Chemistry 301

CHEM 301
Organic Chemistry I

1. Catalog Entry

CHEM 301
Organic Chemistry I

Credit hours (4)
Prerequisites: C- or better in CHEM 112

This course will introduce students to organic chemistry including nomenclature, molecular structure, properties of molecules, and organic synthesis.  The laboratory portion of this course will introduce students to synthetic techniques used in laboratories.

Note(s): Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course.

2. Detailed Description of Course

The following topics will be covered:
    1) Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis acid-base chemistry
    2) Structure and properties of molecules
    3) Study of the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions
    4) Bonding and its consequences on molecular structure and reactivity
    5) Stereochemistry and conformational analysis
    6) Addition, elimination, substitution and rearrangement mechanisms
    7) Nomenclature and chemistry of alkyl halides, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alcohols
    8) Multistep synthesis of organic molecules

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Evaluation tools such as exams, quizzes, and homework will be given throughout the semester to evaluate the student’s mastery of the lecture material.  For the laboratory portion of the course, each student is required to keep a notebook containing the experimental procedure, results, physical constants, equations, mechanisms, procedures, observations, percent yields, and all other applicable calculations as appropriate. The students are expected to interpret spectra that are collected.  Software packages (such as SPARTAN and ChemDraw) will be used in solving problems and as illustrative aids.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

    1) Demonstrate proficiency in applying the course topics
    2) Conduct assigned experiments safely and with proper laboratory technique
    3) Communicate chemical concepts clearly and accurately
    4) Design, conduct and interpret the results of laboratory investigations
    5) Use of modern instruments and interpretation of data from them

5. Assessment Measures

Graded tasks will include tests and laboratory notebooks.  Other assessment measures may include quizzes, homework assignments, and papers.

6. Other Course Information

This course is primarily intended for students majoring in chemistry and/or biology.

Review and Approval

September 2, 2014

October 2007

March 01, 2021