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