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.

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. Guided by the primary literature, we will explore developments that span a variety of applications and explore potential new directions, culminating in a final project. Fundamentals of molecular biology will be discussed as they pertain to our exploration of chemical biology.

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.

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).

Lindsay Repka

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

Tough class but worth it. The material is dense, but the professor explained things clearly and made the mechanisms make sense. I recommend doing all the practice problems and going to office hours—huge help. Exams were fair if you kept up with the material. Labs were organized, and expectations were clear. Definitely not an easy A, but if you stay on top of things, you’ll do fine.

Prof. Lindsay is very efficient in her teaching style and her office hours are very helpful. She goes through all the material with care. Try not to miss any classes because the material is cumulative

I enjoyed taking this course, but sometimes found the lectures confusing. The supplemental textbook readings were very helpful and I recommend reading before the lectures to make them more manageable. 