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Organic Chemistry I Syllabus and Course Structure – Key Study Guide

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Course Overview

Fundamental Concepts in Organic Chemistry

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of organic chemistry, focusing on the structure, bonding, and reactivity of carbon-containing compounds. Emphasis is placed on understanding molecular architecture, acid-base behavior, reaction mechanisms, and the interpretation of spectroscopic data.

  • Structure and Bonding: Exploration of atomic and molecular structure, including hybridization and resonance.

  • Acids and Bases: Analysis of acidity, basicity, and their roles in organic reactions.

  • Reaction Mechanisms: Study of nucleophilic substitution, elimination, and addition reactions.

  • Spectroscopy: Introduction to mass spectrometry, infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques for molecular identification.

Additional info: The course is designed for students pursuing chemistry, biology, and related majors, and serves as a prerequisite for advanced organic chemistry courses.

Course Structure

Flipped Classroom Model

The course utilizes a flipped classroom approach, combining asynchronous pre-recorded lectures with synchronous in-person problem sessions. Students are expected to engage with lecture materials before attending discussion sections.

  • Pre-recorded Lectures: Accessible online for self-paced study.

  • In-person Sessions: Focused on problem-solving and application of concepts.

  • Learning Guide: Provided to help students prepare for flipped classroom activities.

Participation and Assignments

Lecture and Discussion Participation

Active participation in both lectures and discussion sections is mandatory. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions and contribute to group activities.

  • Attendance: Required for both lecture and discussion.

  • Engagement: Participation in group problem-solving and discussions.

Homework

Homework consists of problems from the textbook, assigned weekly. Submissions are made via Canvas, and late work is not accepted.

  • Submission: Upload as a single PDF file to Canvas.

  • Grading: Based on accuracy and completeness.

  • Late Policy: No late work accepted; technical issues must be resolved before the deadline.

Exams and Grading

Exams

There are two midterms and one cumulative final exam. No make-up exams are offered except for documented emergencies.

  • Midterm 1: October 27, 2023

  • Midterm 2: November 20, 2023

  • Final Exam: December 13, 2023

Grading Scale

The course grade is determined by the following weighted categories:

Category

Weight (%)

Lecture Participation

5

Discussion Participation

5

Homework

15

Midterm Exams

40

Final Exam

35

Letter grades are assigned according to the following scale:

Grade

Percent

A

94.0-100%

A-

90.0-93.9%

B+

87.0-89.9%

B

84.0-86.9%

B-

80.0-83.9%

C+

77.0-79.9%

C

74.0-76.9%

C-

70.0-73.9%

D+

67.0-69.9%

D

64.0-66.9%

D-

60.0-63.9%

F

0-59.9%

Note: The instructor does not curve or round up letter grades.

Course Topics and Schedule

Weekly Lecture Topics

The following topics are covered throughout the quarter, aligned with standard organic chemistry curriculum:

  • Chapter 1: Structure & Bonding

  • Chapter 2: Acids & Bases

  • Chapter 3: Introduction to Organic Molecules and Functional Groups

  • Chapter 4: Alkanes

  • Chapter 5: Stereochemistry

  • Chapter 6: Understanding Organic Reactions

  • Chapter 7: Alkyl Halides and Nucleophilic Substitution

  • Chapter 8: Alkyl Halides and Elimination Reactions

  • Chapter 9: Alcohols, Ethers, and Epoxides

  • Chapter 10: Alkenes

  • Chapter 11: Alkynes

  • Chapter 12: Mass Spectrometry

  • Chapter 13: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

  • Infrared Spectroscopy (IR)

Additional info: The schedule includes review sessions and exam dates, with a break for Thanksgiving.

Required Materials

Textbook and Study Guides

  • Primary Textbook: Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition, Janice Gorzynski Smith

  • Optional Study Guide: Student Study Guide and Solutions Manual for Organic Chemistry, 6th Edition

Homework Problems

Assigned Problems by Chapter

Homework assignments are drawn from the textbook and cover the following chapters and topics:

  • Chapters 1-6: Structure, bonding, acids/bases, functional groups, alkanes, stereochemistry, organic reactions

  • Mass Spectrometry

  • Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Additional info: Specific problem numbers are listed for each chapter, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Course Policies and Procedures

  • Contacting the Instructor: Use UCI email or Canvas messaging.

  • Participation: Mandatory for both lecture and discussion.

  • Late Work: Not accepted; technical issues must be resolved before deadlines.

  • Make-up Exams: Only for documented emergencies.

  • Grading: No curving or rounding up of grades.

Additional info: The FAQ section addresses common student concerns regarding assignments, exams, and participation.

Disability Services

Accommodations

Students requiring accommodations must obtain approval from the UCI Disability Services Center and notify the instructor in advance.

  • Disability Services Center: https://dsc.uci.edu/

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