Announcements

March 24

Exams Ready for Pick-up: Grading of the final exam is now complete.  If you submitted an envelope with you exam, it has been mailed.  If you did not submit an envelope, then you may pick up your exam on Tuesday (03/25) , Wednesday (03/26) or any day after the first day of the spring quarter.  The final course grade curve has been posted.

Please do not ask for exam score or grade information by phone or e-mail.  I cannot protect the privacy of this information if I cannot completely verify your identity.  In this day of lost ID cards, computer hackers and identity theft, I cannot verify your identity by voice or ID number.  To find out your exams scores, pick up your exams in person.  To find out your course grade, wait until it is posted on URSA, usually two weeks or less after the final exam.

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Plagiarism of Extra Credit Assignment:  Of the 69 Synthesis Extra Credit assignment submissions, 25 were found to be plagiarized.  Students whose submissions were plagiarized will receive no credit for this assignment.  Further action with the Dean of Students is being considered.  Such action could include permanent dismissal from UCLA.

While the instructions for the assignment encourage you to discuss your answers with other students, plagiarism is NEVER acceptable, even if the instructions do not mention it.  Please review my Academic Dishonest Policy Statement, and the associated UCLA documents that can be accessed from the site.

I am very disappointed that this many students would jeopardize their careers to save themselves a few hours of work (and the associated learning), in order to have a small chance to receive AT MOST a small increase grade.

Because of the nature of this incident, none of the extra credit assignments can be returned.  If you have earned extra credit, a notation will be made on the front of your final exam.

If you are one of the 25 plagiarists, please do not bother to ask me for a letter of recommendation in the future.

Revised Course Topic Schedule: After consideration of the fact that we are about one lecture hour behind schedule, it has been decided that the lecture topic Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins will be cut.  This means there will be no OWLS problem set or exam coverage of this topic.

February 27

Extra Credit Opportunity: Some extra credit synthesis problems are available.  Read more here.

Links to Color Orbital Pictures: Color versions of the orbitals discussed in lecture may be found at these links: Ethylene1,3-Butadiene

Supplementary NMR Material: Some optional reading on NMR spin-spin coupling is available for your learning enrichment. This is a large (6 MB) pdf file.

Learning Service Opportunity: The Academic Mentor Program is a state funded partnership between Los Angeles School District (LAUSD) schools and communities that provides one-to-one mentoring for students in grades Kindergarten-12 both during and after school.

Empirical evidence demonstrates that students' test scores increase by 10% within six months of receiving the special assistance our program provides.  After a year, Stanford 9 (SAT9) scores increase by 10%-35%.  Students that are mentored also increase their attendance rates and receive fewer disciplinary referrals.  Our program targets schools with a large number of low-performing students.  Students often come from lower socio-economic backgrounds; many are English Language Learners or have parents that are not able to assist them academically.  Volunteers from the Academic Mentor Program are able to help reinforce the value of education.

At each school that has implemented our program, our goal is to match at least 200 at-risk students with mentors.  Currently, we have a shortage of mentors at many of the 20 LAUSD schools that are participating.  It is our duty to make sure that the children of our future have the adequate resources to build successful futures.  Therefore, we are leading an active recruitment campaign to encourage the community to devote one hour a week to make a difference in a child's life.

As a recent UCLA graduate (June '02), I know that UCLA students are a valuable resource to our community.  We are particularly seeking to recruit university students from the math and sciences because these opportunities are presented to them less frequently than to the students in the social sciences.  I am confident that we will be able to recruit capable and qualified mentors to aid these children.

For information, contact: Michelle Y. Oh, Academic Mentor Program, 333 South Beaudry Avenue, Suite B2-216, Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 241-6900  E-mail: michelle.oh@lausd.net  Web site: www.academicmentor.org

Dr H's Office Hours: Thanks for your votes!  Based on your requests, my office hours are 9 - 10 AM Monday and Wednesday.  Also remember that you can drop by most anytime to ask a question.

VOH Log-in Problems: If your SID is rejected by VOH even though your are enrolled in the class, use 123456789 as your log-in SID.

VOH Submissions: When making VOH submissions, please limit yourself to one clearly phrased question per submission but make as many submissions as you like.  This makes it easier to read the answers.  If asking a question from a text or the course workbook, please specify the source, page number and problem number (if applicable).  I can't ease your confusion if I don't know the source of said confusion!

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Organic Chemistry Web Site Link List.  Use this list of web sites to aid your understanding of organic chemistry.  Organized by Brown and Foote chapter.

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Chem TV: The Chem TV software contains a variety of tutorial, review and self-test materials to help you master the complexities of organic chemistry.  It can be accessed at the Science Learning Center (SLC) computer labs on the 4th floor of Young Hall.

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Lecture Notes: The Chem 30A ASUCLA Lecture Notes packet (notes from spring 2002 quarter) will be available for purchase on the first day of class at the Textbook Information counter the Ackerman Bookstore.

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VOH Submissions: When making VOH submissions, please limit yourself to one clearly phrased question per submission but make as many submissions as you like. (In VOH submissions containing more than one question, only the first question will be answered.)  This makes it easier to read the answers.  If asking a question from a text or the course workbook, please specify the source, page number and problem number, if applicable.  I can't ease your confusion if I don't know the source of said confusion!  Also remember to read all the new VOH questions and answers every few days.  Someone may have asked something you were wondering about.  I have also been known to base exam questions on VOH submissions!

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Looking for a tutor?  Try the tutor list compiled by the Undergraduate Chemistry Office.

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Some thoughts to consider:

I am a teacher ... The life I lead is the most agreeable I can imagine.  [In the] classroom ... here await me a group of intelligent and curious young ... [people] who read the books assigned them with a sense of adventure and discovery, discuss them with zest, and listen appreciatively to explications I may offer. What makes the process most satisfying is the conviction that ... education is mankind's most important enterprise
       --- an American college teacher, 1962

We lead students to the fountain of knowledge. Some will drink deeply, some will take a few swallows, and some will just sip. An increasing number will, as at the dentist, merely rinse before spitting out
       --- an American college teacher, 1995

Are you a 1962 student or a 1995 student?  Read more about studying and student performance from this essay.

A list of known textbook and web site errors and information of an extra credit point bounty for finding such errors is available.

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Online Tutorials: Some organic chemistry tutorials written by Dr. Hardinger and past students are available.

To see your current class standing, consult If Grades Were Assigned Today

• Chemistry Study Tips
• Tips for Taking Organic Chemistry Exams

Instructor

• Dr. Steven A. Hardinger
• Office: 3077C Young Hall
• Phone: (310) 825-4009
• Send E-mail to Dr. Hardinger
• Office Hours (Winter 2003):
• Monday and Wednesday 9 - 10 AM
• Or just drop by my office.  Outside of normal office hours, there is a very good chance I will be able to answer your questions.  If the door is closed, please feel free to knock!

To avoid overcrowding, please attend the Discussion Section in which you are enrolled.  If you need to change sections, please ask first.

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Discussion Section Activities: OWLS Sessions

New for winter 2003!  Problem sets will be covered in discussion approximately one week after the topic is introduced in lecture.  During this week delay, you should download the problem set from this web site and work the answers for yourself.  In discussion, you will be given the opportunity to present your answer to the class.  Correct answers may earn Exam Score Recovery Points (ESRP).  The ESRP value of a given problem will be announced in discussion.  The teaching assistants will assign ESRPs and make weekly reports to Dr H.  You may earn up to ten ESRP for each exam.  (Exam 3 and the Final count as one exam.)  Your accumulated ESRP will be added to the corresponding exam score, to a maximum score of 100 points.  ESRP will be credited only if you have signed the attendance sheet distributed at discussion.  ESRP can only be earned during your assigned discussion section, unless otherwise allowed by Dr H.

A new problem set will be introduced for each lecture topic.  Each problem set may be used in discussion more than once.

The problem sets are available at discussion or on-line.  To encourage correct use of OWLS problems sets, answer keys will be distributed only at discussion or from a TA or Dr H once you have proven you have made a significant effort on working the problems.

"Why should I bother with OWLS?"  A fair question!  You may be tempted to skip discussion, especially at 8 AM, but note that the OWLS problems sets are written by the same person who also writes the CFQ & PP and exams, suggesting OWLS problems should be excellent exam practice.  In addition, course grade statistics suggest that persistent use of OWLS problems leads to grade success.  In one recent quarter, only 20% of the students with the 50 lowest course grades used OWLS, whereas over 80% of the 50 highest grades used OWLS consistently.

OWLS attendance is not mandatory, but is strongly suggested.
 

 

OWLS Schedule Click on title to view problem set or solutions

Discussion Section Dates	OWLS Problem Sets Some are not yet available	OWLS Solutions Available
January 13 - 17	Mass Spectrometry and Infrared Spectroscopy	Solutions
January 20 - 24	Proton NMR	Solutions
January 27 - 31	Solving Spectroscopy Problems I	Solutions
February 3 - 7	Solving Spectroscopy Problems II	Solutions
February 10 - 14	Conjugated Molecules	Solutions
February 17 - 21	Introduction to Aromaticity Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution	Int Aroma EAS
February 24 - 28	Aryl Halides and Phenols	February 26
March 3 - 7	Heterocycles	March 7
March 10 - 14	Pericyclic Reactions Carbohydrates Nucleic Acids	Pericyclic Reactions Carbohydrates Nucleic Acids

• Organic Chemistry (Brown and Foote; 3rd edition) and accompanying Study Guide
• Chem 30C Workbook (Pre-printed collection of Concept Focus Questions, Practice Problems and old exams,  Also available on-line.)

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Ancillary Materials VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

• Pushing Electrons (Weeks, 3rd edition; on reserve at Powell Library)
• Interactive Organic Chemistry  CD-ROM (SLC, Young Hall 4th floor) and Workbook for Interactive Organic Chemistry (reserve at Powell Library)
• ASUCLA Lecture Notes: Purchase current quarter subscription and/or entire set from a past quarter (spring 2002) at the Lecture Notes desk in the Ackerman Bookstore
• General chemistry text as needed for review
• Molecular model kit

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Course - Related Web and Computer Materials

• Virtual Office Hours Please limit each VOH submission to one question so it is easier to find and read the answers.  However, make as many submission as you wish.
• Dr. Hardinger's Home Page
• Science Learning Center Computer Labs: Young Hall 4340 and thereabouts.  The Interactive Organic Chemistry CD is available here, but not the workbook.

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If Grades Were Assigned Today...  Will be updated after each exam.

These scores represent your current class standing only.  Letter grades for each exam are not assigned, as your course grade is determined by your total point count, not by letter grades for individual exams.

Exams 1 and 2 will generally be returned in lecture.  Should you miss lecture, they may be collected from my office (Young 3077C). You will be required to present a picture ID to collect your exams in my office.  Exam 3 and the Final will be available in my office when the final course grade cutoffs are posted, usually no earlier than one week after the exams are taken.
 

Are you an Einstein or an amoeba?  When an exam is returned to you, consider the following thought (attributed to Karl Popper, an educational philosopher): "The difference between the amoeba and Einstein is that, although both make use of the methods of trial and error or elimination, the amoeba dislikes erring while Einstein is intrigued by it.  He consciously searched for his errors in the hope of learning their discovery and elimination."

Grading Instruments and Policies

• Exams may be taken in pen or pencil, but exams in pencil often are denied regrades.
• Allowed and forbidden exam tools: For most exams you are allowed to bring your molecular models.  You will most probably not be allowed the use of a calculator or note cards.  Cell phones, PDAs, personal CD players, pagers and other electronic devices are prohibited at all times.  If you answer your cell phone during an exam, we are forced to assume you are cheating, and your exam score will suffer accordingly.
• Writing after time is called: Continuing to write after time is called is cheating, and will be treated as any other form of academic dishonesty.  Penalties range from significant point deductions to failing the exam to a report ot the Dean of Students.
• Exam Score or Course Grade Information by Phone or E-Mail: Please do not ask for exam score or grade information by phone or e-mail.  I cannot protect the privacy of this information if I cannot completely verify your identity.  In this day of lost ID cards, computer hackers and identity theft, I cannot verify your identity by voice or ID number.  To find out your exams scores, pick up your exams in person.  To find out your course grade, wait until it is posted on URSA, usually two weeks or less after the final exam.
• Midterm Exams: There will be three 50 minute midterm exams, two during regularly scheduled lecture times on the days noted.   The third midterm exam will be concurrent with the final exam as described below.  The lowest exam score will not be dropped.  All exams carry equal weight.  Letter grades are not assigned for individual exams. Midterm exams are worth 100 points each.
• Midterm 3/Final Exam: The format of this exam is very much like your fianl exams in many other courses: Worth half your grade and comprehensive, with an emphasis on the more recent material.  This exam is divided into two portions: Midterm 3 (covering the material not covered on exams 1 and 2) and Final Exam (comprehensive).  Each portion is worth 100 points and written to take about 50 minutes, but you have the entire final exam time slot (180 minutes) to work on both exams.  (Students who feel pressured for time on the first two exams should take note of this!) According to University policy, you must take the final exam during its regularly scheduled period in order to earn a passing grade for the course.  It is not possible for the final exam to be given at any time other than the scheduled time, even if you have three final exams on the same day.
• Make ups: There will be no make-up exams, unless you have presented a superior reason.  This reason must be presented before the exam is given, except for serious medical emergencies.  In all cases, be prepared to provide documentation to verify your reason for missing the exam.  Appropriate document includes a medical excuse from student health services, a letter on a physician's letterhead (with phone number...it will be checked!), signed and dated police report, etc.  Holiday or vacation travel cannot be accepted as an excuse, especially for a final, so please plan ahead of time.  Forged excuses will result in a score of zero for the exam, a possible F grade for the course (with a note of Academic Dishonesty on your transcript), and a report to the Dean of Students for further action which may included suspension or expulsion from UCLA.
• Course grade: Your current course grade may be found in the table above. The course will be graded on a curve, with the following lower end cutoffs guaranteed: 90% = A^-; 80% = B^-; 70% = C^-. The curve varies from quarter to quarter and from course to course.  Letter grades are not assigned for individual exams, but rather only for your final course point total.  An incomplete grade is possible only if the current grade is C^- or better and you have a verifiable emergency reason.
• An A⁺ grade is possible only if your overall score is at least 95%, and all exam scores are at least 90%. OWLS points or extra credit may not raise your grade to an A⁺.
• Improvement: Improvement in your performance, relative to the class average, is considered when final grades are determined.

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Tentative Lecture and Exam Schedule

Link to: Hardinger Home Page