Freshman Organic Chemistry I
About the Course
This is the first semester in a two-semester introductory course focused on current theories of structure and mechanism in organic chemistry, their historical development, and their basis in experimental observation. The course is open to freshmen with excellent preparation in chemistry and physics, and it aims to develop both taste for original science and intellectual skills necessary for creative research.
View class sessions »Course Structure
This Yale College course, taught on campus three times per week for 50 minutes, was recorded for Open Yale Courses in Fall 2008.
Course Materials
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About Professor J. Michael McBride
J. Michael McBride is the Richard M. Colgate Professor of Chemistry at Yale University. After undergraduate work at the College of Wooster and Harvard College Professor McBride earned a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry at Harvard University. He joined the Yale Chemistry faculty in 1966, where he studies crystal growth and reactions in organic solids. His awards include the Prelog Medal, the Nobel Laureate Signature Award in Graduate Education, and the Catalyst Award of the Chemical Manufacturers Association for undergraduate education. Further details on his life, research, and teaching are available in Crystal Growth & Design, 2005, 5 (6), pp 2022–2035.
Syllabus
Professor
J. Michael McBride, Richard M. Colgate Professor of Chemistry
Description
This is the first semester in a two-semester introductory course focused on current theories of structure and mechanism in organic chemistry, their historical development, and their basis in experimental observation. The course is open to freshmen with excellent preparation in chemistry and physics, and it aims to develop both taste for original science and intellectual skills necessary for creative research.
Texts
Reading assignments, problem sets, PowerPoint presentations, and other resources for this course can be accessed from Professor McBride's on-campus course website, which was developed for his Fall 2008 students. Please see Resources section for each individual lecture.
Requirements
The course grade is based on a 650-point system: 100 points for each of the three hour-long midterm examinations, 300 points for the three-hour final examination, and 50 points for participation in the course Wiki. In borderline cases, faithfulness in completing and submitting problem sets will be considered.
Grading
Midterm Examination 1: 100 points
Midterm Examination 2: 100 points
Midterm Examination 3: 100 points
Course Wiki: 50 points
Final Examination: 300 points
Sessions
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Course Books and Other Related Titles
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View the catalog for this course