Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Organic Chemistry I (Face-to-Face)

CHEM 2310-03

Course: CHEM 2310-03
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PSCI
CRN: 31735

Course Description

A study of the carbon containing molecules of life through the theories that govern chemical change. Concepts discussed include the principles of structure and chemical reactivity and the physical properties, preparation, naming, and reaction mechanisms of biologically active compounds. Pre-professional requirements (dental, medical, veterinary) for organic chemistry are met in this course. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a physical science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): CHEM 2315 Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1220 and CHEM 1225 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C

Required Texts

Organic Chemistry” 4th Edition (Klein) ISBN: 978-1-119-65959-4 or rental 978-1-119-74510-5

  • Other: Highly suggested resource-Study Guide/Solutions Manual 4th Edition (Klein) ISBN: 978-1-119-65958-7

Learning Outcomes

Goals and Objectives
To fulfill its mission SUU will:

Southern Utah University is a dynamic teaching and learning community that engages students in experiential education leading to personal growth, civic responsibility, and professional excellence.

Critical Thinking: Learn to ask and answer how and why the topic at hand influences, impacts, pertains or involves you. Don’t accept what the book or I tell you; both may be wrong. Always strive to find ‘better’ not just ‘sufficient’ ways of completing assignments or answering questions.

Effective Communication: Learn to formulate and ask clear questions; and present information clearly and concisely.

Lifelong Intellectual Curiosity: Learn to enjoy learning. It is our life’s pursuit to learn and we need to find enjoyment in it. Find a reason to apply every subject to your life’s goals, interests, hobbies, job, or personal development.

Global Awareness: Chemistry impacts every facet of life, touching every corner of the world, and affecting humanity in both a positive and negative manner. A better understanding of chemistry will provide a better understanding of the world we live in.

Personal Responsibility: Not everybody is cut from the same mold, has the same aptitudes, or is equally talented; nevertheless, hard work is an amazing equalizer. Where you lack talent, hard work can often bridge the gap. Learn to accept personal talents and limitations. Convert your deficiencies into strengths through hard work!

Integrity: I will be honest with you and expect likewise. We are adults. Expect to be treated as such.

Specific to the Course (Corresponding SUU Essential Learning Outcomes given in parentheses):

There is no way to escape chemistry. One might be able to feign ignorance, but you will never be in a position to claim that chemistry has no value to your life; chemistry is vital for your daily existence. You may never study chemistry again, and if so, ideally the lessons that will remain with you from this course will be those that helped you achieve the mission of SUU. Specifically, this course will introduce you to the basic principles of chemistry including these particular objectives:

Develop and apply critical thinking skills in solving problems related to organic chemistry.

(SUU ELO’s: Inquiry, Critical Thinking, Quantitative Literacy, Problem Solving)

Understand the fundamental principles and theories behind the field of organic chemistry.

(SUU ELO’s: Critical Thinking, Quantitative Literacy)

Think critically and analyze physical phenomena using fundamental chemical principles.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking)

Appreciate chemistry’s benefit to humanity through medicine, materials, and quality of life.

(SUU ELO’s: Lifelong Learning, Information Literacy)

Understand and use chemical vocabulary in the correct context.

(SUU ELO’s: Communication, Quantitative Literacy)

Understand and describe atoms in detail, including structure, properties, and reactivity.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Communication, Quantitative Literacy)

Understand the electronic properties and reactivity of organic functional groups.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

Understand the implication of a molecule’s structure on its reactivity.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

Understand and describe in detail molecules and their chemical properties.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Communication, Quantitative Literacy)

Use chemical principles in predicting chemical reactivity and products of chemical reactions.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

Use the general synthetic methodology in outlining methods for the construction of organic molecules.

(SUU ELO’s: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

Course Requirements

Distribution of Course Points
Grading: Grades will be based on the following:
            4 Midterm Exams                                             40% 
            Final Exam                                                       30% 
            In Class Quizzes                                               10%
            Homework                                                       15%
            Application of Chemistry Project                       5%

Final Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
            Percentage                   Grade                                       Percentage                   Grade
            93.0-100                      A                                             73.0-77.0                     C
            90.0-93.0                     A-                                            70.0-73.0                     C-
            87.0-90.0                     B+                                            67.0-70.0                     D+
            83.0-87.0                     B                                              63.0-67.0                     D
            80.0-83.0                     B-                                            60.0-63.0                     D-
            77.0-80.0                     C+                                            <60.0                           F

Midterm Exams: There are four midterm exams, to be completed on the designated day unless prior arrangements have been made. While the first four exams will focus on the material in that section, chemistry by its nature is cumulative and therefore the midterm exams are cumulative as well. It is departmental policy that exams not be returned, although students can examine them in my office. Scantrons are required. If you will be absent due to a university excused absence, you will need to take the exam before the absence.

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive. The final is made to be similar to the final exam produced by the American Chemical Society. Therefore, it is to your advantage to learn as much as possible throughout the semester. The test is multiple choice and you will need to bring a scantron and #2 pencil.

Chapter Homework: A few problems will be assigned from the book (see assignments in canvas) each day except those days when a test is administered. The problems are due before the next day of class. These will be awarded points by one of two means: on some days assignments will be graded, on other days full points will be awarded for turning in a complete answer that represents an honest effort (including work). A coin will be flipped to determine which one it is. Assignments for completion will be worth 5 points, while ones graded are 10 points. It is in your best interest to do every problem in the book, assigned or not.

In Class Quizzes:
There will be announced quizzes throughout the semester to measure student learning and encourage attendance. Time to complete these quizzes will only be given in class unless prior arrangements are made. No make up will be allowed for quizzes. If a quiz is missed due to a university sanctioned absence (an athlete participating in a sporting event, for example), the quiz will need to be made up on the first day available (preferably taken before the event).

Application of Chemistry Project: Find a topic related to course material, research how it works, and explain it from a chemical perspective. A rubric will be provided in the canvas files to give formatting requirements and further information.

Course Outline

     Week                                   Text                              
Aug 27-29                                1.1-1.13
Sept 2                                       No Class – Labor Day
Sept 2-5                                   2.1-2.13           
Sept 8-10                                 3.1-3.9
Exam 1, Chapters 1, 2 & 3 – Friday Sept 12               
Sept 15-19                               4.1-4.10
Sept 22-26                               4.11-5.11
Sept 29 - 30                              6.1-6.6
Oct 1                                        VR Classroom (see announcement for details, tentative date)
Exam 2, Chapters 4, 5 & 6 – Friday Oct 3                              
Oct 6-10                                   7.1-7.13
Oct 13-14                                 No Class – Fall Break
Oct 15-17                                 8.1-8.6
Oct 20-24                                 8.7-9.6
Oct 27-29                                 9.7-9.11
Exam 3, Chapters 7, 8 & 9 – Friday Oct 31
Nov 3-7                                   10.1-10.13
Nov 10-14                                11.1-12.6
Nov 17-21                                12.7-13.9
Nov 24-Nov 28                        No Class – Thanksgiving Break
Dec 1                                       13.10-13.12
Dec 2                                       Review
Exam 4, Chapters 10, 11, 12 & 13 – Wed Dec 3
Dec 6                                       Review
Final Exam – Wed, Dec 10, 9:00 AM-10:50 AM SC 230 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Assignments: Assignments are due by the next lecture after they are assigned. Late assignments will be accepted for one week with a penalty of 30%. Exams must be taken as scheduled unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. If you will be gone for a university sanctioned event, you must take the exam before the event.

Technology in the Classroom: As per departmental policy, technology should be used appropriately in the classroom. In general, phones and similar devices should not be used without first consulting the instructor or in emergency situations. Calculators may be used as long as they do not have the ability to access the internet. Misuse of electronic devices is considered to be extremely rude and disrespectful.

Generative AI: Within this course, you are not allowed to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) applications to create, draft, or complete the majority of the assignments. However, there are some assignments that indicate AI is allowed. Within the instructions of those assignments you will find directions on how and why AI is allowed as part of that specific assignment. If you are unsure if you can use AI applications as part of the assignment, please reach out to me via email.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend class. If you must miss class, contact the instructor to avoid late penalties. In class quizzes cannot be made up.

Course Fees

$50 fee

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.