BIOC 2130 Life-Oriented Organic Chemistry II (Fall 2020) - Draft Syllabus

Course description

The BIOC 2120-2130 two-semester sequence constitutes a rigorous treatment of organic chemistry emphasizing reactivity of biological molecules. The course prerequisite is a 5 on Advanced Placement Chemistry or one semester of collegiate chemistry (typically CHEM 1110, Principles of Chemistry I). This course will emphasize reactions of functionalized organic molecules and will prepare students to be majors in any life science including Biology, Health & Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Psychology or Neuroscience. This course will not extensively cover organohalide synthesis. Instead, the course will teach the fundamental basis of biomolecule reactivity in aqueous solution including reactions that underly metabolism and all cellular functions.

BIOC 2120-2130 satisfies the organic chemistry requirement for all students aiming for further study in the health professions and is an ideal course to prepare students for coursework in Biochemistry, including the one semester biochemistry survey course, BIOC 3110, or the two-semester sequence BIOC 3120-3130. As such, BIOC 2120-2130 is also ideal for students who will conduct research, teach and/or pursue policy, regulatory or legal careers in the life sciences. Students needing an organic chemistry laboratory may wish to take CHEM 2410 concurrent with second semester of BIOC 2120-2130. Students continuing into BIOC 3120-3130 may take BIOC 3120 either after or concurrent with BIOC 2130.

Text

McMurry, Organic Chemistry with Biological Applications (3^rd edition), ISBN-13: 978-1-285-84291-2. This should be available at the University Bookstore, but is also available from a variety of online sources. This is the same text used in BIOC 2120.

Evaluation of student performance/course requirements

Grades will be based on the total points from four section exams (15 points each), the final exam (30 points), and participation (10 points) for a total of 100 points. Section exams will cover 2 chapters each and the final exam will cover the last 2 chapters of the semester and be comprehensive of previously covered material. The examinations, except the final exam, will be held during the time reserved for lectures. The final exam will be given during the final exam period. All exams will be “closed book” (no notes or computers will be allowed). Unless you are instructed otherwise, calculators will not be required. Questions will be designed to test your ability to recall facts, solve problems, reason, and integrate information. The exam format will be multiple choice, and answers will be posted on ICON after the test is complete. If you have a concern about a particular question, email the instructor about it within 48 hours of the exam.