For our textbook, we'll be using Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition by Marc Loudon and... well, me! You can access it as an E-book from the publisher, order a copy from the bookstore, or check one out from the library reserves. We will not have online homework assignments within Achieve this semester, but you can still access e-book through Achieve.
Let me answer some questions you might be wondering about:
Ah yes, you've discovered my master plan to fund my secret island lair! 🏰
Just kidding.
While I did co-author this 7th edition (and the previous 6th) with Professor Marc Loudon, he wrote the first edition way back in 1984! I’ve been very fortunate to work with him over the years, making new contributions and revisions, often with the help of my students! Additionally, the Chemistry department at Duke has used this book for many years; it was adopted here for the organic chemistry courses long before I was involved, and they were using it before I joined the faculty here a few years ago.
It's also true that textbook publishers provide the authors with a few dollars for every copy of the book that is sold in the form of royalties. So, of the hundreds of dollars they charge per book, I think I get less than $2 per copy. Still, I'm arranging for my portion of royalties from new books sold to students in this class to go towards a fund supporting undergraduate chemistry education and research at Duke.
If I could, I would, post the book contents for you for free on our Canvas page. Unfortunately, that would violate copyright laws and the publisher could have me arrested. 👮♂️
So instead, I’ll do the next, best, legal thing. I have put a bunch of copies around campus - in the rooms in FFSC, and I have donated several to the library so there are copies available on reserve.
Either is fine. Many students prefer the hard copy because it’s something they can highlight, flip back and forth, and occasionally use as a pillow during late-night problem-solving sessions. Also, it’s a good resource when reviewing for the MCAT, GRE, etc. You can find hard copies at the bookstore, on Amazon, or through publisher links in the syllabus. But if you’d rather the convenience of the E-book, the choice is yours.
Used copies are totally fine! You can also get by with earlier editions, however, all of my references and assigned problems this semester will be for the 7th edition. I will also put some of my old checklists that correspond with the 6th edition on the Canvas site.
Feel free to ask! I'm here to help.
