Chem 301 A

CRN#47007
Organic Chemistry I/Reactions and Theory
Summer 2023
Professor Trey Vaughan, Ph.D.
Contact Info: 1-337-475-5780 ext. 5780; Kirkman 223C [email protected]

Class Time and Location: 0800-0915hrs, Kirkman 203

I am available for “office hours” by appointment. Simply send an email titled “Zoom Request” and I will get back
with you promptly. If emails are sent early in the day, I can usually meet within the same day but sometimes
may have to meet the following day.
NOTE: When emailing a professor, always include the course # or description in the email.

!!! IMPORTANT: I communicate with the class through Announcements on Moodle. Prior to emailing me
questions, first check Moodle announcements to see if I have already addressed your questions. Furthermore,
questions about due dates and what chapters are on which tests, please see the “Course Schedule” at the end
of this syllabus !!!
NOTE:
Prerequisite: CHEM 102.

Textbook: We will be using the following textbook

Organic Chemistry Principles and Mechanisms (Custom)
Author: Joel Karty
Edition: 3rd
Published Date: NA
ISBN: 9780393544015 (hardcover) 9780393877465 (epub)

Topics: Here is a rough outline of the material to be covered this semester.

Ch. 1 Atomic and Molecular Structure

Ch. 2 3-D Geometry, Intermolecular Interactions, and Physical Properties
Ch. 3 Valence Bond Theory and Molecular Orbital Theory
Interchapter A Nomenclature: The Basic System for Naming Organic Compounds
Interchapter B Naming Alkenes, Alkynes, and Benzene Derivatives

Ch. 4 Isomerism 1
Ch. 5 Isomerism 2
Ch. 6 The Proton Transfer Reaction

Ch. 7 An Overview of the Most Common Elementary Steps

Ch. 8 An Introduction to Multistep Mechanisms
Ch. 9 Competition among SN2, SN1, E2 and E1

Ch. 10 Organic Synthesis 1

Ch. 11 Organic Synthesis 2
Ch. 12 Electrophilic Addition to Nonpolar pi Bonds 1

Ch. 13 Electrophilic Addition to Nonpolar pi Bonds 2

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Learning outcomes and assessment: At the completion of the course, students should have a good understanding of the
topics that have been covered in Chemistry 301. They should be prepared to take more advanced chemistry courses if
needed.

There are 3 midterm exams and a final. The lowest of the first 3 exams will be dropped. If you miss an exam, that will be
your drop grade. If your absence is excused (i.e. doctor’s excuse or the like) then you may take a comprehensive makeup
(responsible for all chapters covered) on a single date at the final week of class. The following points’ scheme is shown
below. Calculate your grade at any time by the formula; (points earned/points possible)x100 = Grade %
Compare your percentage by that given in the percentage scale below. If you’re at 90-100%, you’re at an “A”, and from 80-
89.9% is a “B”, etc.

Exam 1: 125 pts

The lowest of
Exam 2: 125 pts
Exam 3: 125 pts the first 3 exams
will be dropped.
Final Exam: 175 pts
Homework: 75 pts
Total Points: 500 pts

A: 90-100% 450-500 pts

B: 80-89.9% 400-449 pts
C: 70-79.9% 350-399 pts
D: 60-69.9% 300-349 pts
F: Below 59.9% < 299 pts

The grading scale will be as follows:

90-100% 80-89% 70-79% 60-69% 59% and lower

A B C D F

COVID-19: The University’s policies and protocols for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic are focused on maintaining a safe and healthy campus
environment. The plans align with federal, state and local guidelines. Safety requirements include good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing,
maintaining 6-feet social distancing and wearing a face mask or covering inside all campus buildings and in any area where social distancing is not feasible.
The University expects all employees and students to comply with these protocols. Failure to comply with these safety requirements can result in
disciplinary action and students may be removed from class and redirected to online instruction.

Technology Policy
While McNeese strives to provide access to computer labs and other technology, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure adequate access to the technology
required for a course. This may include access to a computer (not Chromebooks, iPads, etc.), webcam, internet, adequate bandwidth, etc. This requirement is
a standard expectation for all courses regardless of initial course delivery format.

Course Delivery Format

For courses initially being delivered in a face-to-face or hybrid format, the instructor may modify the course delivery method to ensure safety and to respond
to constraints that may continue to change throughout the term. Courses beginning in a fully online format will remain online throughout the term.

Methods of Instruction: Instruction will consist of classroom lectures, discussions, and homework problems. Due dates for
homework are given in this syllabus and will be adhered to.

University Policies:

Cell phones should be turned off or set to vibrate mode. Students should leave class to answer any phone calls and are
responsible for everything covered in class during their absence.

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is regarded as an obligation as well as a privilege, and students are expected to
attend regularly and punctually all classes in which they are enrolled. Failure to do so may jeopardize a student’s

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 scholastic standing and may lead to suspension from the University. It is the responsibility of all students to read the
attendance regulations stated in the MSU Catalog.

Academic Integrity: It is expected that all students will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism,
cheating, and academic fraud will be dealt with according to MSU policies and will result in failure of either the
assignment or the course and the student’s referral to the Office of University Services, which may take additional
disciplinary actions. Use of electronic devices during an exam is forbidden and will not be allowed under any
circumstances. Any violations which occur during an exam will result in a zero for that exam which will not be able to
be dropped. Information about the Academic Integrity Policy is located at http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/academic-
integrity-policy

Students with Disabilities: It is the student's responsibility to register with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities when requesting an
academic adjustment in accordance with ADA. Any student with a disability is encouraged to contact the Office of Services for Students with
Disabilities, Drew Hall, Room 200, (337) 475-5916 Voice, (337) 475-5878 FAX, (337) 562-4227 TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired. Dr. Michael T. Snowden
serves as ADA Coordinator, Burton Business Center, Room 404, VOICE (337) 475-5428; FAX (337) 475-5960; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired (337) 562-
4227; or [email protected]. McNeese ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, Sections 503 and 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities, and receives complaints
regarding ADA access issues. All students, including students with disabilities, are responsible for locating the designated emergency exits and the
areas of refuge in a classroom building and are encouraged to develop and discuss an evacuation plan with the class instructor.

Fire Drill Policy: In compliance with federal regulation 29CFR1910.3, the National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 101, Life Safety Code,
Section 4.7, and the State of Louisiana Office of Risk Management, McNeese State University will periodically conduct fire drills. In the event of a fire
drill or a related building emergency, all persons in a classroom are required to exit the building using posted escape routes or the Area of Refuge for
individuals with disabilities. All persons in class are required to follow the faculty member outside of the building to safety and are required to check
in with the faculty member to ensure that everyone has safely exited the building. The official "all clear" must be given by emergency responders
before anyone is allowed to re-enter the building. http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/fire-drill-policy

Diversity Policy: Students should visit the MSU web page for information about university/academic policies especially
http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/diversity-awareness-policy for information about diversity awareness and sexual harassment policies and
procedures.

Disaster Policy: Students should visit the MSU site for information about university policies on disaster preparedness at
www.mcneese.edu/faculty/docs/disasterpreparedness.pdf.

Course Schedule:

6/5-6/9 Monday-Friday: Ch. 1, 2, and Interchapter A

6/11 Sunday: HW (Ch. 1, Ch. 2, and Interchapter A) due 1159 PM
6/12-6/16 Monday-Friday: Ch. 3 and 4
6/18 Sunday: HW (Ch. 3 and 4) due 1159 PM
6/19 Monday: Juneteenth Holiday No Class
6/20 Tuesday: Test 1 (Ch. 1-4 + Interchapter A)

6/21-23 Wednesday-Friday: Ch. 5, 6

6/25 Sunday: HW (Ch. 5, 6) due 1159 PM
6/26-6/29: Monday-Thursday: Ch. 7-8
6/27 Tuesday: HW (Ch. 7) due 1159 PM
6/29 Thursday: HW (Ch. 8) due 1159 PM
6/30 Friday: Test 2 (Ch. 5-8)

7/3 Monday: Ch. 9

7/4 Tuesday 4th of July No Classes
7/5-7/7 Wednesday-Friday: Ch. 9, 10
7/9 Sunday: HW (Ch. 9 and 10) due 1159 PM
7/10 Monday-Friday: Ch. 11-13
7/16 Sunday: HW (Ch. 11 and 12)
7/17 Monday: Test 3 (Ch. 9-12)

7/18 Monday: HW (Ch. 13)

7/18 Tuesday 0800-1000: FINAL EXAM Ch. 1-13 + Interchapter A

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