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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

CHEM 1503: Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry

This course provides an overview of general concepts of chemical bonding, Lewis structures, molecular shape, and valence bond theory of bonding. The organic chemistry portion of the course focuses on the bonding and structure of organic compounds, functional groups, conformational and sterochemical features, oxidation-reduction reactions, substitution and elimination reactions, and enolate chemistry.

Note: Students are required to take CHEM 1505, the lab component, in order to receive transfer credit.

Learning outcomes

  1. Describe the major historical developments that led up to the modern periodic table and the quantum physical understanding of the atom.
  2. Calculate wavelength, frequency, and energy of a photon and the energy changes of an electron within a H atom.
  3. Explain Bohr’s theory of the hydrogen atom structure and its relationship to the atomic spectrum of hydrogen.
  4. Relate energy changes of an electron within a H atom to specific regions in the electromagnetic spectrum.
  5. Describe and explain the electronic structure of the atom based on the concept of atomic orbitals.
  6. Perform calculations using the de Broglie relationship and explain the significance of the answers.
  7. Use the quantum number rules to determine the allowable values of quantum numbers and hence relate these to the arrangement of electrons in atoms.
  8. Predict, rank, and explain the periodic properties of the elements as related to electronic configuration.
  9. Draw acceptable Lewis structures for molecules and polyatomic ions based on formal charges and the octet rule.
  10. Identify sigma and pi bonding within a Lewis structure.
  11. Draw major resonance structures for molecules and polyatomic ions and determine the bond orders for all the bonds.
  12. Determine and justify the hybrid orbital type for non-terminal atoms in molecules and polyatomic ions based on valence bond theory.
  13. Predict molecular shapes based on valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory.
  14. Complete molecular orbital energy diagrams for simple homo-nuclear bi-atomic molecules and ions to predict bond order and magnetic properties.
  15. Determine the type and relative strength of intermolecular forces in order to explain various physical properties such as solubility and boiling points
  16. Identify functional groups from the molecular structures of organic molecules including some common pharmaceuticals and bio-chemical substances.
  17. Name simple organic compounds from their molecular structures and draw molecular structures from names of simple organic compounds.
  18. Draw and name isomers for simple organic compounds.
  19. Draw the various possible significant conformations of organic compounds with a straight-chain or ring-structure carbon atoms.
  20. Designate the stereochemistry for carbon-carbon double bonds as E or Z and for stereogenic C atoms as R or S.
  21. Identify stereogenic carbon atoms from the molecular structures of organic molecules including some common pharmaceuticals and bio-chemical substances.
  22. Categorize different types of isomers for organic compounds including “real world” applications to pharmaceuticals and bio-chemical substances.

Course topics

  • Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Periodic Relationships
  • Unit 2: Chemical Bonding and Intermolecular Forces
  • Unit 3: Organic Structure and Bonding
  • Unit 4: Conformational Anyslsis and Stereochemistry of Organic Molecules

Required text and materials

The following Open Education Resource (OER) textbook, free of charge, is required for this course:

  1. Ramroop Singh, N. (n.d.). Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry. Thompson Rivers University. https://openintrochemistry.pressbooks.tru.ca/.

Additional requirements

  • A non-programmable, single numeric line calculator such as the Casio fx-260 is required.
  • Open access 3-D molecular modeling kit: https://molview.org/

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory examination.

Quizzes 10%
Assignment 1: Unit 1 Assessment 15%
Assignment 2: Unit 2 Assessment 15%
Assignment 3: Unit 3 Assessment 15%
Assignment 4: Unit 4 Assessment 15%
Final Exam (mandatory) 30%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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