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Carbon-containing compounds; structure, stereochemistry, physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, synthesis; emphasis on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, ethers, alcohols, and alkyl halides. This course is intended for science majors (botany, biology, or microbiology), pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-veterinary students, or anyone planning to take two years of chemistry. The course is the first half of a yearlong sequence which covers the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. It begins with a review of atomic structure and covalent bonding, and continues with a sequence of topics based on the concept of functional groups, and specific groupings of atoms which serve as the site of most organic reactions. The structure, stereochemistry, physical properties, reactivity, and synthesis of different compound classes are discussed, with emphasis on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic compounds, alkyl halides, and alcohols. A knowledge of reaction mechanisms is stressed to provide unifying principles. Grades are based on three or four one-hour exams, and a comprehensive final. There are three lectures each week by the professor and a number of discussion sections led by a TA. Because the chemistry of carbon is three-dimensional, students are strongly advised to buy and use a molecular models kit.