Why Organic Chemistry?
This course is designed to provide a fundamental overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. Upon successful completion of this class, students will understand the relationship between structure and function of molecules, the major classes of reactions, reaction energetics and mechanisms, synthesis of organic compounds, and how to determine structure via various spectroscopic techniques. Several themes are prevalent in each unit of study: nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, structures, mechanisms, common molecules, and the diversity of organic molecules. Organic chemistry also integrates the societal, pharmaceutical, or industrial importance of specific compounds.
Why take it now?
Organic chemistry is generally considered the hardest course that students take while in college. This is an opportunity to focus on the knowledge and skills required for organic chemistry from a PhD chemist focused on teaching rather than research!
Upon completion of this class, students will be able to predict bonding and three-dimensional structure, including the chirality of organic compounds. Students will be able to predict the reactivity of specific functional groups and construct efficient, simple mechanistic pathways for the synthesis of a given compound.
The major goal is to help prepare students for organic chemistry in college. Plus it carries honors weighting...
General Syllabus
