Overview

CHEM 350 deals with the chemistry of carbon compounds through a study of the characteristic reactions of the common functional groups. Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, conjugated dienes, substituted aromatics are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of reaction mechanisms in an attempt to show similarities between apparently unrelated reactions. The importance of stereochemistry is stressed throughout the course. An introduction to the use of spectroscopy in the analysis of organic compounds is also included in the course.

CHEM 350 together with the upcoming CHEM 360 course will represent a full-year introductory organic chemistry course at the second-year university level. The compulsory laboratory component of CHEM 350 introduces the student to the basic techniques employed in modern organic chemistry laboratories. Experiments have been selected to illustrate many of the principles encountered in the theoretical part of the course.

Evaluation

To receive credit for CHEM 350, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least "D" (50 percent), a grade of at least 45 percent on each examination, obtain an average of at least 60 percent on the tutor-marked assignments and an average of 55 percent on the laboratory work. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

McMurry, John. Organic Chemistry, 6th ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., 2004.

McMurry, Susan. Study Guide and Solutions Manual for McMurry's Organic Chemistry, 6th ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., 2004.

Other Materials

The course materials also include a study guide, student manual, laboratory manual, and a assignment manual.

Special Course Features

CHEM 350 has a compulsory laboratory component that requires students to perform a minimum of three or four days (20 - 32 hours) of laboratory work (there are three lab formats). Credit may be obtained for equivalent laboratory work carried out within the last five years at a recognized college or university. Speak with the lab coordinator for more information.

Laboratory sessions are offered throughout the year in Edmonton. It is strongly recommended that laboratory work be undertaken when approximately two-thirds of the course has been completed. All lab work and assignments should be completed before the final examination is attempted.

Please note that laboratory sessions offered by other universities may have a laboratory fee. For more information, please e-mail the science lab coordinator Robert Carmichael, or phone 780.675.6276.