Spring, 2012
CHEM 221. Organic Chemistry I
Instructor: Dr. Vincent Sichula Office: 163 Beauregard
Phone: 985-448-4504 Email:
Course Meeting: T, R 9:00 am-10:20 am
Office Hours: Posted on blackboard
Whenever, l am in the office you are welcome to come in and ask questions.
Course Description: Chem 221. Organic Chemistry I. 3-3-0. CHEM 106 A basic study of the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds. Such concepts as stereoisomerism, conformational analysis, molecular orbital theory, and transition state theory are introduced to demonstrate the correlation of structure and chemical reactivity. (40.0504)
Prerequisites: Chem 106
Required Texts and Other Materials:
1)Organic Chemistry, 1st edition, by David R. Klein,
Recommended Text:
1)Organic Chemistry as a Second Language by David Klein (available online through WileyPLUS)
Course Goals:
CHEM 221, as a Core Curriculum course, fulfills three hours of general education requirements in the area of the natural sciences and is thus designed to enable students to meet the following broad outcome for all the natural sciences:
Goal: Upon completion of the undergraduate curriculum, students will be able to comprehend and to apply the basic principles of science and methods of scientific inquiry.
For further explanation of the learning objectives associated with this goal, go to
In addition, the student will develop an understanding of
- The three-dimensional nature of carbon based compounds.
- Representative reactions involving different classes of aliphatic compounds.
- Spectroscopic data interpretation and acquisition.
CHEM 221 meets these goals by the following course-specific student learning outcomes:
Student Outcome Objectives:
At the end of the class the student will be able to
demonstrate a knowledge of the hybridization of the carbon atom,
demonstrate a knowledge of the three dimensional nature of carbon based compounds,
identify and name organic compounds, using the proper nomenclature for the various classes of compounds,
draw structures (condensed and structural) of compounds,
demonstrate an understanding of chirality,
demonstrate a knowledge of free radical reactions,
demonstrate a knowledge Nucleophilic Substitution reactions,
determine which substitution reaction is demonstrated (Sn1 or Sn2),
demonstrate a knowledge of Elimination reactions,
determine which elimination reaction is demonstrated (E1 or E2),
show the products of reactions,
write a reaction scheme to produce desired product,
discuss the stereochemical aspects of compounds and how it affects reaction rates,
interpret spectroscopic data,
identify compounds based upon their spectroscopic data, and
understand the workings of the various instrumentation
Course Content:
Chapter 1: Review of General Chemistry: Electrons, Bonds and Molecular Properties
Chapter 2: Molecular Representations
Chapter 3: Acids and Bases
Chapter 4: Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Chapter 5: Stereoisomerism
Chapter 6: Chemical Reactivity and Mechanisms
Chapter 7: Substitution Reactions
Chapter 8: Alkenes: Structure and Preparation vie Elimination Reactions
Chapter 9: Addition Reactions of Alkenes
Chapter 10: Alkynes
Home work: Home works will be given for each chapter and the due date shall be two days after finishing the chapter. The home work will be posted on the blackboard/moodle at the beginning of each chapter. You are welcome to bring the home work questions to the classroom and do the assignment while we are going through the chapter. The home works will not be graded, but l will give points for completing the home work. It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand the home work. If you have problem doing the home work, please see me so that l can help you. No late home works will be accepted after the due date without reasonable excuse. The purpose of home works is to help you practice and prepare for the exam. Remember “practice make perfect”. The total points for each home work will be 10 points.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be announced and be available online at If you do not have an account, you should register on to access the quizzes. Once you log in your account, you should click on chem. 221/222: organic chemistry 1 and be able to view the assignment and other course materials. The purpose of quizzes is to help you prepare for exams. Each quiz will be worth 10 points.
Bonus Points: I will give 40 points for attendance and participation. See details below under attendance.
Exams: There will be 3 exams which will be given and you will have 1 comprehensive Final exam.Each exam will be given after finishing 3 chapters
Help Sessions: I intend to hold help sessions where we can meet and discuss problems and assignments. The time for these help sessions will be announced.
Grading: The grading will be as follows
Item Total Points
Home Works 100
Quizzes 100
Exams 300
Final Exam 150
Method of Evaluation: The grades earned will be as follows
90% A80% B65% C55% D
Make-up Policy: Make-up exams for excused absences will be given on the last day of class only. This is the only opportunity to take a make-up exam. Other assignments will not be accepted late.
Attendance Policy: It is highly recommended that you attend class every day. Promptness is expected. I will give 40 points extra credit for attendance and participation. A student who will miss 1 to 2 classes will earn 30 points and will miss 3 to 4 classes will earn 20 points and will miss 5 to 6 classes will earn 10 points and will miss 7 or more classes will not earn any points. A sign in sheet will be available at the beginning of the class. It is the student’s responsibility to sign his or her signature to show that they attended the class.
Academic Honesty Policy: Any student found cheating will be subject to the penalties as stated in the Student Code of Conduct handbook; including but not limited to a score of zero on exam, expulsion from the class or expulsion from the University.
Semester WITHDRAWALS: The last day to withdraw from the class with a “W” is 4th April 2012.
Academic Disabilities Policy: If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430 (TDD 449-7002).
Class Disruptions: Are not tolerated. The use of cell phones, pager and/or any other electronic personal devise in class is prohibited. Any infractions will result in the dismissal from class.
Academic Grievances: The proper procedure for filing grade appeals or grievances related to academic matters is listed in Section 5 of the Code of Student Conduct and at the following link:
Continued Learning following an Extreme Emergency:
In order to make continued learning possible following an extreme emergency, students are responsible for:
•reading regular emergency notifications on the NSU website;
•knowing how to use and access Blackboard (or university designated electronic delivery system);
•being familiar with emergency guidelines;
•evacuating textbooks and other course materials;
•knowing their Blackboard (or designated system) student login and password;
•contacting faculty regarding their intentions for completing the course.
Faculty are responsible for:
•their development in the use of the Blackboard (or designated) software;
•having a plan for continuing their courses using only Blackboard and email;
•continuing their course in whatever way suits the completion of the course best, and being creative in the continuation of these courses;
• making adjustments or compensations to a student’s progress in special programs with labs, clinical sequences or the like only in the immediate semester following the emergency.
Note: This is not a binding contract. This syllabus is subject to change throughout the course.