6381  Organic Chemistry 1 ACP 11, 12 semester 6 credits

63811  Organic Chemistry  2 ACP      11, 12      semester      6 credits 

*Students can elect to take either a semester of full year of Organic Chemistry.  If you would like to take it for a full year, you should sign up for BOTH Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 2.  It is also possible to take one semester in 11th grade and another semester in 12th grade. 

Prerequisite: Chemistry

A few simple building blocks (namely, atoms of carbon and its friends) can come together to make a wide variety of molecules, from gasoline to aspirin to DNA. The interactions between organic molecules give rise to life itself. How are these molecules related? Why do they do the interesting things they do? How can we convert one organic compound into another with completely different properties? In this course, students will practice their problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills while they develop a framework for understanding organic molecules and reactions in all their glory. We will focus on fundamental ideas with broad application and leave the minutiae and the memorization for later. Organic chemistry has developed a reputation as a roadblock for students aspiring to health careers. This course is designed to break that roadblock down. The curriculum is modular, and each student can learn the material at a pace that meets their needs based on their chemistry background. Students will emerge prepared to comprehend biology at a deeper level and to be superstars in their college organic chemistry courses.