know basic terminology for organic chemistry
recognize and name the major functional groups
write systematic names
draw accurate structures
correlate molecular structure with physical and chemical properties
categorize reactions by type
write reaction mechanisms
correlate energy changes with molecular structure changes
recognize the structures and functions of the main classes of biomolecules
In order to succeed in the course objectives,
you must participate:
attend class regularly
- if you miss, consult the class home pages and a fellow student
read the text and lecture notes before the corresponding class meeting
take an active part in the in-class activities
you must solve problems:
work through all the assigned homework
try additional textbook problems
- the Study Guide answers all text problems
- the home pages will answer problems I assign
make lists of concepts and problems you don't understand
- bring your list for our in-class activities
- if problems remain unresolved after that, e-mail them to our discussion list
you must use technology:
consult the class home pages
- new information will be added typically several times a week
use e-mail to communicate with the instructor and with fellow students
- some assignments will be distributed and returned by e-mail
- a class ListServer will collect questions, answers, and other discussion
In order to help you succeed in the course objectives,
I will participate:
attend class regularly
coordinate in-class activities
- clarify and reinforce the concepts that you encounter in the text and in the lecture notes
I will provide appropriate resources:
(all available on the class home pages)
details of how the class works
lecture notes
homework assignments
sample exams from last year's class
quizzes
exams
suggestions and outside resources
I will give you feedback:
respond promptly to e-mail questions
promptly return quizzes and exams
provide regular assessment of your progress in the course
This is a common question students have when confronted with new material.
The answer depends on what is being asked of you and what skills are called for to work out an appropriate response.
Skills Objectives
The kinds of skills you will develop in this class include:
1. Knowledge
e.g., use appropriate terminology, identify functional group structures and names
2. Comprehension
e.g., draw 3-dimensional structures from various perspectives
3. Application
e.g., use nomenclature rules to develop systematic names for complex organic structures
4. Analysis
e.g., select the most appropriate reaction mechanism for a given situation
5. Synthesis
e.g., use a knowledge of many organic reactions to assemble a pathway that converts one molecule into another
6. Evaluation
e.g., assess the significance of recent developments on social or political issues (e.g., the approval of RU-486 or the effects of CFCs on the ozone layer)
The Six Cognitive Levels
The six numbered skills correspond to six cognitive levels that have been well-studied by psychologists.
1) Knowledge
2) Comprehension
3) Application
4) Analysis
5) Synthesis
6) Evaluation
Using Your Cognitive Levels
One goal of a university education is to improve your intellectual skills at all of these levels.
Simply recognizing what level of skill is required for a good answer to a particular question often gets you a long way towards that good answer.
Select the right level of skill
Can you memorize your way through organic chemistry?
- Can you rely solely on a level 1 skill for everything you need?
When using nomenclature rules, criticizing the nomenclature system (even though it's a higher level skill) does not address your ability to apply rules accurately.
Success in any class depends substantially on your motivation to succeed.
You should spend some time to address what you would like to get out of this class.
- " . . . at least a B so I can get into XYZ program . . ."
- An oversimplified answer like this may prevent you from properly addressing all the skills that you could (and should) obtain from this course.
Organic chemistry is the chemistry of life
Since most of you are planning to enter one of the health professions, you should find the material relevant to understanding the way that biological systems operate.
This relevance should become increasingly apparent as the year progresses and we develop the tools to study increasingly complex molecules.
In whatever career you aim for, you will find that highly valued traits include well-developed intellectual skills at all levels.
Even more valuable is the ability to continue your development of skills on your own.