Organic Chemistry I and II
Welcome to Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon is an incredible atom that can form up to four bonds and can do so in multiple different ways, forming cyclic structures (rings) or acyclic structures (not rings!). Carbon can form different types of bonds - single, double and triple bonds - to other carbons and other atoms, including oxygen and nitrogen. The amazing flexibility of what carbon can bond to and how it bonds leads to tremendously fun structures. In Organic Chemistry, we will study these structures and the reactions we use to form new bonds, how to build new structural pieces (known as functional groups). In lab, we will learn those techniques most commonly used by the organic chemist in lab and we will learn analytical methods to prove the structure of carbon-containing molecules.
Remember that the key to surviving a class such as this is to stay on top of the materials, reading/writing your lecture notes over, doing practice problems regularly and never waiting until the last minute. Ask questions when you have them - setting them aside for later may mean they won't get answered. The more you interact with the material, the better you will understand it. And when you hear how many hours this class takes (i.e. hours and hours!), in order to be successful, don't laugh... We are very serious...
Best Wishes,
Dr. Discordia