Instructor

Instructor: Dr. John Carran
E-mail: carranj@chem.queensu.ca

Message from Dr. Carran:

Those with a phobia about organic chemistry can relax. Adjunct Professor John Carran understands the fear and will do his utmost to help. Those without the fear will benefit too. New online courses CHEM 281  will provide a means for students to study organic chemistry both independently and remotely, but with ample opportunity for one-on-one help.

Carran, who holds an undergraduate degree in applied chemistry from the University of Salford, and a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the University of Sheffield, says that his experience in the UK made him understand the potential of online courses. 

I’m interested in providing an education for all students. I come from the UK where we have the Open University and I’m aware of the vacuum that model of learning can fill. Virtual courses offer non-traditional students the same opportunity as a student on campus. Even difficult, high demand courses should be accessible to those students who are seeking career change, retraining, or just need to fit organic chemistry into their curriculum somehow.

The online course is geared at least in part, to those students who need to take organic chemistry for medical or other health sciences studies.

Online CHEM 281  share the syllabus with the regular second year organic chemistry course held on campus. The laboratory component of the course is done through online virtual labs. Carran uses Moodle, discussion forums, a virtual lab site, Elluminate business communication software (chat and virtual white board), and email to interact with students. It is his aim to have answers to all student enquiries within 24 hours, but he says, “Our experience is that we can often provide answers within a couple of hours.”

John Carran teaches a variety of university chemistry courses from first year through to graduate level courses, but he is especially enthused about the potential for CHEM 281. “We have a tremendous opportunity right now,” he says, “I want this course to be the leader in this field, to be the best.”

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More information:

• Computer Requirements and Internet Access
• Moodle, Our Online Learning Environment 
• Academic Integrity
• Evaluation
• Suggested Time Commitment
• Required Material
• Frequently Asked Questions