A continuation of CHEM 2310, Organic Chemistry I. Four hours of lecture per week. 4 Credits. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of 'C' (2.0 or above) in CHEM 2310 and CHEM 2315. Co-requisite: CHEM 2325.

• “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

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)

Assessment Policy

Distribution of Course Points–

Points may be earned through…

Points may be earned through…

To determine % points for an assignment: (Achieved points) / (Points possible) 100 = % pts

The instructor’s goal is to complete the grading of assignments and exams within 1 week of their submission. Scores are posted using Canvas (). Ensure the recorded assignment/assessment score is the one earned. Please inform me of any discrepancies.

Grading Scheme–

Grades are assigned based on your percentage of points earned compared to the total amount possible.

NOTE: If you are not performing at the level you want, seek help early to improve your performance on assignments. Do not ask for extra points or grade adjustments, even if you are close to a higher grade. Such requests are especially inappropriate in the final weeks of the course.

Final grades may be curved at the instructor’s discretion; however, requesting individual adjustments raises concerns of academic and ethical misconduct. Opportunities for additional credit will not be offered to individual students unless they are available to the entire class. Such situations may have serious professional consequences. I WILL NOT DO THAT!

BUT: I will do everything I can, ethically, to assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Exams and Quizzes

Exams include multiple-choice and short-answer questions similar to those in the textbook. Exams are cumulative, with emphasis on material covered since the previous exam. The final exam is the American Chemical Society (ACS) Organic Chemistry Subject Exam, a nationally standardized multiple-choice assessment. Bring a No. 2 pencil and a 100-question Scantron form.

Per department policy, exams will not be returned but may be reviewed in class, during office hours, or by appointment. Tentative exam dates are listed in the Reading and Exam Schedule.

In-class quizzes and take-home problem sets will be given throughout the semester. Prepare by reviewing prior lectures and upcoming readings.

Homework

All problems within each chapter, including the end-of-chapter problems, especially the Integrated Problems, are assigned. Homework will not be collected, but completing it is essential for success in this course. A study guide and solution manual are available to support your work, and additional practice problems may be provided upon request.

NOTE: Completing all assigned problems is not optional if you intend to pass this course. Consistent underperformance is almost always linked to incomplete or poorly understood homework. Regular, thorough practice is the most reliable way to succeed.

Laboratory

The laboratory that accompanies this course is required. The laboratory curricula are specifically related to the course lectures and allow students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in an experimental setting.

Class Rules Affecting Grading

Stapling work is your responsibility; however, I am willing to perform this task for you for 2 points per staple. Also, if you need help organizing the pages of an assignment in the required order, I will do this for 2 points.

8½ x 11 paper is the standard in the United States. For the good of the country and your grade, assignments are to be turned in on this paper. It may have lines, but no frayed edges. I am willing to pull off the annoying ‘chads’ from spiral-bound notebooks for 2 points.

Translation services for those who don’t see the need to write clearly or organize their work in such a manner to make it clear what is being done are charged at a rate of up to 20% of the assignment's total value. (10% legibility, 10% organization)

Complete sentences are the only way to answer a question. To encourage complete sentences a charge of 1 point per infraction will be assessed for lack of a complete sentence or phrase.

Late Work–

Late assignments (excluding in-class quizzes and exams) may be submitted up to 3 days after the due date with a 30% penalty. By submitting late work, you accept this deduction. Work submitted more than 3 days late will receive a score of zero.

Late work will be accepted for up to 6 days after the stated due date only if you agree to a loss of 30% of the original value for the assignment. If you don’t agree, then don’t ask me to accept it. Late work includes the following causes: “It was done, but I left it ____ (fill in the blank)”; “I didn’t realize it was due”; “I wasn’t here when you announced the due date”.

Extra Credit–

Extra credit is not offered. If you are struggling, I am available to help and can provide guidance, but you must take the initiative to seek assistance and follow through. The earlier you seek help, the more effective it will be.

— I do not offer individual opportunities for points that are not available to the entire class —

Exams and Quizzes Makeup–

Missed in-class quizzes cannot be made up. The two lowest scores will be dropped to account for missed work. In some cases, quizzes may be completed early at the instructor’s discretion. Students should inquire in advance of planned absences.

NOTE: Exams and quizzes cannot be taken after they have been administered to the class.

Participation and Classroom Conduct–

Electronic devices not related to the learning environment are not allowed. Cell phones, smartwatches, etc. are not to be used in class as a calculator. Buy a proper calculator. I am not going to babysit individuals. If you bring a phone out I will assume you are not being challenged and will provide a quiz to the class to better engage you. Further implications include loss of grade curving and bonus projects, and in extreme cases loss of the object, grade drop, or dismissal from class.

Disruptive behavior cannot be tolerated, and participants will be asked to leave; this includes but is not limited to: texting, talking, sleeping, studying for other courses, arriving late, ringing phones, playing games, distracting activities on a computer, wearing head/earphones, or picking your nose. Don’t embarrass me by making me call you out!

Communication–

Email etiquette, while not a rule, has an academic impact. Failure to use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary reflects poorly on your academic abilities. Don’t send me an email that you wouldn’t send as part of a professional school application or employment application, SRSLY AFAIK, LOL.

Personal Matters–

Personal matters that may interfere with you completing this course or an assignment are just that, personal. While I’ll try to be empathetic and understanding you need to understand that everybody has challenges. If you know that challenges will arrive during this course, like a birth, wedding, or vacation, or are currently experiencing multiple challenges you are encouraged now not to take this course.

Attendance–

Students are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures. Absences may result in missed content, in-class activities (e.g., quizzes or problem-solving), and important announcements, including changes to due dates. If you must miss class due to unforeseen circumstances, notify me as soon as possible.

Missing class is a choice that you make. The consequences of this include missing information presented, unannounced quizzes, alterations of due dates for assignments, etc. Accepted excuses for missing class include University excused absences and medical emergencies. I need proof and should be made aware of these in advance or ASAP. Unacceptable excuses include your wedding, being locked out of your house, sleeping in, and any other creative excuse that doesn’t fit the above, accepted excuses.

Focus on core concepts and actively work to understand the material—ask “why” as you study. Stay on schedule with readings and manage your time effectively. Do not wait until a chapter is complete to begin homework; instead, work on problems as the material is introduced in lecture. Consistent daily study, starting from the first day of class, will significantly improve comprehension and performance on exams. This responsibility ultimately rests with you.

Chemistry tutoring is available: suu.edu/tutoring/

Special SUMMER Session Statement–

In summer, there is approximately twice the amount of information presented each day. This means missing a day or two of class is equivalent to missing half a week to a full week during a regular semester. This is difficult to recover from, especially as the day you return, we will again be covering the same amount of information. However, we do have access to more classroom time in the summer. The lectures will move at a slightly slower pace to assist you in learning the material. However, you need to remain on top of the material.

—Remember: Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part—

Student Success Rate in Passing Organic Chemistry

Unfounded rumors suggest organic chemistry is the most difficult class at SUU. Organic chemistry is challenging, but students earn A’s every semester. O–Chem is what all university classes should be like: challenging, providing an immense supply of new knowledge and skills, and worth the price paid. Students pass, succeed, and even excel in this course every year. The common theme among these students is that they work to understand the material.