Chemistry 202: Organic Chemistry II, Spring 1996

Chemistry 201: Organic Chemistry I, Section B, Fall 2008

Lilia C. Harvey, Ph.D., Science Center 302e, x-6272, e-mail: [email protected] Office hours: by appointment

Course Materials Required text: Organic Chemistry 7th edition by John McMurry Recommended: molecular models (any type) Optional: Study Guide and Student Solutions Manual for Organic Chemistry by Susan McMurry

Course Description Chemistry 201 is the first of a two-course introduction to the chemistry of carbon-based compounds, molecules which are foundational to biological processes and important industrial reactions. The principal topics discussed throughout the semester include:  Nomenclature and the three dimensional structure of organic compounds  Chemical structure and its effect on reactivity  Reaction mechanisms, or how molecules interact to form new compounds  Fundamental reactions of classes of organic compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and alkyl halides

Course Learning Objectives Content Goals This course is traditionally associated with a large volume of material, however we will attempt to minimize the common practice of memorizing the dozens of principal reactions of organic compounds. Instead, the focus will be on understanding why some molecular features lead to certain reactivity patterns and use this knowledge to make sound predictions when these features are encountered in unfamiliar reaction schemes. The course emphasis will be on problem-solving skills that will enable you to make informed predictions about the reactivity of organic compounds. These skills will be most useful as you apply the principles of organic chemistry in other science courses.

Noncontent Goals Our scheduled class time will consist of several types of learning activities to include lectures, in-class group work and different types of writing and problem-based assignments. These various activities will enhance your written and oral communication, your ability to think critically, and allow you to develop habits that will facilitate learning as a future scientist, physician, or as an engaged and knowledgeable citizen.

Course Assignments and Examinations Assignments will be posted on the ASC Blackboard system. You can reach the Blackboard portal by pointing you web browser to http://blackboard.agnesscott.edu.

Worksheets and Problem Sets The intended purpose of worksheets and problem sets is preparation for class discussion and group work. You will be asked to answer questions about the assigned reading and/or pose solutions to assigned problems. The worksheets and problem sets will require either individual or group effort and

1 will be due on the date stated on each individual assignment. Assignments turned in after their specified due date will not be accepted. The lowest two assignment scores will be dropped.

In-Class Group Problems You will solve problems of varying difficulty in an in-class group setting during the semester. The form of the problems will vary. For example, on some problem sets I will ask you for a written rationalization of why something occurs or to explain a particular concept. Other problems will require solutions in the form of chemical structures or mechanisms. The goal of the problems is to expose you to questions that require application of knowledge acquired in the course. Group problems will be collected and a group grade will be assigned (each individual in the group will receive the same grade).

One of my goals in this course is to optimize the learning experience for the greatest possible number of students. Since we all have a variety of learning styles, no one approach is best for everyone. For this reason, I want our time in class to be composed of more than my being a “talking-head”. I will certainly talk, explain, and lecture. But I also expect you to be an active participant. There is a large volume of educational research that demonstrates that group learning (small groups working together on tasks) has a positive effect on academic achievement, critical thinking, and attitude towards the subject, among other benefits.

 Why work problems in groups? (1) You may not always understand a concept or problem as well as your group-mates and vice-versa. (2) There are many possible ways to arrive at a “correct” solution. Exposure to the problem-solving processes of your group-mates helps develop your own problem-solving skills and ability to think critically. (3) You learn best when you are in a position to explain concepts or solutions to others.

Exams There will be three exams given during the semester and a comprehensive standardized final exam (American Chemical Society Organic Chemistry Exam) given during final exam week. Exams will be taken in the classroom and will be closed book and with no notes. If you are unable to take an exam on its scheduled date due to serious illness, death of an immediate family member or observance of a religious holiday, you must provide appropriate documentation and notify me as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements. Make-up exams will only be given when appropriate documentation for an illness or emergency is provided. Appropriate documentation could include a letter from a physician or e-mail from the Dean’s Office explaining the reason for the absence. If you become seriously ill or experience an emergency that will require you to miss academic work, you should notify the office of the Dean of Students (x6391) as soon as possible.

Laboratory A separate grade will be given for Organic Chemistry 1 Lab. There is a separate lab syllabus that outlines policies and procedures for the laboratory component of Chemistry 201.

2 Grading Your grade in this course will be calculated as follows:

three exams (@ 20% each) 60%

worksheets, problem sets and group problems 20%

comprehensive final exam 20%

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale: 93-100 A; 90-92 A-, 87-89 B+; 83-86 B; 80- 82 B-; 77-79 C+; 73-76 C, 70-72 C-; 67-69 D+; 63-66 D; 60-62 D-; < 60 F. Grade assignments will be made based on an absolute scale (not curved).

Attendance Attendance during regular class time is not required. However, it is to your advantage to attend our scheduled class meetings since material that you might have difficulty with may be clarified. There is a positive correlation between class attendance and academic success. In addition, please note that we will be doing graded group work during class time. Finally, it is possible that we might discuss material in a different fashion than that presented in the textbook. You are responsible for all material discussed in class. The policy for missing scheduled exams is explained under the Exams section of this syllabus. Also note that a student on academic probation is permitted only one absence in each academic course that is not due to serious illness, death of an immediate family member, religious observance or any other reason deemed excusable by the instructor.

Academic Assistance Course teaching assistant: Quinn Perkins, BSC 302 Office hours: M, W, F 10-11AM, Th 9-10 AM, or by appointment

Organic tutors are also available in the Resource Center for Math and Science (RCMS). See schedule at http://RCMS.agnesscott.edu.

I encourage you to seek assistance from your fellow classmates, the course teaching assistant, the tutors at the RCMS and/or myself at any time during the semester. In terms of optimizing learning, however, it is best if you have specific questions and have attempted problems before you schedule appointments for academic assistance. Do not hesitate to make use of e-mail should you require a quick response to a question.

Disabilities If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this course and for which you may require accommodations, please see Machamma Quinichett in the Office of Academic Advising to register for services. Students that receive accommodation checklists, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.

3 Academic Honesty You are encouraged to work with others on homework assignments, but be sure that the work completed is your own. In particular, copying of another student’s assignment (or copying from any other source, for that matter) is an Honor Code violation. In-class exams are not proctored, although I will be nearby to answer any questions that may arise. You should not to seek aid from anyone (or anything) during exams and should not give aid to anyone else during an exam. By expecting you to behave in keeping with the Honor Code without policing by faculty or staff, the College expresses its respect for and confidence in the integrity of the students. Please pledge ALL your homeworks, quizzes, exams and and other course materials submitted for a grade.

End of Semester Course Evaluations Course evaluations will be conducted on-line at the end of the semester. I encourage your participation as your feedback is essential in helping me provide the best learning experience possible for future students.