CH-251: Organic Chemistry I

Course, prefix, number, & title: CH-251 Organic Chemistry I

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3 class hours, 1 recitation hour, 4 laboratory hours

Credits: 5

Pre-requisites (if any): CH-152, by permission of the Department

Course Description in college catalog:

The relationship between structure and properties of organic compounds is discussed, with emphasis on reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthesis. Laboratory work involves preparation, isolation, and identification of organic compounds.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Degree Programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Science and Mathematics), Dual/Joint A.S. Degree in Science for Forensic Science and B.S. in Forensic Science (John Jay College), Engineering Science, Health Sciences, Dual/Joint A.S. Degree in Chemistry and B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (York College) including Medical Laboratory Technician and those interested in careers in the Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Pharmacy, Chiropractic, and Physician fields, Forensics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Environmental Health.

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

2. Apply information management and digital technology skills useful for academic research and lifelong learning

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

The objective of this course is to gradually and logically develop the relationship between properties and structure of organic compounds. The lecture will begin by introducing general chemistry concepts as they pertain to organic chemistry and will then describe drawing organic molecules, functional groups, energetics of reactions, and stereochemistry. After the basics are taught, students will learn reactions of specific functional groups and the mechanism of the reactions. At the end of the semester, students should be able to perform multi-step syntheses and be able to work backwards starting from a complex molecule. In the laboratory, the student will be introduced to the basic techniques involved in the preparation, isolation, and identification of organic compounds.

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

The general guidelines for assessing grades are as follows:

• Examinations, Assignments and Classroom Performance 50%
• Laboratory Work 25%
• Final Examination 25%

The distribution may be changed at the discretion of the individual instructor. Aside from the above, the student is mandated to take the American Chemical Society (ACS) assessment test which will be administered at the end of the semester. Ten percent of that grade will be added, as a bonus, to the student’s final course grade.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.