Texts:
1. John McMurry, Organic Chemistry, Fifth Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2000.
2. Susan McMurry, "Solutions Manual and Study Guide" (for above).

The goal of this course is to continue our study of functional groups begun in Chemistry 2440.  Since Chemistry 2440 is a prerequisite, I'll assume a working knowledge of the first thirteen chapters of the text.  Hopefully, your experience during the first semester has taught you much about how to study a discipline like organic chemistry, where each new area builds upon your prior knowledge, so that just because you've completed a quiz or exam on a topic does not mean you won't see it again.

As most of you know (especially those who were in CHM 2440 with me last spring), we are going to be using a different book than in the first semester class (by a nearly unanimous vote!).  I think you're going to like McMurry very much - we used it for this class several years ago, and the reviews from students were uniformly excellent.  Incidentally, you'll notice that Chapters 17 and 18 contain material that we discussed in CHM 2440.  I decided, for several reasons, not to skip anything in these chapters; we'll approach them as if you had never been exposed to any of their concepts.  Of course, I'm certain that this will translate into incredibly high averages on the quizzes/exam based on the two chapters. ;-)

Much of the class will be devoted to organic synthesis - the science (and art) of preparing complex molecules from simple starting materials. This fascinating topic provides probably the best arena for applying and thus integrating your knowledge of organic chemistry. However, synthesis is extremely difficult, if not totally impossible, without a firm grasp of organic chemical principles, especially reactions.

It's important to get off to a good start in your study habits.  A summary of excellent study habits and tips for doing well are presented in a separate page.  The most important thing is to study every day - an hour is ideal, 30 min. may suffice - but do it every single day.  You may be that one student in all of my experience who can get away with weekend studying and still do well - but I wouldn't bet on it!

Although homework problems will be assigned, they will neither be collected nor graded. Their purpose is to provide you with drill material for applying the new concepts you are learning.

I DO NOT take attendance.  However, my 17 years' experience teaching organic chemistry has proven a simple fact: students who come to class do well , while those who don't fail . Also, since quizzes/exams always cover only material that has been covered in class, it's a very good idea to attend every class. Finally, if your attendance is sporadic, I'll notice it, and you'd better hope you're not on a borderline at grade time.  Also, I consider being late for class or talking during class to be unacceptably rude, and also a distraction to the majority of students, who are in class to learn.  After a few warnings about either, you'll be asked to leave.

Academic integrity - In all quizzes and exams, I adhere strictly to the published policies on academic integrity, cheating, etc.If you are caught cheating on any quiz or exam, you'll receive an immediate "F" for the course, and the Judicial Board will  be involved.  If aggravating circumstances are involved (i.e., been caught before, even in another class; continuously deny that you cheated in the face of unassailable proof, etc.), I will seek your dismissal from the University.  So - don't even think about cheating in any form.  It just isn't worth it.

There will be approximately 12 to 15 quizzes (10 points each) throughout the semester, each taking 10-12 minutes, and will be announced at least one class period in advance. Only the scores of the highest 10 will be counted in the final grade calculation.  Thus, there will be no makeup quizzes.

Three one-hour exams (100 points each) will be evenly spaced over the term; the dates are given on the course outline. The exams will take 50 minutes each. If you must miss an hour exam (for an extremely good, documented¹reason), be sure and let me know ahead of time, or, at the latest, before the graded exam is returned to the class (which is almost always the next class day). Call me at EIU (581-6225); if I'm not there, either leave a message with one of my research students (if they happen to pick up the phone) or leave one on the voicemail system. You can also leave a message with Pat, the Chemistry Department secretary (581-3322), call me at home (359-3733), or send me an email (cfthb@eiu.edu). There is, obviously, no excuse for not being able to contact me. There is no provision for making up an exam.

The final examination (200 points) will be comprehensive, covering all topics discussed during the term. Thus, the total points available for the course equal 600.

Grades will be assigned based on a curve related to class performance; thus, individual quizzes and exams will not receive a letter grade.  The curve will be updated after every hour exam, and presented to the class when the graded exam is returned (and also reported on the Curve/Grade Information web page); but, you are encouraged to stop in my office at any time to see where you stand. After the last hour exam, the curve for the semester will be unequivocally set (i.e., will not be changed as a result of class performance on the final). That way, you will know, several weeks in advance, the exact score you will need on the final exam to earn a given letter grade for the semester.

Grades are assigned as a function of the percent of the available points earned; thus, 64.6% would be rounded up to 65%. If you are on the borderline between two grades (i.e., within a half percent), there are specific subjective factors that come into play regarding the assigned grade, in approximate order of importance:

• the grade on the final relative to both your three exam grades and to the scores of those around you in the curve;
• participation in class on a day-to-day basis (and not being late or talking in class, being attentive, etc.);
• your having sought me out periodically throughout the semester for help with concepts that were proving difficult for you - this is particularly important for those who are not doing too well in the class).