Fundamental facts, theories and nomenclature of organic compounds, and their reactions are discussed. Students study such topics as structural theory, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms, as applied to basic physical, chemical and spectroscopic properties of aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, mono-, di-, and polyfunctional compounds, including some natural products and biomolecules. Students will use molecular modeling software to gain a better understanding of the intricacies of molecular structures and reactivity. Most of the information covered in this course is prerequisite to biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, other advanced chemistry and some biology courses. Prerequisite: CHEM 220 or CHEM 230. CHEM 261 is a prerequisite for CHEM 262. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab.