The primary topics covered are basic functional groups and reactions of organic molecules. Additionally, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and enzymes are introduced. A separate laboratory course is required. This course is designed to give allied health science students and non-science majors an understanding of the fundamental physical and chemical properties of organic functional groups in organic and biological molecules. Students develop their reading comprehension skills by reading the text and handout materials.
Students develop their listening skills through lecture and small group problem solving.
Lecture material is presented that is not included in the text or handout material and is included as part of the exams or test. Students provide written or oral solutions to these problems in both individual and group format. They must also deal with short-answer type questions on course exams. Students learn individual and group problem solving and critical thinking skills by doing problems both in classroom settings and at home. Critical thinking skills are encouraged in many ways, one of which is by requesting student response to questions asked during the lecture.