Course Description

• Credit Hours:  3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week:  4

The course is the lecture to accompany CHEM 2123 lab. An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds.  An integration of aromatic and aliphatic compounds treating the principal classes of each. Emphasis on molecular structure theory, stereochemistry, structure and reactivity, and reaction mechanisms.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites:  CHEM 1312/CHEM 1112 with a grade of C or higher.

Corequisite:  CHEM 2123

Course Rationale

This course covers the fundamental facts, laws, principles, theories and concepts of chemistry necessary for further work in science or science-related subjects.

Required Textbook and Materials

Textbook:  “Organic Chemistry”, 8th ed., by Paula Yurkanis Bruice is the departmentally approved text.  All reading and problem assignments are given based on chapter, section, and problem numbers in this edition of the approved text.

Optional Materials:  Purchase of a molecular models kit is also highly recommended.  Although use of models will not be allowed during exams, most students find them to be extremely helpful when first learning how to visualize the 3-dimensional structures of organic molecules.  Inexpensive models kits can be purchased online at the following website:  http://www.darlingmodels.com

Kits #1, 1A, 1B, or 3 should be perfectly suitable for this course.  You can also find models kits at local bookstores, but these tend to be a bit more expensive.

Required Technology:  You will need to have internet access to watch class videos and archived recordings, and to submit homework assignments and exams.

This course requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams (only the optional final exam will be given online). The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. A broadband internet connection is required.  Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide  is also available.

Respondus requirements:

Windows:  11, 10, and 8.1 (Windows 10S is not compatible)

Mac:  macOS 10.12 to 12.0+

ChromeOS:  Version 88 and higher

iPadOS:  11.0+ (iPad only).  Must have a compatible LMS integration.

You should download and install Respondus LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=999134577

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, log into Blackboard, and select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. If you still need help, please contact the Student Services Help Desk.
• A “Respondus Practice Quiz” will be posted in the “Respondus Lockdown Browser” area of Blackboard several weeks before the end of the semester so that you may become comfortable in using Respondus before you take the online optional final exam.

Adobe Acrobat Reader:  To be able to view the .pdf documents that are posted in Blackboard, you will need software that allows you to open and view .pdf files.  You can download Acrobat Reader here:  get.adobe.com/reader/

Any “Scanner” App:  To turn in some assignments or portions thereof, you will need to scan in your work and submit it through Blackboard as a single .pdf file.  Of course, it is possible to use a scanner attached to a computer to scan in work, but all you really need is a smartphone.  There are numerous free apps available for iOS and Android phones that will allow to take photos with your phone camera, convert the images to .pdf format, and combine multiple photos into one .pdf file.  Some examples include Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, pdfElement, CamScanner, etc.  It does not matter which app you choose, but it should be capable of allowing multiple photos to be combined into a single .pdf file for Blackboard submission.  Submission of a multiple page document as multiple files will not be acceptable.  Submission in other file formats (.docx, .png, .jpg, etc.) will not be acceptable.

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Instructional Methodology

This course consists of a lecture section only.

Grading System

The letter grade that you earn in this class will be based entirely on the number of points that you earn, out of 600 points possible:

A  ≥ 540 pts; B = 480-539 pts; C = 420-479 pts; D = 360-419 pts; F < 360 pts

Based on overall class performance and the instructor’s discretion, the lower end of each letter grade boundary may be adjusted downward at the end of the term.  Points may be earned via successful completion of homework assignments and exams, as described below.  Bonus points will be awarded for class attendance and participation.

Once homework assignments and exams have been graded, scores, correct answers, feedback, and graded work will be available through the “My Grades” area of Blackboard.  Due to ACC policies concerning the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), instructors cannot call or email students with information about their grades.  If you have questions or concerns about your grades in this class, please contact me to schedule an individual conference.

Graded Homework:  Graded homework assignments will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. All assignments will be submitted electronically, through Blackboard.   Assignments will test your understanding of concepts that are presented in posted videos that you should watch on your own, outside of class, as well as concepts that are discussed during the class sessions. 

Each graded homework assignment will be worth 10 points.  There will be 20 graded homework assignments offered during the term.

Scores earned on graded homework assignments will be totaled until a maximum of 150 points is reached.

Tentative homework submission deadlines are listed in the “Course Schedule” found at the end of this syllabus.   It is your responsibility to check when assignments are due.  Since correct answers for homework assignments will become visible shortly after the submission deadline, homework may not be submitted late, for any reason.  Homework assignments will typically be posted in Blackboard at least one week before the submission deadline.

For some questions on the homework assignments, you will enter your answers directly into Blackboard.  For most questions, however, you will need to submit a .pdf file where you show your answer.  To receive full credit for homework, you must correctly follow the submission instructions for that assignment.

The graded homework assignments will be presented as “Tests” within Blackboard.  Each student will receive an individualized version of the assignment.  No credit will be awarded for submitted answers that are clearly not consistent with the specific version of the question presented.  There will be no time limit to complete a homework assignment once it is started, but there will only be one submission attempt allowed.  Please do not “Save and Submit” your answers until you are confident that you are submitting the answers you want graded.

Correct answers and worked out solutions will be made available as feedback within the assignment, after the submission deadline.  You will only be able to view this feedback if you submit the homework – it will not be possible for you to view the homework questions and correct answers/explanations if you do not open a homework assignment in Blackboard and submit answers. 

In addition to the graded homework assignments, you will be expected to work additional problems from the textbook as necessary for you to fully understand the material.  For each textbook chapter, problems from the textbook that provide good practice will be posted in Blackboard.  Suggested problems from the textbook will not be collected or graded, but you will want to work through as many textbook problems as necessary so that you can develop the problem-solving skills you will need to do well on the exams.  Students who attempt to work through and understand the suggested textbook problems generally perform significantly better on exams than students who do not.

Exam questions will derive from assigned textbook reading, class notes, posted class videos, graded homework assignments, and suggested textbook problems, so it is to your advantage to work all of the suggested textbook problems, and even more if you think it is necessary.  Students who make the effort to work lots of practice problems independently typically perform significantly better on chemistry exams than students who do not

Exams:  There will be four exams given during the term.  Each exam is worth 150 points.  Exams 1, 2 and 3 will be given IN CLASS on the dates listed in the “Course Schedule” at the end of this syllabus.  The optional final exam will be given ONLINE and will be available from 12:00am on Friday, August 4 until 11:59pm on Saturday, August 5.

For each exam, you will be provided with a periodic table plus other additional useful information (see the “CHEM 2323 Exam Useful Information” handout that is posted in each exam folder in the “Evaluation” area of Blackboard.)  You will also be allowed to refer to one additional sheet (no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches) on which you may write BY HAND any other information that you feel may be helpful as you take the exam.  You may write on both sides of this “cheat sheet”.  All information on this “cheat sheet” must be handwritten, in your own handwriting.  You may not include information that is typed, photocopied, scanned, etc.  For Exams 1, 2, and 3 your “cheat sheet” will be collected along with your exam and WILL NOT be returned, so be sure to make a copy of it if you want it for future reference.   

Use of other resources (textbooks, websites, posted class notes/videos, consultation with other people) outside of those listed in the previous paragraph is strictly prohibited during exams.

To take the optional final exam, you will be required to use the Respondus LockDown browser and a webcam.  Please keep the following guidelines in mind for the final exam:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Remain at your computer and on camera for the duration of the test
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
• Use of headphones, earbuds, etc. is not permitted when taking exams.  You may listen to music if you wish, but it needs to be audible in the video that will be recorded from your webcam while you take the exam.
• Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Exams 1, 2, and 3 will commence promptly at the beginning of class.  Students arriving late WILL NOT be provided with extra time to complete the exam.  Students arriving after the first exam has been submitted WILL NOT be allowed to take the exam.  All exams will have a time limit of 120 minutes.  When time is called at the end of the exam, all writing must stop immediately, and all exams and other materials must be turned in promptly.  A student who does not stop writing immediately when time is called will not have his or her exam graded, and a grade of 0 will automatically be recorded for the exam.

Once you begin an exam, you must remain in the exam room until you submit your answers for grading.  You may not leave the room for any reason – bathroom break, to get a drink of water, etc. 

If you elect to take the optional final exam, you will need to remain in view of your camera until you submit your answers for grading.  You may not leave the room where you take the online exam for any reason – bathroom break, to get a drink of water, to take a shower, etc.  If there is an issue that requires you to move out of the camera frame, verbally explain what is happening; your explanation will be recorded as part of the webcam video.

To give you an idea of what to expect on Exams 1, 2 and 3, practice exams will be posted in Blackboard at least one week prior to the exam date.  Since the final exam questions will be very similar to the kinds of questions encountered on the earlier exams, there will not be a practice final exam available.

The final exam is optional.  You may take this exam if you wish to replace a lower grade on an earlier exam with the final exam grade.  If you take the final exam, and it is your lowest exam grade, then the final exam score will be dropped.

Tentative course letter grades will be available by the end of the day on Thursday, 8/4.  If you are happy with your tentative course letter grade, then you do not need to take the final exam.  I will also indicate the minimum score needed on the final exam to improve to the next higher letter grade so that you may make an informed decision about whether taking the final exam might be helpful to your grade. 

Only the highest 3 (out of 4) exam scores will count.  Consequently, you may miss one exam, for any reason, with no impact on your course grade.  If you need to miss an exam due to illness, a family emergency, poor time management, transportation issues, or any other reason, the missed exam score will automatically be dropped.  Because of this dropped exam policy, no makeup exams will be given in this course, for any reason.  Students who miss more than one exam will be required to set up a meeting with me to discuss options for continuing in the course.

Attendance/Participation:  Students who attend class on a regular basis are more likely to stay caught up with the material and almost always earn higher grades than students who do not attend.  To encourage this good practice, you may earn up to 2 bonus points for each class meeting that you attend. 

Attendance and participation points bonus will be awarded as follows:

• • 0 points – absent from class
  • 1 point – present but not fully participating in the daily activities
  • 2 points – present and fully participating

There will be 15 class meetings during which attendance/participation points will be awarded.  The maximum number of bonus points that may be earned from attendance/participation is 30. 

Course Objectives

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0B6R1-NYTVNffSUNBZ1BNMGJHX1k?ogsrc=32

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. understand the structure and bonding of organic molecules
2. understand the nomenclature of aliphatic and aromatic compounds
3. understand conformational structures of alkanes
4. recognize and assign stereochemical designations of organic compounds
5. predict products from reactions of alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, dienes, and aromatic compounds based on a mechanistic understanding of these reactions and apply these reactions in multi-step syntheses

General Education Learning Outcomes

• Critical Thinking

Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information

• Interpersonal Skills

Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals

• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning

Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods

• Technology Skills

Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information

• Written, Oral and Visual Communication

Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium

Chemistry 2323 covers the material in Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 18 in “Organic Chemistry”, 8th ed., by Paula Yurkanis Bruice.

Blackboard Course Website:  This course will be taught using Blackboard, a Web-based course management system in which a password-protected site is created for each course.  Blackboard will be used to distribute course materials, to communicate online, to submit homework assignments and exams for grading, and to post grades and return graded work.

You will be responsible for checking the Blackboard course site regularly for class work and announcements. As with all computer systems, there are occasional scheduled downtimes as well as unanticipated disruptions. Notification of these disruptions will be posted on the Blackboard login page. Scheduled downtimes are not an excuse for late work. 

Blackboard is available at:  acconline.austincc.edu

A list of supported browsers and operating systems is available here:  help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Getting_Started/Browser_Support

If you need help with Blackboard, you might find it here:  help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student

Office Hours: “Walk-in” office hours will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:45 to 5:45pm in Rio Grande Building 1000, Room 1333.  No appointment is necessary.  Office hours are the best venue to ask questions about the course content, so I encourage everyone who has questions to attend.

Students from all of my classes may potentially visit the online office hours, so if you have questions about FERPA protected matters (your grades, SAS accommodations, etc.), let me know, and we can work out a mutually convenient time to set up an individual conference.

Individual conferences and virtual appointments outside of scheduled office hours are also possible.  Please contact me by email to schedule one if you need to, and I will provide instructions.  Since I have other responsibilities outside of my teaching (class prep, grading, etc.) I ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you would like to schedule an individual conference so that we may work out a mutually convenient time. 

Attendance/Class Participation: Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  Attendance will be taken at every class meeting.  Students who do not attend class during the first two weeks will not be allowed to continue in the course.  Students who miss four or more consecutive class meetings and do not contact Dr. Bocknack to discuss the situation are subject to withdrawal from the course.

If you do not attend class, you may miss important announcements or handouts, which may or may not be posted in Blackboard.  If you do not attend class, you cannot earn the attendance/participation bonus points for that day.   Students who attend class REGULARLY in college chemistry courses typically perform significantly better and earn higher grades than students who do not attend.

You are responsible for all materials, activities, assignments, or announcements covered in class.  Please make arrangements with another student to obtain information if you are absent.   If there is something going on in your life that will require you to miss two or more class meetings, please let me know so that we can discuss the situation. 

If classes are canceled due to weather, pandemic, or other emergencies, the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and for completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Communication:  On days when I teach (Monday through Thursday), I generally check email during office hours, so I will respond to email messages that require a response within 24 hours if received on Monday through Thursday.  I may or may not check email on Friday, during the weekend, or on holidays when the College is closed, so email received on those days is unlikely to receive a response until the next business day.  If you send email, please be sure that the course name and section(CHEM 2323 Section 002) is included in the subject field.

My office phone number is not typically a good way to reach me, since I rarely receive phone calls at the office, and I rarely check my office voicemail.  If you do happen to leave me a voicemail, it may take a week or more to receive a response.  Email really is the best way to get a hold of me.

Withdrawal Policy:  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roster should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student if the student does not have the proper prerequisites/corequisite for the class, or if the student has not completed lab safety training.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date (Monday, July 24, 2023). The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Reinstatement into a course after withdrawing is only possible if the student was withdrawn through college error.

The lecture and the lab are required in each chemistry course.  If a student drops/withdraws from one section of the course, they must also drop/withdraw from the corequisite.  The only exception to this policy is if you have already received credit for the corequisite course.  If you have already received credit for the CHEM 2123 lab, you must provide proof to the Chemistry Department Chair (Madan Mohan, mohan@austincc.edu) by Friday, June 9 to be eligible to remain enrolled in CHEM 2323 without concurrent enrollment in CHEM 2123.

Once again, if you wish to drop or withdraw from the course, you must do so yourself; the instructor will not be responsible.  The last day to drop the course (so it does not appear on your transcript) is Wednesday, June 14, 2023.  The last day to withdraw from the course (appears on transcript with grade of W) is Monday, July 24, 2023. 

 Missed or Late Work:  If you miss one exam, there will be no impact on your class grade since the lowest exam score will be dropped at the end of the semester.  If you miss more than one exam, then you may be required to set up a meeting with me to discuss options for continuing in the class.  Exam dates will be strictly enforced, and makeup exams will not be given, for any reason.

Graded homework assignments must be submitted by the posted deadlines.  Late homework submissions are not possible, for any reason.  Remember, there will be 20 graded homework assignments worth 10 points each, and the maximum homework total possible is 150 points.  Missing one or two homework assignments will not have a negative impact on your grade (if you perform reasonably well on the homework assignments that you do submit).

Timely Return of Graded Material:  I will make every effort to return graded work to you within two weeks of the submission deadline.  Graded work may be accessed through “My Grades”.  Click on the score after it is available, and you will be able to access the comments and download the graded files by clicking on the comment bubble.

Incomplete Grade Policy:  An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course due to medical/emergency reasons. Students must have successfully completed at least 75% of the course material to receive an incomplete.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester. In this course, it will only be possible to receive a grade of incomplete if you complete at least 75% of the course work with at least a 70% average.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  
4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Health & Safety Protocols:  Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available.
• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.  The college cannot mandate indoor masking but is encouraging it.
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity:  Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at:  https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Consider the following guidelines when accessing information for this class.

Graded homework:  You may use any resources that you wish to complete graded homework assignments.  Collaboration with other students is acceptable, and you may use other resources (besides me) to help you be successful.  Bear in mind, however, that if you do not learn to work through homework problems independently, you are unlikely to be successful on exams.

Exams:  You are supposed to use your own knowledge plus limited additional information when taking exams in this course.  You will be monitored using Respondus Lockdown Browser while taking exams, but there are ways around this system.  Remember these consequences, however:

• • If I discover that students are sharing test information, I will assign an exam grade of 0 to both the giver and the receiver of the illicit information.
  • If I find that a student has submitted answers (correct or incorrect) obtained via a web search or other outside collaboration, the student will receive zero credit for that question.

Both bulleted items above are forms of cheating, and offenders will be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs.

Student Rights & Responsibilities:  Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College, you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements:  Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalkingcommitted by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints:  A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy:  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  All class grades will be posted in the “My Grades” area of Blackboard as they become available.

Recording Policy:  To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through Blackboard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement:  Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry:  The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited:  The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC Email:  All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center:  For Summer 2022, the Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

All tests in this class will be administered through Blackboard, as described above in the “Unit Exams” section of this syllabus.  Since each unit exam will be available for several calendar days, and since the lowest unit exam score can be replaced by the homework total score or the scaled Final Exam score, makeup tests will not be given in this class.

ACC Policy Concerning Copyrighted Materials:  All class materials provided on the instructor’s web page, Blackboard, CD, and/or in printed form (labs, objectives, assignments, etc.) are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright holder.  This may be the instructor, ACC, or a publisher.  Reproduction consists of photocopying, scanning and copying files, or posting on a server or web site.  Students currently registered for this section have permission to print one copy of course materials for their own personal use.  No permission is given for posting any course materials on web sites.

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support:  ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:  https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support 

Student Accessibility Services:  Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.  

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support:  ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis.  An online tutor request can be made here:  https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/  Additional tutoring information can be found here:  austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services:  ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.   Campus libraries are open this semester, although with limited hours.  This may change, so please check the ACC Library website for the latest information.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website:  http://library.austincc.edu

• Library Information, Hours, & Services during COVID-19:

https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19

• Ask a Librarian:  https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location:  https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email:  library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations:  ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at:  http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support:  Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at:

https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.  

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:  http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:                                                 

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

All dates below are subject to change.  Any changes to this schedule, and in particular to the exam dates, will be announced in class and posted in Blackboard as far in advance as possible.  Unless otherwise announced in class, you are responsible for all material in all assigned textbook sections, even if it is not discussed in class.  If there is a discrepancy between a textbook explanation and a class explanation, assume that the class explanation is correct (ask for clarification if necessary).  Some topics will be covered in online videos that will mostly be produced by Dr. Bocknack – links will be posted in Blackboard.

IMPORTANT, SO READ CAREFULLY!

Organic chemistry is conceptually very different from other subjects you may have encountered and can only be mastered through very disciplined study.  It will be virtually impossible to do well in this class if you do not attend the lectures faithfully, prepared to learn.  Study the material presented in each lecture as soon as possible, do as many of the assigned problems as possible (plus more, if you have time), and try to relate new concepts and ideas to what you have already learned.  Knowledge in organic chemistry is cumulative.  You must learn how concepts relate to each other, because then the larger picture is easier to understand.  Rote memorization will not typically lead to success in this course.

In general, you should expect to spend at least 4 hours of study time outside of class for every hour spent in lecture. Most “A” students employ the following study strategies:

1.     Skim the textbook material before a topic is covered in lecture.  The reading assignment that appears in the “Course Schedule” below for each class session is “preview” reading that should be completed BEFORE the lecture.  Don’t attempt to learn everything at this stage; rather, try to get a general sense of what the important topics are.  Even a brief prior exposure to the main ideas will help to focus your attention in lecture to make it a more worthwhile learning experience. 

2.     Listen carefully in lecture and take good notes.  Lectures will be given using a “chalk talk” format, meaning that I will write out structures and important points on an iPad that will be projected onscreen as we discuss the material.  Make a sincere effort to listen, and pay close attention, because unless otherwise indicated, you will be expected to understand all of the material presented in lecture.  Jot down any questions or points for clarification as they arise, so you don’t forget them.  I view the lectures as being the most important component of the course.  The textbook is best used as a supplement to your lecture notes, and as a convenient source of practice problems.  We may occasionally cover material in lecture that is notpresented in your textbook.

3.     Review your notes as soon as possible after lecture.  Don’t just stare at your notes, however.  You should study activelywith pen or pencil in hand.  The act of rewriting and summarizing your notes will help you to reinforce your understanding of the important concepts.  When we begin to discuss organic reaction mechanisms, you’ll be in trouble unless you spend significant time on your own, learning how to write them!  As you study your notes, refer to the relevant sections of the textbook for clarification or alternative explanations of the important concepts.  Please note that the textbook often provides only a very basic outline of a reaction mechanism, omitting key steps.  You will need to understand reaction mechanisms at the level they are discussed in lecture.  Once again, jot down questions as they arise, since you have to realize what you don’t understand before you can seek help.

4.     After you spend no more than an hour or two studying the concepts presented in a particular lecture, TAKE A BREAK.  Spend some time studying for a different class, go to the gym to exercise your body, or relax for a while.  Research has shown that long term recall is facilitated when information is learned in small chunks.  Your brain needs time to process the information it has taken in.  Give the part of your brain that processes organic chemistry a rest and allow it some time to process what it has learned subconsciously.

5.     After your break (for instance, the next day), test your understanding of the concepts you studied by working related homework problems.  Working lots and lots of problems is the best way to prepare for exams in this course.  Think about it – the exams will ask you to solve problems, and the only way you will develop the skills necessary to do this is with extensive practice.  The textbook problems that will be posted in Blackboard for each chapter should be completed after we cover the relevant material in class.  Do not consult the study guide/answer key until you have spent considerable time (at least 15 minutes) attempting to work through a problem on your own.  Simply looking at answers developed by someone else will generally not lead to understanding that is sufficient for adequate performance on exams.  If you get completely stuck, you haven’t mastered the key concepts yet.  Go back to your notes and the text to study some more on your own.  If you are still stuck, visit office hours to get help.

6.     Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.  My role is to assist you as YOU learn organic chemistry.  I will try to explain the concepts in a way that is clear and understandable, but I cannot do the work of learning for you   If you are struggling, you need to meet with me so that I can help you figure out what you might be doing wrong, and what you might attempt to change to fix the problem.  The only way I can help you is if you ask for help, however.  Admitting that you need help in a challenging subject like organic chemistry is not a sign of weakness – rather it is a sign of maturity.  Please take advantage of my office hours throughout the semester (not just before exams).

7.     Students who find themselves in trouble generally end up there because they fall behind.  Organic chemistry is a cumulative subject.  We will encounter a tremendous amount of material this semester, and a thorough understanding of the early material will be critical for understanding more advanced topics.  For this reason, cramming right before exams is generally not an effective strategy for learning organic chemistry.  You simply won’t have enough time to learn the material at the level you will be expected to understand it, and you certainly won’t have enough time to work through lots and lots of practice problems.  Remember, it is better to keep up than to catch up.