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Jason Crumpton

       In this course, I'll help you get comfortable with all of the major topics in the first semester of Organic Chemistry. All too often, students fear this course or they consider it too difficult for the average person to succeed.

       I'm here to tell you that that's simply not true. You don't have to be a genius to succeed in OChem, and you don't have to spend hours upon hours of memorizing random details to make a good grade. You do have to understand the fundamentals, and you do have to be good at applying those fundamentals.

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       In this course, I'll help you get comfortable with all of the major topics in the first semester of Organic Chemistry. All too often, students fear this course or they consider it too difficult for the average person to succeed.

       I'm here to tell you that that's simply not true. You don't have to be a genius to succeed in OChem, and you don't have to spend hours upon hours of memorizing random details to make a good grade. You do have to understand the fundamentals, and you do have to be good at applying those fundamentals.

       My goal is to help you get to those Eureka moments quicker and more often than your peers through analogy and cutting through all of the unneeded fluff that most students fixate on. If you're having trouble with OChem, if you want a course to help you prepare, or if you just want a different perspective on the topic, I hope that you'll join me. You're going to do great.  :) 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to successfully approach nomenclature of functional groups
  • How to draw electron flow for mechanisms
  • How to use numbering, lettering, and coloring to help keep track of atom movement!
  • How to apply fundamental principles to situations instead of tedious memorization!
  • How to dominate synthesis problems

Syllabus

Drawing Structures, Acidity, and Electronegativity
Lewis Structures and Octet Rule
Lewis and Octet - Part II
Lewis and Octet - Part III
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and stereochemistry, which are foundational concepts in organic chemistry
Emphasizes understanding fundamental principles and applying them to problem-solving, rather than rote memorization
Includes topics such as Newman projections, cyclohexanes, and naming alkenes, which are often challenging for students
Explores alkene and alkyne reactions, providing a comprehensive overview of these important reaction types
Teaches students how to draw electron flow for mechanisms, which is a core skill for understanding organic reactions
Focuses on basic functional groups, which may require learners to have some familiarity with general chemistry concepts

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Reviews summary

Mastering organic chemistry i fundamentals

According to students, this course offers exceptionally clear explanations for the often-difficult subject of Organic Chemistry I. Reviewers frequently commend the instructor's approach, which emphasizes understanding fundamentals over memorization, calling it a highly effective strategy. The course is widely considered a great resource for beginners or those who have struggled previously, building confidence and clarity on core topics like mechanisms and nomenclature. While it provides a strong foundation, some learners mention it might not cover the full depth or range of topics required by all university syllabi.
Pace is generally good, though some sections move quickly.
"The pace was perfect for me, not too fast or slow."
"Felt a bit rushed in later sections, but the early parts were great."
"Sometimes spent a lot of time on basics, then moved quickly."
Excellent resource for those new to OChem or struggling.
"As someone who found OChem terrifying, this course was a lifesaver."
"Perfect for a first introduction or to supplement a difficult university course."
"This course really helped me overcome my fear of organic chemistry."
Uses relatable examples to illustrate abstract concepts.
"The analogies used were super helpful in grasping abstract ideas."
"Using real-world examples made organic chemistry less intimidating."
"The analogies clarified concepts I struggled with in my textbook."
Complex topics are explained simply and effectively.
"The way the instructor explains difficult concepts is fantastic, really breaks it down."
"Complex topics became much clearer after watching these lectures."
"I finally understand the *why* behind the reactions, thanks to the clear explanations."
Builds a strong foundation, emphasizing understanding principles.
"Instead of just memorizing, I learned the underlying principles. Game changer!"
"Loved the emphasis on understanding the basics rather than just rote memorization."
"Helped me connect concepts instead of seeing them as isolated facts."
May require supplementation for specific university curricula.
"It's a great foundation, but doesn't go into enough depth for my specific university class."
"Covers the main topics well, but some advanced reactions or topics weren't included."
"Good starting point, but I needed additional resources for certain chapters."

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 - Complete Master Class with these activities:
Review General Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental chemistry principles, which are essential for grasping organic chemistry concepts like acidity, basicity, and reaction mechanisms.
Browse courses on General Chemistry
Show steps
  • Review your general chemistry notes and textbook.
  • Work through practice problems on acids, bases, and equilibrium.
  • Focus on topics like electronegativity and bond polarity.
Create Flashcards for Functional Groups
Solidify your knowledge of functional groups by creating flashcards, which will aid in memorization and quick recall.
Show steps
  • Identify all the functional groups covered in the course.
  • Create a flashcard for each functional group with its name, structure, and properties.
  • Use the flashcards to quiz yourself regularly.
Read 'Organic Chemistry' by Paula Yurkanis Bruice
Supplement the course material with a well-regarded organic chemistry textbook to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the concepts.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters corresponding to the course syllabus.
  • Work through the end-of-chapter problems.
  • Compare the textbook's explanations with the course instructor's.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Consult 'Organic Chemistry as a Second Language' by David R. Klein
Use a supplementary textbook designed for students who find organic chemistry challenging, providing alternative explanations and practice.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters that correspond to the course material.
  • Work through the practice problems and check your answers.
  • Focus on the explanations of difficult concepts.
Mechanism Drawing Practice
Improve your ability to draw accurate and complete reaction mechanisms, a crucial skill for understanding and predicting reaction outcomes.
Show steps
  • Select a reaction mechanism from the course material.
  • Draw the mechanism step-by-step, showing electron flow.
  • Check your answer against the correct mechanism.
  • Repeat with different reaction mechanisms.
Build a Molecular Model Kit
Enhance your spatial reasoning and understanding of molecular structures by building a molecular model kit.
Show steps
  • Purchase or create a molecular model kit.
  • Build models of molecules discussed in the course.
  • Use the models to visualize stereochemistry and conformational isomers.
Tutor a Classmate
Reinforce your understanding of organic chemistry concepts by explaining them to a classmate, which will help identify gaps in your own knowledge.
Show steps
  • Offer to tutor a classmate who is struggling with the material.
  • Prepare explanations and examples for the topics they find difficult.
  • Answer their questions and provide feedback on their understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete Organic Chemistry I - Complete Master Class will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Organic Chemist
An organic chemist studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class will enhance skills needed for this role, such as understanding nomenclature of functional groups and reaction mechanisms. This course focuses on helping students quickly grasp organic chemistry concepts through analogy and by cutting through unnecessary details. This can greatly assist an organic chemist in efficiently analyzing and synthesizing organic molecules. Knowledge of topics like Lewis structures, skeletal structures, functional groups, and reaction mechanisms covered in the course are essential for success as an organic chemist. Furthermore, the course directly prepares a chemist to handle synthesis problems.
Medicinal Chemist
A medicinal chemist uses principles of chemistry, particularly organic chemistry, to design and synthesize new pharmaceutical drugs. The course, Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class, helps build a strong understanding of fundamental organic chemistry concepts such as nomenclature of functional groups, electron flow in mechanisms, and applying principles instead of memorization. These concepts are crucial for medicinal chemists as they design and modify molecular structures to optimize drug efficacy and minimize side effects. The course's focus on understanding reaction mechanisms and applying fundamental principles will improve a medicinal chemist's ability to predict the behavior of molecules and design effective drugs. A prospective medicinal chemist can use the course's lessons on drawing structures, acidity, electronegativity, and resonance to assist in drug design.
Biochemist
A biochemist studies the chemical processes within living organisms. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class helps build a solid foundation in the principles of organic chemistry, which is essential for understanding the structure and function of biomolecules. The course's focus on nomenclature of functional groups, drawing electron flow for mechanisms, and applying fundamental principles will enhance a biochemist's ability to analyze and interpret complex biochemical reactions. The course content on acidity, resonance, and stereochemistry directly assists a biochemist in understanding the behavior of biological molecules. Lessons on functional groups, naming structures, and understanding reaction mechanisms will be particularly useful.
Pharmacologist
A pharmacologist studies how drugs interact with biological systems. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class helps build the foundational knowledge of organic chemistry needed to understand drug metabolism and mechanism of action. The course's focus on nomenclature of functional groups, drawing electron flow for mechanisms, and applying fundamental principles will greatly enhance a pharmacologist's ability to analyze drug-receptor interactions. The insights on acidity, resonance, and stereochemistry will directly assist in understanding drug properties and behavior. The sections on alkenes and alkynes also provides insight into drug synthesis.
Chemical Engineer
A chemical engineer applies principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design and operate chemical processes. The Complete Master Class helps solidify the foundational knowledge of organic chemistry required to understand chemical reactions and processes that are essential in chemical engineering. Skills like drawing electron flow for mechanisms and applying fundamental principles are crucial for designing and optimizing chemical processes. The course's focus on understanding the fundamentals and applying them can assist a chemical engineer in tackling complex problems. The course content covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and alkene reactions directly enhances a chemical engineer's understanding of chemical process design and optimization.
Process Development Chemist
A process development chemist optimizes chemical processes for large-scale manufacturing. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class helps strengthen a chemist's understanding of reaction mechanisms and how reaction conditions affect product yield and purity. The course teaches how to successfully approach nomenclature of functional groups and draw electron flow for mechanisms. The course's focus on applying fundamental principles instead of rote memorization of particular reactions helps optimize chemical processes to be efficient and scalable. Understanding thermodynamics, kinetics, and major and minor products will be very useful in this role.
Toxicologist
A toxicologist studies the effects of chemical substances on living organisms. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in comprehending the structure and reactivity of organic toxins, and how they interact with biological systems. This course's lessons on nomenclature of functional groups and electron flow in mechanisms help a toxicologist understand how toxins are metabolized and detoxified in the body. The course's emphasis on applying fundamental principles helps a toxicologist in assessing the potential risks of chemical exposure. The discussions of alkenes, alkynes, and stereochemistry can provide valuable insights into the toxicity of various organic compounds.
Materials Scientist
A materials scientist researches and develops new materials with specific properties. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in understanding the organic components within various materials and how their structure affects the material's overall properties. The course's lessons on functional groups, hybridization, and resonance help a materials scientist better understand the behavior of organic molecules in materials. The course's emphasis on applying fundamental principles rather than memorization helps a materials scientist in designing new materials with tailored properties. The lectures on alkenes, alkynes, and stereochemistry will be particularly relevant to a materials scientist working with organic polymers.
Science Teacher
A science teacher educates students in scientific subjects, including chemistry. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class can improve a science teacher's understanding of organic chemistry concepts, enabling them to teach the subject more effectively. The course's focus on making complex topics accessible through analogy and simplification techniques helps a teacher in explaining difficult concepts to students. The course's coverage of fundamental principles and reaction mechanisms will assist a teacher in answering student questions and providing clear explanations. Furthermore, the ability to dominate synthesis problems will allow a science teacher to guide students when questions about synthesis inevitably arise.
Environmental Chemist
An environmental chemist studies the chemical processes in the environment. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in understanding the behavior and fate of organic pollutants in the environment. Understanding nomenclature of functional groups and reaction mechanisms, skills taught in this course, help environmental chemists trace and predict the movement and transformation of organic contaminants. The course lessons on acidity, resonance, and alkene reactions can provide insights into the environmental behavior of organic pollutants. Additionally, the skills taught in this course can allow for insights into the environmental impact of industrial chemicals.
Food Scientist
A food scientist studies the chemical, physical, and biological properties of food. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class helps provide a foundational understanding of the organic molecules that make up food, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The course's coverage of functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and stereochemistry helps a food scientist better understand the chemical reactions that occur during food processing and storage. The course's focus on applying fundamental principles helps a food scientist in analyzing and improving food quality and safety. The sections on alcohols, alkenes, and acids are particularly relevant for understanding flavor chemistry and food preservation.
Patent Attorney
A patent attorney specializes in obtaining patents for inventions, often in the chemical or pharmaceutical fields. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in understanding and evaluating the chemical compounds and processes described in patent applications. The course's coverage of nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis helps a patent attorney assess the novelty and non-obviousness of chemical inventions. The skills taught in this course can help a patent attorney understand the underlying chemistry and effectively communicate the invention to patent examiners. The course's lessons on drawing structures and functional groups can aid in the interpretation of chemical patents.
Agricultural Chemist
An agricultural chemist studies the chemistry of agriculture, including fertilizers, pesticides, and soil. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in understanding the chemical interactions between plants, soil, and agricultural chemicals. The course's lessons on functional groups, acidity, and reaction mechanisms can provide insights into the behavior of pesticides and fertilizers in the environment. The course's focus on applying fundamental principles helps an agricultural chemist in developing sustainable agricultural practices. Understanding the behavior of alkenes and alkynes also provides insight into creating specialized chemicals.
Cosmetic Chemist
A cosmetic chemist formulates and develops cosmetic products. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in understanding the chemical properties of ingredients and how they interact with the skin. The course's lessons on functional groups, alcohols, and acids can provide insights into the formulation of effective and safe cosmetic products. The course's focus on applying fundamental principles helps a cosmetic chemist in developing innovative and stable formulations. The materials on alkenes, stereochemistry, and resonance can be useful when working with many materials.
Brewmaster
A brewmaster oversees the brewing process, ensuring quality and consistency in beer production. The Organic Chemistry I Complete Master Class may be useful in understanding the chemical reactions that occur during fermentation and how they affect the flavor and aroma of beer. The course's lessons on alcohols, acids, and esters will help a brewmaster in controlling the chemical composition of beer. The course's focus on applying fundamental principles can help to optimize the brewing process and troubleshoot problems. This course material on reaction mechanisms and thermodynamics is directly relevant to understanding the science behind brewing.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Organic Chemistry I - Complete Master Class.
Is designed to help students who struggle with organic chemistry by presenting the material in a clear and accessible manner. It focuses on the fundamental concepts and provides numerous examples and practice problems. It is particularly useful for students who need a different perspective on the material or who are looking for additional support. This book is best used as a supplement to the main textbook.

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