Organic Chemistry I Crash Course - OChem Made Simple from Udemy

Starting Winter 2024 - Students who purchase the course will get access to a community discord server where I will will host Q&A's and answer questions. Link will be sent upon enrollment.

With almost a decade of experience tutoring OChem I at post-secondary institutions across North America, I have found that the curriculum is similar between many schools (despite the different course codes). This course is an excellent resource for any students taking an undergraduate OChem I course who are looking for a one-stop shop for understanding the core ideas in Organic Chemistry.

This course is not meant to replace your lecture notes. Your professor makes your test, and their lecture notes should be the "ground source of truth". However, my videos and problems are designed to help you build a solid foundation quickly so that you can better understand you lecture notes. Students using this course save countless hours of studying to achieve great grades.

I have had direct experience tutoring the following courses:

UofA: Chem 261

SFU: Chem 281

UofC: Chem 351

Berkeley: Chem 3A

UCSD: Chem 40A

Rutgers: Chem 307

University of Michigan: Chem 210

And more.

The goal of this course is to provide a cost-effective, topic-by-topic resource that you can use in your own time to learn about material before your professors’ lectures, or to help solidify the concepts after them. For each concept, I will go into detail about the material in video lectures, with a focus on the common mistakes and helpful tips and tricks to ensure you have a solid foundation. The layout of the course is comprehensive, and matches the order of the material typically taught, making this a one-stop shop for your needs as a student.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the fundamentals that underlay chemical reactions in organic chemistry including: molecular drawings, hybridization theory, resonance, and more
Learn the various types of molecular isomerism, and how to distinguish them quickly

Master key organic chemistry reactions including substitution, elimination, and alkene additions
Develop study strategies and test-taking skills that are specific for organic chemistry assessments.

Understand the fundamentals that underlay chemical reactions in organic chemistry including: molecular drawings, hybridization theory, resonance, and more
Learn the various types of molecular isomerism, and how to distinguish them quickly
Master key organic chemistry reactions including substitution, elimination, and alkene additions
Develop study strategies and test-taking skills that are specific for organic chemistry assessments.

Syllabus

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

1.1 - Welcome to Organic Chemistry

1.2 - Bonding and the Octet Rule

1.3 - Functional Groups I

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a topic-by-topic resource that can be used to learn material before lectures or to solidify concepts afterward, potentially saving study time

Covers molecular drawings, hybridization theory, resonance, isomerism, substitution, elimination, and alkene additions, which are foundational concepts

Includes video lectures with a focus on common mistakes and helpful tips and tricks to ensure a solid foundation for tackling complex problems

Explains reaction mechanisms, including Sn2, Sn1, E2, and E1, which are essential for understanding organic chemistry reactions

Includes sections on IR spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy (if covered by the student's school), which are important analytical techniques

Teaches study strategies and test-taking skills specific to organic chemistry assessments, which can improve overall performance

Reviews summary

Effective ochem i supplement and crash course

According to students, this course is a highly effective supplement for undergraduate Organic Chemistry I, particularly helpful for students needing to build a solid foundation quickly or reinforce complex topics. Many learners found the explanations clear and concise, breaking down seemingly difficult concepts into manageable parts. The instructor is frequently praised for their teaching style and expertise. While primarily a supplement, some students noted it significantly improved their understanding and grades. Some reviews suggest that while coverage is broad, specific topics might require additional depth from their university lectures.

Covers most standard OChem I topics thoroughly.

"The course covers all the major topics from typical OChem I syllabi, from structure to reactions."

"It's a good overview of the core concepts needed for the first semester of organic chemistry."

"Includes important topics like resonance, stereochemistry, and basic reactions like Sn1/Sn2 and E1/E2."

"The structure follows a logical progression, making it easy to find what you need."

Helped improve performance in OChem I.

"Thanks to this course, my understanding of OChem dramatically improved, and it showed in my exam scores."

"I went from struggling to getting solid grades after using this course to review."

"Significant improvement in test performance after going through the sections relevant to my exams."

"This course helped me connect concepts I wasn't fully grasping from lectures alone."

Instructor is knowledgeable and effective.

"The instructor is amazing! He explains things patiently and anticipates common student confusions."

"His teaching style is engaging and keeps you focused, which is hard for OChem."

"You can tell the instructor has extensive tutoring experience; he knows exactly where students get stuck."

"The tips and tricks shared were incredibly helpful for tackling problems."

Excellent resource to complement university studies.

"This course is the perfect supplement to my university OChem lectures. It filled in so many gaps."

"I use this course to preview topics before my professor covers them, which helps me grasp the material better in class."

"It's not meant to replace your lecture notes, which is good. It helps make sense of them instead."

"Allowed me to review and solidify concepts I was learning in my main course. Highly recommended alongside university."

Complex topics are explained simply and clearly.

"The explanations are incredibly clear and easy to follow, making difficult concepts finally understandable."

"He breaks down complex topics like resonance and stereochemistry into simple, digestible pieces."

"I struggled with hybridization before this course, but the way it was explained here just clicked."

"The instructor's ability to simplify things is truly remarkable, much better than my textbook or lectures."

Some topics could benefit from more detail.

"While great for foundational understanding, I sometimes needed more in-depth explanations on very specific reaction mechanisms taught in my class."

"Some advanced problems or less common reactions weren't covered as deeply as required by my specific university curriculum."

"Good crash course, but don't expect it to replace rigorous practice with your textbook's specific problem sets for full mastery."

"Useful overview, but for some highly complex topics, additional resources were still necessary."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Organic Chemistry I Crash Course - OChem Made Simple with these activities:

Review General Chemistry Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental chemistry principles, which are essential for grasping organic chemistry concepts like bonding, acidity, and reaction mechanisms.

Browse courses on General Chemistry

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Review atomic structure and bonding theories.
Practice balancing chemical equations.
Work through acid-base chemistry problems.

Build a Molecular Model Kit

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Enhance your spatial reasoning and understanding of molecular structures by physically building models of organic molecules.

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Purchase or create a molecular model kit.
Build models of molecules discussed in the course.
Practice visualizing different conformations.

Nomenclature and IUPAC Naming Practice

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Improve your ability to name organic molecules accurately, a fundamental skill for understanding and communicating in organic chemistry.

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Find online IUPAC naming practice quizzes.
Name a variety of organic structures.
Check your answers and review mistakes.

Five other activities

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Read 'Organic Chemistry' by Paula Yurkanis Bruice

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Supplement the course material with a comprehensive textbook that provides in-depth explanations and numerous practice problems.

View Student Study Guide and Solutions Manual for... on Amazon

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Read assigned chapters before each corresponding lecture.
Work through the end-of-chapter problems.
Review key concepts and summaries.

Create Flashcards for Reaction Mechanisms

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Solidify your understanding of reaction mechanisms by creating visual aids that break down each step and highlight key intermediates.

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Choose key reaction mechanisms from the course.
Draw each step of the mechanism on a flashcard.
Label reactants, products, and intermediates.
Review the flashcards regularly.

Consult 'Organic Chemistry as a Second Language' by David R. Klein

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Use a supplementary textbook that simplifies complex concepts and provides alternative explanations for challenging topics.

View Organic Chemistry as a Second Language on Amazon

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Read chapters corresponding to course topics.
Work through the practice problems.
Compare explanations with the main textbook.

Tutor a Classmate in Organic Chemistry

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Reinforce your own understanding by explaining concepts to others, identifying areas where you need further clarification.

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Offer to help a classmate struggling with the material.
Prepare explanations and examples for key concepts.
Answer their questions and provide feedback.

Create a Reaction Summary Sheet

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Consolidate your knowledge of organic reactions by creating a comprehensive summary sheet that includes reactants, products, reagents, and mechanisms.

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List all the reactions covered in the course.
For each reaction, draw the mechanism and note the key reagents.
Organize the reactions by type or functional group.
Review and update the summary sheet regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Organic Chemistry I Crash Course - OChem Made Simple will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical processes and substances that occur in living organisms. A strong foundation in organic chemistry is essential for understanding the structure and function of biomolecules. This course may help you develop a deeper understanding of organic chemistry principles, allowing you to analyze biochemical pathways and reactions. By mastering concepts like functional groups, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms, you can better understand the molecular basis of life. Enrolling in this course equips you to be a better biochemist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Research Scientist

As a research scientist, you will design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and write reports to advance scientific knowledge. A deep understanding of organic chemistry principles is crucial for success in this role, particularly in fields like drug discovery or materials science. This course may help you build a strong foundation in the core concepts of organic chemistry, such as reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy. By mastering these fundamentals, you can better analyze experimental results, design new molecules, and contribute to groundbreaking research. In particular, the modules on reaction mechanisms and IR spectroscopy may prove valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Process Chemist

A process chemist is responsible for optimizing chemical processes for large-scale manufacturing. This involves understanding reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process safety. This course may enhance your knowledge of reaction mechanisms and functional group chemistry, which are essential for designing efficient and cost-effective chemical processes. The course's focus on common mistakes and helpful tips can also help you troubleshoot process-related issues and improve overall yields. The sections on substitution mechanisms (Sn2 and Sn1) and elimination mechanisms may be particularly relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Chemist

Science Educator

Science educators teach chemistry concepts to students at various levels, from high school to college. A thorough understanding of organic chemistry is essential for conveying complex topics clearly and effectively. This course may help you improve your understanding of the core concepts in organic chemistry and refine your teaching methods. The comprehensive layout of the course, along with the focus on common mistakes and helpful tips, can assist you in creating engaging and informative lessons. It will be helpful to consult the course regarding Molecular Drawings, Hybridization Theory, and Resonance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator

Environmental Chemist

Environmental chemists analyze pollutants and study their impact on the environment. A strong background in organic chemistry is essential for understanding the behavior and fate of organic contaminants. This course may help you, as an environmental chemist, to identify and quantify organic pollutants in environmental samples and to develop strategies for remediation. The modules on acidity and reaction mechanisms may be helpful for understanding the transformation and degradation of organic pollutants in the environment. The IR spectroscopy module is helpful too.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Chemist

Materials Scientist

The field of materials science involves researching and developing new materials with specific properties. Organic chemistry plays a vital role in creating polymers, coatings, and other organic materials. This course may help you understand the structure-property relationships of organic molecules, enabling you to design materials with desired characteristics. By mastering concepts like hybridization, isomerism, and stereochemistry, you can better predict the behavior of organic materials and optimize their performance. The naming of organic molecules and bicyclic rings might be helpful as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Medical Writer

Medical writers create documents about medicine and health, typically for pharmaceutical companies or medical communication agencies. Often, these documents concern drug development, clinical trials, or regulatory submissions. A background in organic chemistry can be quite helpful as you navigate the complexities of drug structures, mechanisms of action, and metabolic pathways. This course may help you better communicate scientific information to a broad audience. The modules on functional groups and stereochemistry will be especially helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Toxicologist

Toxicologists evaluate the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms. A solid foundation in organic chemistry is critical for understanding how chemicals interact with biological systems. This course may help you understand the mechanisms by which organic compounds exert their toxic effects. By mastering concepts like functional group chemistry and reaction mechanisms, students will be better equipped to assess the potential risks associated with chemical exposure. The sections of the course on reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry may be particularly useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that pharmaceutical products comply with government regulations. A strong background in organic chemistry is essential for understanding the chemical properties and manufacturing processes of drug substances. This course may help you develop a deeper understanding of organic chemistry principles, allowing you to assess the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. The comprehensive coverage of reaction mechanisms, functional groups, and stereochemistry will be useful for evaluating regulatory submissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys protect intellectual property rights for inventors. A strong background in organic chemistry is essential for understanding and evaluating chemical patents. This course may help you develop a deeper understanding of organic chemistry principles, allowing you to assess the novelty and inventiveness of chemical inventions. By mastering concepts like reaction mechanisms and functional group chemistry, you can better analyze patent claims and defend the rights of your clients. This course is relevant to your role as a patent attorney.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Science Journalist

Science journalists communicate scientific discoveries and issues to the general public. A solid understanding of organic chemistry may enable you to explain complex chemical concepts accurately and engagingly. This course may provide the knowledge needed to write about advancements in fields like drug discovery, materials science, and environmental chemistry. By mastering the fundamentals of organic chemistry, such as molecular structure and reaction mechanisms, you can better translate scientific information into compelling stories. The roadmap section of the course may be particularly helpful.

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Flavor Chemist

Flavor chemists analyze and create flavors for food and beverage products. A strong understanding of organic chemistry is essential for understanding the chemical compounds that contribute to different tastes and smells. With this course, you may gain a more thorough understanding of the core concepts in organic chemistry. By mastering concepts like functional groups, isomers, and molecular structure, you can better predict the sensory properties of organic molecules and develop new and exciting flavors. You can put this course to work as a flavor chemist.

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Laboratory Manager

Laboratory managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a research laboratory. A solid understanding of organic chemistry is beneficial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of laboratory procedures. This course may help you improve your knowledge of chemical reactions, safety protocols, and chemical waste disposal. By mastering concepts like functional groups and reaction mechanisms, you can better manage laboratory resources and ensure the smooth operation of research projects. The functional groups section may be useful here.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Manager

Science Technician

Science technicians assist scientists in conducting research and experiments. A science technician must have a basic understanding of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. This course may help you further your understanding of the fundamental principles of organic chemistry. The course modules devoted to functional groups may be particularly helpful to your work as a science technician, and may help you perform experiments with greater confidence. Consider enrolling to become an even better science technician.

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Pharmacovigilance Specialist

Pharmacovigilance specialists monitor the safety of pharmaceutical products after they are marketed. A background in organic chemistry may help you understand the chemical structures and potential metabolites of drug substances, allowing you to identify potential adverse drug reactions. This course may enhance your understanding of organic chemistry principles, allowing you to assess the safety of pharmaceutical products. The modules on reaction mechanisms and functional groups may prove beneficial to you, a pharmacovigilance specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacovigilance Specialist

Organic Chemistry I Crash Course - OChem Made Simple

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Effective ochem i supplement and crash course

Activities

Career center

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