Essential Information
Organic chemistry courses are often included in degree programs that prepare students for careers in genetic research, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical design or scientific research. Additionally, many individuals interested in pursuing a medical career take some form of beginning-level organic chemistry courses.
Introductory courses that explore atoms, elements, physiological structure, and molecular structure are offered for students to gain an understanding of the basics of organic chemistry. Advanced courses in this subject area are usually taken in the final years of a degree program and may cover atomic compounds, chemical reactions, and advanced research methods.
Here is a list of common concepts explored in organic chemistry courses:
- Organic compounds
- Synthesis methods
- Spectroscopic properties
- Hydrocarbons
- Protein synthesis
- Enzymatic reactions
List of Organic Chemistry Courses
Introductory Organic Chemistry Course
Some specific topics offered in beginning-level organic chemistry courses may include introduction to the study of atoms, elements and molecular structures. Physiological biochemistry, which is the study of organic physiological structures, is also covered. Students study the basic principles in understanding organic molecules' reactivity and structure. The carbonyl group is generally explored, as well as instruction in substituting and eliminating reactions in this group. Introductory organic chemistry courses are generally prerequisites for students enrolled in chemistry or chemical engineering programs.
Advanced Organic Chemistry Course
Aromatic compounds may be introduced in the advanced organic chemistry class, as well as the valence bond resonance and orbital theories. Ramifications of covalent and non-covalent bonding of organic molecules and thermodynamic considerations of organic molecular shapes are also generally explored. Additionally, students might learn the organic chemical reactions for acid-based, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic elimination and pericyclic reactions. Advanced organic chemistry courses are generally offered in the last year of an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Organic Chemistry Research Methods Course
Organic chemistry research methods, as they apply to the pharmaceutical, material, crystal engineering and science fields, are explored in this course. Computational research methods, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy skills, mass spectrometric skills and techniques are also generally examined. There are generally prerequisite organic chemistry courses to enroll in this course.
Introductory Bio-chemistry Course
The bio-organic chemistry course provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in structural organic chemistry, enzyme mechanisms, kinetics and molecular genetics. Organic and chemical phenomena and energy that affect life processes are also generally explored, as well as intramolecular forces of attraction. Specific topics may include organic compounds and the structure and reaction of alkanes, ethers, ketones and alkenes. Prerequisite courses are generally a requirement for this advanced organic chemistry class.
