CHEM 312

Objectives:	stimulate your interest in the role of organic chemistry in your life
	help you make connections between classroom information and the real world examples
	practice writing skills and computer chemistry software
	learn how to use the library and scientific information sources
	provide an alternative assessment instrument other than exams

Assignment:
	Write an essay on a natural product, a naturally occurring organic compound. You will be required to describe how the natural product was originally discovered, how it was purified from its natural source, what the primary uses for the compound are, and how the compound is currently synthesized in the laboratory. The synthesis of the compound must be presented and each reaction discussed with correlation made to topics covered in lecture. The chemical and physical properties must also be identified and discussed. The compound must be researched in the chemical literature (journals), however, books, your textbook, and web resources may also be used.

Topic:
	The common and systematic name of your compound and its ChemSketch structure is due March 28, along with a brief description of its discovery and primary uses today. The organic compound must be different than the topic of your research essay last semester.

Length:
	At least 4 full pages and no more than 6 full pages excluding structures and figures.

Format:
	Typed double-spaced in a 12-point font with 1 inch margins

References:
	At least three sources must be used, two of which must be from the chemical literature (journal articles). Additional sources may include your textbook, books, and web sources. References must be appropriately cited (see handout).

Assessment:
	Grades will based upon the sum of the assessment of ten characteristics (listed below) rated on a 0 to 10 scale based on the quality of work in each category.

Characteristics:
	Compound properties, chemical & physical including structure
	Natural product’s discovery and purification from natural source
	Laboratory synthesis of compound
	Originality of compound & primary uses
	Integration of course concepts (reactions, mechanisms, stereochemistry, reactivity, etc.)
	Overall chemical content (clearly explaining content in your own words)
	References (quality and quantity of sources & proper citation)
	Organization (paragraph & sentence structure)
	Grammar (diction, spelling, punctuation)
	Overall Style & Clarity

Rating Scale:
	Excellent	Very good	Adequate	Not good	Poor	Not addressed
	(10..........9)	(8...........7)	(6............5)	(4.............3)	(2...........1)	( 0)