Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Organic Chem I

 Title Abbreviation:   ORGANIC CHEM I

 Department:    CHEM&

 Course #:    241

 Credits:    4

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    4

 CIP:    400504

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

For students majoring in chemistry or biology, or pursuing graduate degrees in medicine or pharmacy. Acid base chemistry, alkanes, stereochemistry, mechanisms, substitution reactions, alkene preparation and reactions, alkyne preparation and reactions.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099. CHEM& 163 with a 2.0 or higher or concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 163.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU 361
EWU 351
U of W 237
WSU T
WWU 351

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Propose mechanisms for and/or predict products of acid-base, substitution, elimination, and addition reactions.
  2. Name alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
  3. Classify isomeric relationships between molecules.
  4. Propose multiple methods for synthesizing alkenes and alkynes.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.
1.5 Effectively integrate and use information ethically and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.2 Analyze issues and develop questions within a discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.4 Evaluate decisions by analyzing outcomes and the impact of actions.
2.9 Apply and/or create problem-solving strategies to successfully adapt to unpredictable and/or changing environments.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.2 Demonstrate standards of professionalism in manner, appearance, and setting appropriate to the context, including the classroom, workplace, and community.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).
9.4 Use scientific concepts and principles to understand the natural world, human behavior and culture, and relationships between humans and the rest of the natural world.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

  1. Acid-base reactions, curved arrows and general concepts of reaction mechanisms, Sn1 and Sn2 mechanisms, E1 and E2 mechanisms, and alkene and alkyne addition reactions
  2. IUPAC and common nomenclature of alkanes (including alkyl halides), alkenes, and alkynes
  3. Isomerism, chirality, Newmand and Fischer projections, and optical activity
  4. Synthesis of alkenes and alkynes