Watch Foundations of Organic Chemistry

Foundations of Organic Chemistry is an engaging and comprehensive course presented by Ron B. Davis Jr. and offered by The Great Courses Signature Collection. It is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, a branch of chemistry that deals with the structure, properties, and reactions of compounds that contain carbon atoms.

The course is comprised of 36 half-hour lectures that cover a wide range of organic chemistry topics. The lectures are delivered by Ron B. Davis Jr., an experienced and accomplished professor of chemistry who has spent decades teaching and researching in the field. His teaching style is clear, concise, and organized, making the complex concepts of organic chemistry accessible and understandable for students of all levels.

The first few lectures of the course introduce the fascinating history of organic chemistry, beginning with the discovery of carbon and the realization that it is the key element to study organic compounds. The lectures also provide a comprehensive overview of the foundational theory of organic chemistry, including the molecular structure, bonding, and reactivity of organic molecules.

As the course progresses, Davis delves deeper into the specifics of organic chemistry. Students will learn about the different functional groups that organic molecules can have, such as alcohols, alkanes, and aldehydes, and how they determine the chemical and physical properties of the compounds. They will also explore the various techniques used in organic chemistry, such as spectroscopy and chromatography, to identify and analyze organic compounds.

Additionally, students will learn about the different mechanisms by which organic reactions occur. Davis explains how the strength of chemical bonds and electron movement play a role in reactions, and how differing conditions can have a significant impact on the behavior of reactants and produce different outcomes.

Throughout the course, Davis emphasizes the importance of understanding organic chemistry in real-world applications. He explains how it relates to industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science, and how it can inform many areas of research and development. The course also includes case studies that illustrate the application of organic chemistry in real-world problems and solutions.

One of the strengths of Foundations of Organic Chemistry is the use of visual aids to enhance student understanding. Animated slides, molecular models, and chemical reaction simulations bring the concepts to life, making it easier for students to visualize and comprehend the complex theories and ideas of organic chemistry. The course also includes interactive quizzes at the end of each lecture to reinforce learning and assess student comprehension.

In summary, Foundations of Organic Chemistry is an excellent course for anyone seeking to understand the fundamental principles of organic chemistry. Ron B. Davis Jr.'s engaging and easy-to-follow teaching style, combined with the use of visual aids and real-world applications, make it a great resource for both students and professionals. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of organic chemistry, and the ability to apply these concepts to various real-world scenarios.

Foundations of Organic Chemistry is a series that ran for 1 seasons (36 episodes) between September 26, 2014 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection