Natural Science 0276 - Organic Chemistry I

This course is an introduction to the structure, properties, reactivity, and spectroscopy of organic molecules, as well as their significance in our daily lives. We will first lay down the groundwork for the course, covering bonding, physical properties of organic compounds, conformational analysis, stereochemistry, and kinetics and thermodynamics of organic reactions. We will then move on to the reactions of alkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers, alkenes, and alkynes, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms that allow us to predict and understand chemical behavior. The central focus of the course will be the use of fundamental chemical principles to predict and understand molecular behavior; weekly problem sets and problem solving sessions will be used to foster both mechanistic and synthetic thinking. Additionally, student-led presentations will address the role organic molecules play in biology, industry, society, and the environment.

Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time