Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Spectroscopy In this course students will explore how organic molecules are made and their structures are identified. The study of organic reactions will continue from CHEM 0205 with radical reactions, alkene and alkyne additions, aromatic reactions, oxidations, reductions, and additional carbonyl reactions. Emphasis will be placed on using reactions in sequences to synthesize larger and more complex molecules. The theory and practice of mass spectrometry and UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy will be studied as a means to elucidate the exact structures of organic molecules. Laboratory experiments will focus on synthetic techniques that complement the lecture material and the identification of complex unknowns via spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques.

Chemical Biology In this course we will explore scientific advances propelled by research at the interface of organic chemistry and molecular biology. The field of chemical biology involves the manipulation of biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates) using synthetic organic chemistry. These organic transformations are not used by nature and thus permit site-specific modifications that enable study or alteration of macromolecule function. Examples include antibody-drug conjugates for targeted chemotherapy and fluorescent probes of macromolecule interactions. In the lab, we will apply the techniques of chemical biology and ask new research questions. Fundamentals of molecular biology will be discussed as they pertain to our exploration of chemical biology. (CHEM 0205) (5 hrs lect., 5 hrs lab).

Seminar in Chemical Research This seminar provides students with experiences to support the preparation of a senior thesis. As the course involves participation in a mentored laboratory project and the intent to complete a senior thesis, students must make arrangements to work with a faculty advisor prior to gaining approval for course registration. The classroom portion of this seminar focuses on reading the scientific literature, giving effective oral presentations, and writing the thesis introduction. Particular emphasis will be given to computer and technology issues related to oral and written presentations. Participation will normally be followed by registration for CHEM 0500 or CHEM 0700 (winter term and spring).

Organic Chemistry I: Structure and Reactivity The course will provide students with an introduction to the structure and reactivity of organic molecules sufficient to continue directly to the study of biochemistry (CHEM 0322). Topics covered will include models of chemical bonding, acid-base relationships, three-dimensional molecular structure (conformations and stereochemistry), reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams, substitution and elimination reactions, carbonyl reactions (additions, reductions, interconversions, and alpha-reactivity), and the fundamentals of biological molecules (carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA). Laboratory experiments will relate to purification techniques (recrystallization, distillation, extraction, and chromatography), as well as microscale organic reactions that complement the lecture material.

Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Spectroscopy In this course we will explore how organic molecules are made and their structures are identified. The study of organic reactions will continue from CHEM 0203 with radical reactions, alkene and alkyne additions, aromatic reactions, oxidations and reductions, and additional carbonyl reactions. Emphasis in this course will be placed on using reactions in sequences to synthesize larger and more complex molecules. The theory and practice of mass spectrometry and UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy will be studied as a means to elucidate the exact structures of organic molecules. Laboratory experiments will focus on synthetic techniques that complement the lecture material and the identification of complex unknowns via  GC-MS, IR, and NMR.

Lindsay Repka

Reviews and ratings for Lindsay Repka at Middlebury College.Lindsay Repka teaches Organic II: Synthesis & Spect., Chemical Biology, Seminar In Chemical Research and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Lindsay Repka good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The class was not the easiest, however it was straightforward, and the weekly homework and TA hours made it very douable. It was similar, and a bit easier than Orgo 1. The exams were also straightforward. The lab was fun! 

This was a great course! It was more interesting than orgo 1 and oftentimes easier. Professor Repka was super caring and wanted you to succeed. Lab was also fun. The problem sets weren't too bad, and the exams were difficult but fair. 

While Chem 305 is very challenging, with a lot of material thrown at you, I thought it was all given in a digestible way where I could break everything down. Also the explanations for why things happen the way they do help to pick up on trends for future reactions.