About OCB
We are a Sponsored Student Organization at the University of Michigan under the faculty advisor Dr. Nicole Tuttle and the LSA Chemistry Department. OCB comprises students dedicated to teaching the topics we wish we had known going into Organic Chemistry. You've probably heard horror stories about this daunting "weed out course" that seems to be the boogie man of college subjects. However, there are so many practical approaches to tackling it, and we want to share the most efficient ways to begin thinking like an organic chemistry student so that you aren't entering blindly in the fall.
Our goal is not to give an overview of the whole course but to help you develop a strong understanding of what you are expected to learn from the start. By exposing yourself to organic chemistry early, you will feel way more comfortable in the large impersonal lectures. We will cover the basics of organic chemistry, such as understanding carbon skeletons, nomenclature, curved arrow mechanisms, resonance, isomers, bond length, and acid-base reactions.
Organic Chem Bootcamp is split into online small group sessions and online or in-person one-on-one sessions. There is a flat fee for the entire session, giving you access to four (1 hr) small group sessions and four (45 minute) one-on-one sessions over a month. Small group sessions are offered twice on each date, and individual sessions are scheduled for the rest of the week based on tutor/student schedules.
Scheduling
SU 25 Calendar
Curriculum
Organic Chem Bootcamp I
Pre-Week 1
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Bridging gaps: Electronegativity, Valance
Session 1
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Lewis Dot Structures
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Carbon Skeletons/Line Abbreviation Drawings
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Formal Charge
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Basic Nomenclature
Session 2
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Localized vs. Delocalized Electrons
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Curved Arrows
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Resonance + Contributor Significance
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Isomers
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Units of Unsaturation
Session 3
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VSEPR, MO, Drawing 3D models
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Bond Length
Session 4
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Acid-Base Chemistry
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Nucleophiles and eEectrophiles
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Optional sessions
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Stereochemistry
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Nomenclature
Organic Chem Bootcamp II
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Pre-Week 1
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Organic Chem I review
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Session 1
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Basics of Oxidation and Reduction
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Aqueous vs. Non-aqueous Oxidation
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Aqueous and Non-aqueous Reagents
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Epoxides
Session 2
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Preparation of Grignard Reagents
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Nucleophilic Addition to Carbonyls
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Review Long Synthesis Reactions from Orgo 1
Session 3
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Hemiacetals and Hemiketals
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Full Condensation and Hydrolysis Mechanism
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Determining Condensation and Hydrolysis Products
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Condensation/Hydrolysis with Amines
Session 4
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Overview of Acylation
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Strong Base, Weak Base, and Acid Acylation
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Optional sessions
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Functional Groups and Complex Naming
Pricing & Payments
OCB consists of four small group sessions where content is introduced, two practice sheets and keys a week, two optional sessions, weekly office hours, and four one-on-one sessions. We offer participants the option to choose to attend only the small group sessions and receive the weekly worksheets for $20. The entire program, including the small group sessions, worksheets, and individual tutoring costs $135. We will contact enrolled students regarding payment methods.
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Additional tutoring sessions can be purchased for $35 a session with the tutor of your choosing.
Seeking financial aid? We pride ourselves on making this program available to everyone. Be sure to fill out the interest form under Student Signups and indicate it there! We will reach out with more information.
FAQs
1. Does this course follow the UMich Organic Chemistry curriculum?
Yes! This course is designed to follow the curriculum for the first exam and parts of the second one!
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2. Is this a lecture format?
We intend to use our four small group sessions as lectures, going over each week's material along with including opportunities to practice the material that is being covered. For 1-on-1s, we will use these as a workshop, going over questions/practice problems, working through material from the small group lecture while also answering questions and helping students understand the material through the use of practice material.
3. Where does the information you are teaching come from?
We will mostly be using information from the required textbook for the first organic chemistry course! We will also be using various other organic chemistry textbooks as well as our past course material in order to create practice material!
4. Can I attend OCB if I do not go to UofM?
Yes! We follow UMich’s orgo curriculum closely. However, it provides a great overview of the basics covered in every organic chemistry course.
5. Can I attend OCB if I am not on campus this summer/winter?
Yes, OCB can be taken entirely online over Zoom! The program operates entirely online.
6. I work full-time; would the sessions fit around this?
Yes, we schedule one-on-one session times anywhere from 10 am to 8:45 pm to accommodate any schedule. Small group sessions are offered at a couple of times, and you are welcome to attend whichever best fits your schedule.
7. What kinds of resources are available through OCB?
OCB provides two practice sheets weekly, including more simple content check-ins up to exam-style questions.
8. What is the cancellation policy for one on one sessions?
We ask that you provide 24 hours notice if you are unable to make your one-on-one unless an unforeseen conflict arises. In the case of a cancellation, your tutor will work with you to find another time that works.
9. Are the small group sessions recorded?
We are unable to record the sessions due to privacy reasons amongst registered students. However, we offer multiple of the same session so that students have the opportunity to attend.