilayers

Chapter 18: Amines and Amides

  • Classify and name amines; draw condensed structures

  • Describe boiling points, solubility, ionization, and neutralization

  • Identify heterocyclic amines and write amide products and hydrolysis equations

Chapter 19: Amino Acids and Proteins

  • Classify proteins by function; draw amino acid structures

  • Write ionic forms at different pH values

  • Draw dipeptides; identify protein structural levels

  • Describe hydrolysis and denaturation

Chapter 20: Enzymes

  • Describe enzyme function, classification, and regulation

  • Discuss effects of temperature, pH, substrate, and enzyme concentration

  • Describe inhibition, zymogens, feedback, allosteric enzymes, and cofactors

Chapter 21: Nucleic Acids

  • Describe DNA/RNA components and structures

  • Explain DNA replication and RNA synthesis

  • Describe genetic code, protein synthesis, mutations, recombinant DNA, and viral infection

Chapter 22: Metabolism Overview

  • Describe stages of metabolism and ATP's role

  • Compare coenzymes (NAD+, FAD, CoA)

  • Describe carbohydrate digestion, glycolysis, pyruvate pathways, glycogen metabolism, and gluconeogenesis

Chapter 23: Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport

  • Describe oxidation of acetyl CoA, electron carriers, and oxidative phosphorylation

  • Account for ATP yield from glucose oxidation

Chapter 24: Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism

  • Describe digestion and oxidation of triacylglycerols and fatty acids

  • Calculate ATP from fatty acid oxidation

  • Describe ketogenesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, protein hydrolysis, amino acid degradation, urea formation, and synthesis of nonessential amino acids

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Date

Topic

Reading Assignment

Jan 13 (T)

Introduction and Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Jan 15 (Th)

Chapter 12

Jan 20 (T)

Chapter 12 and 13

Chapter 13

Jan 22 (Th)

Chapter 13

Jan 27 (T)

Chapter 13 and 14

Chapter 14

Jan 29 (Th)

Chapter 14 and Review

Feb 3 (T)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Feb 5 (Th)

Chapter 15

Feb 10 (T)

Chapter 15 and 16

Feb 12 (Th)

Exam 1 (Chapters 12 – 14)

Chapter 16

Feb 17 (T)

Chapter 16

Feb 19 (Th)

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Feb 24 (T)

Chapter 17 and Review

Feb 26 (Th)

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Mar 3 (T)

Chapter 18 and 19

Chapter 19

Mar 5 (Th)

Exam 2 (Chapters 15 - 17)

Mar 17 (T)

Chapter 19 and 20

Chapter 20

Mar 19 (Th)

Chapter 20 and Review

Mar 24 (T)

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Mar 26 (Th)

Chapter 21 and 22

Chapter 22

Mar 31 (T)

Chapter 22

Apr 2 (Th)

Exam 3 (Chapters 18 - 20)

Apr 7 (T)

Chapter 22 and Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Apr 9 (Th)

Chapter 23

Apr 14 (T)

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Apr 16 (Th)

Chapter 24

Apr 21 (T)

Exam 4 (Chapters 21 –24)

Apr 23 (Th)

Final Exam Review

Apr 28 and 30

Open for schedule adjustment

May 5 (T)

Final Exam (10:30AM-12:30PM)

Key Policies and Expectations

  • Academic integrity is strictly enforced; cheating results in course failure

  • Attendance and participation are required for success

  • Assignments and exams must be completed on time; no make-up exams

  • Accommodations available for disabilities, pregnancy, and parenting per university policy

  • Resources available for emergencies, mental health, and basic needs

Additional Info

  • This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and learning outcomes for a one-semester introduction to organic and physiological chemistry, suitable for students in health sciences and related fields.

  • Students are encouraged to read assigned chapters before class, participate actively, and utilize available resources for academic success.

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