CHE 241: Organic Chemistry I
Fall 2007

Course Description: The structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides are studied. The mechanistic pathways of reactions, methods of synthesis, and spectroscopic determination of structure are also discussed. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: CHE 132 OR CHE 135. (four credit hours)

Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Muzyka, Olin 214, 238-5413, muzyka@centre.edu

Office Hours: MWR 12:40-1:40; R 9-11, and by appointment. (my schedule)

Required Supplies: Organic Chemistry by John McMurry, 7th ed., Thomson, 2008.
The lab manual is available electronically.
OWL Access code for online homework
Lab notebook (with yellow carbon copy sheets) and safety goggles for use in lab

Recommended Supplies: Study Guide and Solutions Manual for McMurry’s Organic Chemistry.
Molecular models (Note that models may be used during exams.)
Techniques in Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed. by Morhig, Hammond, and Schatz
Pushing Electrons, 3rd ed. by Weeks

Attendance is expected at every class and laboratory meeting, and will be monitored.

Participation. Your active engagement in this course is important to help you learn the material. Each unexcused absence will result in the loss of one of the seven participation points. “Clickers” will be used to help the instructor assess your understanding of concepts as we proceed, which will make up part of your participation grade. (Make sure you pick up your clicker on the way into class each day!) Another aspect of your participation grade will be how well you work with other team members when we do group work in class.

Quizzes. There will be quizzes in all weeks except those in which an exam is scheduled. Quizzes may not be made up. Excused absences result in fewer quiz grades. Unexcused quizzes are counted as zeroes. The lowest quiz score will be dropped before determining the quiz average. Other assignments may be given during the term. These assignments will be graded as quizzes.

Tests. There will be three in-class exams, and one final exam. If a test is missed due to illness or personal emergency, a written, verifiable excuse must be submitted before a make-up exam will be given. Every student is required to take the comprehensive final exam at the end of the term during the assigned exam period.

Laboratory. The emphasis in lab will be on understanding results rather than obtaining products. You must pass the laboratory in order to pass the course. Your lab grade will be based on attendance, notebook, reports, quizzes, and technique. In addition, approximately 10% of every exam will be based on material from the lab. You must use a lab notebook with yellow carbon copy sheets, which you will turn in for grading. You must wear safety goggles during all lab exercises. Please go through the Lab Safety Training before your first lab session. You must pass the lab safety quiz before you may carry out experimental work.

Online Homework. Homework is necessary to help reinforce the concepts you are learning, and it will be assigned regularly. New copies of the textbook come bundled with OWL Access codes at the bookstore. If your textbook didn't come with an access code, you can purchase the access code separately at the bookstore. The first time you go to the OWL website, you will need to register and provide your access code. After that you can go to the OWL login page.

Classroom Behavior. Students are asked to exhibit classroom behavior that is respectful and considerate of the others in the class and not distracting or disruptive. Please arrive on time, turn off cell phones, and do not wear hats in the classroom. In addition, you should not leave and reenter the classroom in the middle of class (save in cases of dire necessity).

Student Disabilities. Students with physical impairments and learning disabilities will sometimes need accommodations to help them have an equal opportunity to learn. It is the student's responsibility to inform the College of any disabilities for which he or she seeks accommodation. If you wish to seek any accommodations for disabilities, you must initiate the process at the beginning of the term, for relief cannot always be granted at the last minute and will not be granted after the fact. Students should contact Dr. Mary Gulley, the Assistant Dean for Advising, in the Office of Academic Affairs. She is charged with reviewing all documentation for disabilities and with coordinating any accommodations offered to students.

Academic Honesty. Students are reminded of the regulations governing academic honesty, especially with regard to plagiarism and other forms of cheating. Copying the work of another student or using outside sources without proper attibution are serious breaches of academic honesty. These regulations are found on pp 22-23 in the Student Handbook.

Tentative Class Schedule