An overview of the fundamental principles of synthetic organic chemistry, selectivity considerations, reaction mechanism, and synthetic planning. Topics include methods for C–C, C=C, C–N, and C­­–O bond formations, functional group transformations, protecting groups, and an introduction to heterocyclic chemistry. Aspects of chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity will be showcased through example syntheses of pharmaceuticals, natural products, pheromones, and other biologically interesting compounds.