Organic Chemistry I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

CHEM-2323-001 Organic Chemistry I

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: CHEM 1312-minimum grade of C; RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills Corequisite: CHEM 2223

Course Description

Fundamental principles of organic chemistry will be studied, including the structure, bonding, properties and reactivity of organic molecules; and properties and behavior of organic compounds and their derivatives. Emphasis is placed on organic synthesis and mechanisms. Includes study of covalent and ionic bonding, nomenclature, stereochemistry, structure and reactivity, reaction mechanisms, functional groups and synthesis of simple molecules. THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR STUDENTS IN SCIENCE OR PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Text: Organic Chemistry, 8th Edition, by John McMurry

Other Recommended Materials:  Organic Chemistry I (as a Second Language) by David Klein

Supplies

Recommended: 

Molecular Modeling Set; flashcards; multicolored pens (at least black, blue, red, & green)

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Classify organic compounds by structure, molecular orbitals, hybridization, resonance, tautomerism, polarity, chirality, conformation, and functionality.

2. Identify organic molecules using appropriate organic nomenclature.

3Classify the reactions based on the intermediates they form

4. Describe organic reactions in terms of radical and ionic mechanisms.

5. Use spectroscopic data to determine the structure of organic molecules.

6. Formulate appropriate reaction conditions for the synthesis of simple organic molecules.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Please be respectful of both the instructor and the other students in class.  Turn off cell phones/pagers.  Pay attention in class.  Do not be disruptive.  Please arrive on time, but if you arrive late, do not try to go to your accustomed seat, but quietly take a chair close to the door.  If you are causing a disruption in class, you may be asked to leave.   If there is any evidence of cheating on any homework, quiz, test, or final, you will receive a zero for that item and cannot make it up or replace it and it cannot be dropped.

Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further information.

Grading Criteria

METHOD OF EVALUATION OF STUDENTS: The final average will be derived from the following weighted grades: Take home quizzes - 20%, Tests - 60%, Final - 20%

                Grades are based on 90.00+ = A, 80.00-89.99 = B, 70.00-79.99 = C, 60.00-69.99 = D, and 59.99 and lower = F.

Reading the Text:  It is vital that you read the text BEFORE the lecture.  This will greatly improve your understanding of the topic and therefore your grade.  Organic chemistry is difficult and we need to work as a team, to see you succeed. I will be there to help you, but you need to work hard for it.

Tests: There will be four exams, each at the end of three chapters. First at the end of chapters 1, 2 and 3, second at the end of chapters 4, 5 and 6, the third at the end of chapters 7, 8and  9 and fourth at the end of 10. 11 and 12.

These exams will account for 60 % of the total course grade.

There will be four take home quizzes, each at the end of two chapters, first at the end of chapter 1 and 2, second at the end of chapters 4 and 5, third at the end of chapters 7 and 8 and fourth at the end of 10 and 11. These quizzes will be handed out 24 hours before they are due and need to be completed at home and turn in on the assigned date. These quizzes will account for 20 % of the total course grade.

Final Exam:The final exam will be worth 20% of the total course grade and is a comprehensive (chapters 1-14) exam (might be ACS standardized exam). There will be no makeup exams.  As an incentive to those who improve on the final exam, the grade of the final exam will replace the lowest “exam grade.”

The final exam will be given on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, from 9:00AM-11AM in Room 209 of Warren Hall.  Special rules for the final will be discussed beforehand.  Again, if special accommodations become necessary, arrangements must be made BEFORE (at least 24 hours) the exam date and you must have permission IN WRITING from me to take an exam at an alternate time.

Attendance

Attendance in class is expected.  Dropping the course is the sole responsibility of the student.  Failure to officially withdraw will result in a grade of F. 

Last day to withdraw from courses is November 18, 2014

Calendar

Additional Information

Additional helpful books are available in my office and the Science Enrichment Center.  There is a CD on the 4^th floor of animated reactions that will be very helpful throughout the semester, as well.  Most resources I have in my office including modeling kits, supplementary texts, and additional problems are available for check-out.

Web Portal:  Every student has an account in AC Connect.  You need to check this daily.  Handouts, grades, schedules and email contact will all be made or posted on AC Connect. 

Grade Disputes:  While I encourage you to come to me with questions about answers on assignments anytime, if you wish to dispute a grade or have a grade changed, you must contact me about it within two weeks of the grade being posted on AC Connect or there will be no change to the grade.

INFORMATION SHEET/SIGNATURE:  You must fill out and return the information sheet for this class (handed out during class) You must also sign it to signify that you have read and understand the syllabus.  ***This syllabus is subject to change.  You will be informed of any changes to the syllabus in class, email, and posting in AC Connect.***