CHM 5235
Applied Molecular Spectroscopy
Summer C, 2007

Welcome to CHM 5235. Your instructor is enthusiastic about working with you to meet the goals of the course. This syllabus contains information that will be useful to you throughout the semester. Please bookmark it for future reference.

Instructor:

Seth Elsheimer, Ph.D.

Office Hours:

Monday and Wednesday before class (1:30-2:50 pm), CH 332
Other times are possible whenever we are both available.
Feel free also to communicate by e-mail: sethe@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu

Textbook:

R. M. Silverstein, F. X. Webster, & D. J. Kiemle (SWK)
Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds, 7th Ed.
Wiley, 2005 (ISBN 0-471-39362-2),

Tests will be at least partially "open book" so having unrestricted access to a copy of this text is important. Some assigned exercises may also come directly from the textbook.

Other good (optional) reference sources used in lecture include:

D. Pavia, G. Lampman, & G. Kriz (PLK)
Introduction to Spectroscopy, 3rd Ed.
Brooks/Cole; Thomson Learning., 2001 (ISBN: 0-03-031961-7)

J. McMurry Organic Chemistry, 6th Ed
Brooks/Cole; Thomson Learning., 2004 (ISBN: 0-53439001-3)
or other comparable beginning Organic chemistry textbook

Course Goals:

Be familiar with the basic theory behind common molecular spectroscopy techniques. Know the value and limitations of each.

Be able to deduce unambiguous structural formulas for pure organic compounds from their spectral data.

Tentative Test Dates:

These are planned for Wednesdays 5/30, 6/20, 7/11, 8/1.
Any changes will be announced in class in advance.

Lecture Notes:

Below are links to downloadable PowerPoint files of lecture presentations. These are not required but are intended to allow for more relaxed note taking in class if you wish. These are not a substitute for class attendance and have been modified to contain blanks in key places where you can complete the story before or during class.

Mass Spectrometry

Infrared Spectroscopy

UV-Visible Spectroscopy

Course Requirements:

CHM 2210 and CHM 2211 (or equivalent) are prerequisites. Prior knowledge of topics from undergraduate organic chemistry is assumed.

Complete all tests at the scheduled times. Exceptions are rare but can sometimes be made in advance if a test is to be taken early (but not late). No make-up tests will be given.

Turn in all problem assignments on time. These are normally due one week after being assigned at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments are normally not accepted once the others have been graded or if we have discussed a solution in class.

Class attendance is required. Please come to every session on time and be ready to contribute.

Retrieve and correct each graded problem set or test before the next class period after it was returned. Hold yourself accountable for understanding topics and be sure you can use that knowledge if a similar situation emerges later.

Grading:

100 points = Graded Problem Sets
300 points = Progress Tests (3 x 100)
100 points = Final Exam
500 points = Total

Letter grades for the course will be curved according to class performance. Plus and minus grades are used rarely and only in borderline cases. In those situations class participation will be considered in addition to scores. All scores and approximate letter grades to date will be posted anonymously outside CH 332 and updated after each test so you can always know your progress and current grade. The withdrawal deadline is Friday 6/22/07 at 5:00 pm.

Distractions:

In consideration of others please silence all cell phones in class and avoid audible conversations except when responding to questions or working in groups on problems in class.