Course Ref. No. 13509
MWF 9:00 - 10:05 am
Shattuck Hall, Room 212
Professor Carl C. Wamser
Office: Science Bldg 1, Room 327A
Office Hours: MTWRF 11 - 12
Textbook (required): "Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry," 3rd edition, by John McMurry, including a Study Guide. Molecular model kits are sold in the PSU Bookstore and are strongly recommended for visualizing molecular structures.
Class Schedule: We will cover Chapters 1 - 8 from the text, according to the schedule on the back. Each chapter is allocated three class periods, designated overview, practice, and applications. The overview will be mainly a lecture pointing out the major areas of emphasis that you should study. The practice day will consist of problem-solving exercises, done individually and in groups. The applications day will pull together everything we have gotten from that chapter in preparation for the quiz the next day.
Computer Access: Most of the elements of this course will be accessible through the home page at http://www-adm.pdx.edu/user/chem/Wamser/CH331F96/ . Internet connections are available from most of the PSU computer labs, or from home if you have a computer with a modem.
E-Mail: I can be reached by e-mail (WamserC@pdx.edu). We will also have a class discussion list (CH331-L@freya.cc.pdx.edu). You are encouraged to use this format for questions or any other communications. I read my e-mail daily and respond promptly. If you don't get a reply within 24 hours, try again.
Quizzes: For each chapter, there will be a 10-minute quiz. The quiz will be given at the beginning of the class, but some time will be allowed for going over questions from the chapter before the quiz. Each quiz will be worth 10 points, on the same scale as exam points. The lowest score of the eight quizzes will be dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes.
Exams: There will be three midterm exams, worth 100 points each, and a final exam, worth 200 points, given in class as indicated on the schedule. Missing an exam will require a written medical excuse, in which case an appropriate fraction of the final exam score will replace the missed exam. There will be no make-up exams.
Grading: The final course grade will be determined by total points accumulated. The maximum is 570, based on the sum of exams plus quizzes, as outlined above.
How to Succeed in This Course: 1) Clarify for yourself what you want to get out of this course, 2) Participate actively in all course activities, 3) Practice solving problems and developing appropriate skills, and 4) Use the technology and other learning resources that are made available. These themes are elaborated in the home pages and the "Day One" lecture.
Miscellaneous: University policy will be strictly followed with respect to course withdrawal, academic honesty, and related subjects. Please ask the instructor or consult the latest PSU Bulletin if you have any questions.