CHM 203, 205 - Organic Chemistry IA

Course unit(s): 1
Meets requirement: W when offered as 205
Prerequisite(s): CHM 104 General Chemistry II . Enrollment by permission of instructor.
Organic molecules, molecules that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, are in our bodies, in nature, in the drugs we take, and in the products we utilize. Organic chemistry is integral to medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and other STEM fields. In this course, students build a foundation in organic chemistry through the study of the structure, properties, and reactivity of organic molecules. Students learn the language of organic chemistry, discuss the impact of stereochemistry on properties, analyze chemical structures using spectroscopy, predict reaction mechanisms, and propose synthetic pathways. Laboratory work involves generation, separation and purification of organic molecules, including medicinally-relevant molecules, using standard organic chemistry laboratory techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation. There will be opportunities to complete research-like experiences and to perform collaborative work to build transferrable skills. Weekly recitation sessions involve group problem solving and review. Three hours of lecture, one hour of recitation, and one three-hour laboratory held every week.