Course Description
Advanced organic laboratory methods; modern reactions in synthesis; purification of compounds and characterization by spectroscopic instrumentation; qualitative organic analysis; chemical and biochemical literature; computational modeling; chemical database searching; safety resources. Prerequisite: Chemistry or Biochemistry major; grade of C (2.0) or better in CHE 351 and CHE 353 or CHE 354; Corequisite: CHE 352.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- search the chemical/biochemical literature for topical information, physical and spectroscopic data, synthetic methods, and analytical procedures.
- retrieve documents from primary and secondary literature, including patents, using electronic resources (e.g., Journal Finder, Science Direct and USPTO database)
- access appropriate safety data and procedures from electronic and print resources and apply these in the performance of lab work
- purify organic compounds from mixtures using a variety of separation methods
- interpret spectroscopic data (NMR, mass spec, IR) and use the data to elucidate the structures of small organic compounds
- perform conventional organic chemical reactions to optimize safety and product yield and execute short multistep synthetic sequences to obtain a pure organic compound
- report experimental results in laboratory notebooks according to the professional standards of the American Chemical Society
- write formal laboratory reports which follow American Chemical Society style for construction and references, use state of the art drawing and graphical illustrations.
- display an understanding of scientific honesty and the ethical standards of the chemical profession in all work, especially in laboratory work and reporting.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Chemical information technology, safety, and ethics (quizzes and homework) | 40% |
| Laboratory notebook reports | 30% |
| CURE Report & Assignments, Lab Performance/Peer Review | 30% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 92-100% | A |
| 90.5-91.9% | A– |
| 89-90.4% | B+ |
| 82-88.9% | B |
| 80.5-81.9% | B– |
| 79-80.4% | C+ |
| 72-78.9% | C |
| 70.5-71.9% | C– |
| 69-70.4% | D+ |
| 62-68.9% | D |
| 60-61.9% | D– |
| < 60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance is required for all labs. We schedule to make-up labs during the regular class hours for missed labs. Unexcused labs will receive a score of zero points.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- A basic composition notebook. These are typically on sale everywhere before the fall or spring term. Cost: ~ 2 dollars or less.
- Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? Fascinating Food Trivia Explained with Science/ Andy Brunning (Softcover, ~ $15). Or access for free through the library. You can read the book online. https://login.libproxy.uncg.edu/login?url=http://www.uncg.eblib.com/EBLWeb/patron/?target=patron&extendedid=P_4419847_0
- Safety goggles (required to be always worn in the lab). Basic goggles available from the bookstore.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.