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, 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. Co-requisite: CHEM 2315; Prerequisites: CHEM 1220 and CHEM 1225; Min. Grade: C

• Organic Chemistry, 5th Edition (Klein, Starkey) ISBN: 978-1-394-18932-8
• Other: Study Guide/Solutions Manual, 5th Edition (Klein, Starkey) ISBN: 978-1-394-32816-1

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:

There is no way to escape chemistry. One might be able to feign ignorance, but you will never be able 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 objectives:

• Develop and apply critical thinking skills in solving problems related to organic chemistry.
  (ELO: Inquiry, Critical Thinking, Quantitative Literacy, Problem Solving)
• Understand the fundamental principles and theories behind the field of organic chemistry.
  (ELO: Critical Thinking, Quantitative Literacy)
• Think critically and analyze physical phenomena using fundamental chemical principles.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking)
• Appreciate chemistry’s benefit to humanity through medicine, materials, and quality of life.
  (ELO: Lifelong Learning, Information Literacy)
• Understand and use chemical vocabulary in the correct context.
  (ELO: Communication, Quantitative Literacy)
• Understand and describe atoms in detail, including structure, properties, and reactivity.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Communication, Quantitative Literacy)
• Understand the electronic properties and reactivity of organic functional groups.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)
• Understand the implication of a molecule’s structure on its reactivity.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)
• Understand and describe in detail molecules and their chemical properties.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Communication, Quantitative Literacy)
• Use chemical principles in predicting chemical reactivity and products of chemical reactions.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)
• Use the general synthetic methodology in outlining methods for the construction of organic molecules.
  (ELO: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

Assessment Policy

Distribution of Course Points–

• Intra–semester exams 5 @ 100% pts 500% pts
• Comprehensive final exam 200% pts
• Application problems (Multiple) 100% pts
• Individual project 100% pts
• Total points 900% pts

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 from when they were turned in. 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 upon the comparison of the percentage of points earned to the total number possible.

Note: If you are not performing at the level you desire, seek help early to maximize performance on assignments. Do Not ask how to get ‘extra’ points, or for grade bumps, even if you are ‘so close’. This is an especially egregious action in the last couple of weeks of a semester. Final grade curving may occur but doing so after a student’s request raises issues of ethical misconduct. Individuals are not provided opportunities for credit the entire class does not have. These situations lead to loss of employment.

I WILL NOT do that for you! BUT: I will do everything I can, ethically, to assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Exams and Quizzes

Exams consist of multiple-choice and short-answer problems like those in the textbook. Exams cover all material discussed to that point, focusing on the information presented since the last exam. The final will use a multiple-choice exam to assess a student’s comprehension of the semester’s material. Bring a No. 2 pencil and a 100-question SCANTRON to the Final Exam.

As per department policy, exams will not be returned to students but may be reviewed in class, during office hours, and by appointment. Tentative exam dates are identified on the Reading and Exam Schedule.

NOTE: Exams cannot be administered after the exam has already been given to the class!

In-class (quizzes) or take-home problem sets (homework) are distributed throughout the semester. Prepare for these by reviewing previous lectures and reading for the upcoming lecture. Missed in-class problems cannot be made up/completed under any circumstances. Two of the lowest scores may be dropped to minimize the impact on your grade for these missed learning opportunities. In-class problems may be completed early at the instructor’s discretion; inquire ahead of any planned absences.

Homework

You are assigned all the problems within the chapter, and at the end of each chapter (especially the Integrated Problems). Homework is the responsibility of the student and will not be collected, but it is key to success in this course. A study guide/solution manual is available to assist. Additional practice problems may be requested.

NOTE: Completing all the book problems is not optional if you desire to pass this course. Issues with underperformance in the course are invariably connected to failure to complete and understand ALL the assigned homework. This is the only magic bullet/guarantee of success in this course, and failure to complete the homework is a key indicator for identifying those who will struggle with the material.

Individual Project

The individual project is an opportunity to incorporate topics discussed in the course into a project that students find personally stimulating. The three key components considered in grading are the demonstration of thought, evidence of creativity, and illustration of effort. The individual project is described in a detailed separate handout.

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.

Letter Grade Scale

Late Work

Late work (excluding in-class quizzes and exams) is accepted for up to 3 days after the original due date upon agreement to a 30% deduction. If you don’t agree, then please don’t ask me to accept your late work. Assignments more than 3 days late will receive a score of zero.

Extra Credit

There isn’t any, so don’t ask. I understand people learn and express understanding differently. If you are struggling, I may be able to assist and offer valuable advice, but you need to initiate contact and be willing to follow the suggestions. The later help is sought, the less effective it will be.

––I do not give individuals opportunities for points that the entire class does not have––

Makeup and Missed Work

NOTE: Exams cannot be administered after the exam has already been given to the class!

Missed in-class problems cannot be made up/completed under any circumstances. Two of the lowest scores may be dropped to minimize the impact on your grade for these missed learning opportunities. In-class problems may be completed early at the instructor’s discretion; inquire ahead of any planned absences.

Additional Late Work Policy (Expectations)

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”.

Attendance

It is strongly recommended that students make every possible effort to attend lectures. Consequences of being absent from class may include missing the following: information presented, application problems/quizzes, alteration of assignment due dates, etc. Inform me ASAP upon missing a class due to unforeseen events.

Missing Class

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.

[4 Credits | $58 fee]

Class material may be accessed through Canvas, located at