Chem 261 - Course Information

 

General Information
Course Objectives
Texts
Grades
Laboratory
Difficulties
Lecture Help Sessions
Problem Sets
Exam Answers
Ethical Considerations
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General Information:

• Section: A2 and EA2
• Classes: Tues Thurs 12:30 to 1:50 PM
• First Day: September   5, 2023
• Room: Chemistry Centre E1-60
• Office: Chemistry West W5-39A
• Office Hours: Drop in Tues & Thurs 2 PM to 3 PM
• E-mail: john.vederas@ualberta.ca ( Please do not e-mail questions on course content - instead ask questions in person )

Course Objectives:

The goal of this course is to understand the structure, nomenclature, physical properties and reactions of common classes of organic compounds. Their natural occurrence, use and applications are also described. Special emphasis in this first course in organic chemistry will be on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, stereochemistry, substitution and elimination reactions, conjugated systems (polyenes) and carbohydrates.

Texts:

• "Organic Chemistry", Solomons 13th Edition Electronic - Recommended not required - Available through UA Bookstore - other texts or older editions are fine, but are not supported directly in this course
• Purchase Lab Manual ($45) (equired) from Chem Undergrad Stores W1-22. A link will be provided on the Laboratory eClass page with guidelines on how to proceed
  
  
• Molecular Models:
  Molecular models will be essential in this course and will help with exams.  Although several types are available, the Darling Molecular Models are recommended.  Available from Chemistry Centre W1-22, or from Bookstore, or from https://www.molecularvisions.com/molecular-model-kits/cat_1.html or via Amazon
• Videos on eClass: Videos (YouTube links) covering course material are available via eClass

Grade Distribution & Tentative Exam Dates (subject to change):

• Midterm Exam One = 150 points
  • Date: September 28, 2023 at 12:30 to 1:50 PM
  • Models OK, No books, notes or extraneous electronic devices
  • Delivered electronically at eClass just before 12:30 - answers to be submitted electronically before 1:50 PM
  • access remotely (e.g. from home)
  • multiple choice, graded electronically
  • Academic Success Centre  students must submit form

• Midterm Exam Two = 250 points
  • Date:  October 31, 2023 at 12:30 to 1:50 PM
  • Models OK, No books, notes or electronic devices
  • Chemistry E1-60 (in person)
  • format simlar to exams posted on this website
  • Academic Success Centre students must submit form
• Final Exam (no supplemental exam) = 350 points
  • Date: December 12, 2023 at 9 AM (3 hours) 
  • Bring Models - No books, notes or electronic devices
  • Location: Main Gym rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13              
  • Missed Final Exam: you must apply to your Faculty for a Deferred Final 
  • Academic Success Centre students must submit form
  • 
    
• Laboratory = 250 points
  • You must pass the laboratory component with a grade of 60% or better to pass the course
    
    
• TOTAL = 1000 points
  
• Final Grade Distribution final grades are assigned as per the University Calendar. Absolute scores (points) will be summed and converted to percentile ranking in the course. These rankings will be assigned letter grades. Past course GPA average has been ca 2.8

Laboratory Component

• You must pass the laboratory part with a grade of 60% or better to pass the course.
  
  
• Labs begin: - Monday, September 25, 2023 - Lab eClass site
• Purchase Lab Manual Chem Stores W1-22  - $45 plus $15 locker fee
• Read on lab eClass about your session beforehand
• Bring safety glasses with side shields, lab coat    - no open toed footware or shorts

Difficulties:

• Chemistry course registration and scheduling problems, please email Chem Student Services at: undergrad@chem.ualberta.ca
• For laboratory problems (missed experiments, conflicts, etc.): Please contact Dr. Hayley Wan by email to hayley.wan@ualberta.ca

Lecture Help Sessions:

• 
  
• Special Help Session for the 2nd Midterm:
  • Date: October 26, 2023    
  • Time:   5 PM  
  • Location:   Chem E1-60  
    
• Special Help Session for the Final:
  • Date: December 5, 2023
  • Time: 5 PM
  • Location: Chem E1-60

Problem Sets:

• Problems will be assigned from text in the Lecture Outlines and will not be collected or graded.

Examination Answers:

• Answers to examinations (mid-terms) will be made available after the examination electronically on eClass
• Click on Exams in the menu at the top of this page.

Ethical Considerations:

• Students should read the University of Alberta regulations regarding violation of ethical standards (e.g. cheating) and penalties.
• Links to General Policies and Regulations are given in the:
• • University Calendar
• Code of Student Behavior
• Read University regulations regarding cheating and plagiarism
•  https://www.ualberta.ca/governance/resources/policies-standards-and-codes-of-conduct/code-of-student-behaviour.html