Science and Education Publishing World Journal of Chemical Education 2375-1657 3 2 2015 04 29 A Hierarchical Structure for an Organic Chemistry Course 51 58 EN Jef Struyf A retired instructor of the Health and Technology Department, Katholieke Hogeschool Leuven (KHLeuven), Belgium WJCE2015325 10.12691/wjce-3-2-5 2015 03 05 2015 03 29 2015 04 29 A teaching approach is proposed inspired by the hierarchical structure of the neon electron configuration. The course material is organized into analogous hierarchical 1s (molecular structure and physical properties), 2s (oxidation level based reaction schemes and acid-base) and 2p (three pairs of reaction mechanisms) course modules. The connection between acid-base and oxidation-reduction in organic chemistry is made clearer. General options, instructor's knowledge structure, building on prior knowledge, educational success, the value of the approach and the support from the educational research are discussed.