Chemistry - Spring 1998

Chemistry 7 is a new course being offered for the first time in winter of 1996. The idea for developing such a course came from the reduction in the organic chemistry requirement for Biology, Marine Biology, and Psychobiology majors from the 108A/B series to just 108A (formerly known as 8A). While 108A is a good course in organic chemistry, it really is part of a two quarter series. It is in 108B that most of the biologically relevant functional groups are covered. Chemistry 7 will highlight most of the topics in 108A/B briefly and with an emphasis on biology.

Is Chem 7 for me?

Yes if you would like a comprehensive course in o-chem that will prepare you well for Biology 100 (Biochemistry) and other upper division biology courses, as well as life as a chemistry-savvy person. Yes if you would like to learn about the chemistry of organic acids, esters, aldehydes, ketones, nitrogen- containing compounds, sulfur-containing compounds, proteins, DNA, RNA, carbohydrates and fats (in summary, the interesting part of organic chemistry) but don't want to take 108B.

No if you like chemistry a lot (try 112A/B/C!) No if you want to go on to medical school: two quarters are required. No if you are an MCD or BMB major - you must take 108A and B or 112A,B, and C. No if you want to go on to graduate school in biochemistry or molecular biology. No if you are not sure but are thinking about med school/grad school as possibilities - if you take Chem 7 and decide later that you need the two quarter series, you will have to take both 108A and 108B.

Is Chem 7 easier or harder than Chem 108A? As you might expect, this question is difficult to answer and forces an instructor to start equivocating. Chem 7 is not going to be an easy, "baby" course, but in some ways it will be easier than 108A. For example, we will not spend as much time on organic synthesis which sometimes involves memorizing reaction conditions and learning the names of the Eastern European chemists who invented the syntheses. Chances are, if you find that this course seems more applicable to biology - your major interest - you will enjoy learning the material more. You have probably discovered that you do better in the courses you like. On the other hand, we will cover a wider range of material in less depth. In this sense, Chem 7 might be harder than 108A.

• Introductory Chemistry (1A/B/C at UCSC)
• Lab
• Students taking Chem 7 may take either Chemistry 7L or 108L.

• "Organic Chemistry: A Brief Survey of Concepts and Applications" by Philip S. Bailey, Jr. and Christina A. Bailey
• Molecular Model Kit (you will be able to bring this to your exams)
• Study Guide and Solutions Manual that accompanies the text (recommended)

Weekly problem sets will be assigned to be handed in at discussion sections. Both problems selected from the textbook and supplemental problems will be assigned. Homework will count 20% towards your performance evaluation.

There will be two midterm exams which will count 25% each and one final exam which will count 30% towards the evaluation.

Organic chemistry has a long-standing reputation as a difficult course at all universities. The subject matter tends to seem esoteric, especially to a non-chemist. However, one major reason that people often find organic chemistry to be difficult is that they attempt to cram for exams. More than perhaps in any other course, it is important to KEEP UP WITH THE MATERIAL FROM DAY ONE. Really, don't try to take it easy in the first two weeks because you will save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Course associated with Chemistry 7, introduces students to the most important topics of experimental organic chemistry. The experiments emphasize the applications of organic chemistry to biological systems through the isolation, purification, synthesis and characterization of biologically relevant compounds. In the first weeks the students learn purification and separation techniques such as recrystallization, steam distillation, extraction and chromatography. They then get acquainted with some important aspects of organic reactivity where they apply identification and characterization techniques (IR and polarimetry).