Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module CHEM3211: BIOACTIVE CHEMISTRY 3

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3211: BIOACTIVE CHEMISTRY 3

Type Level Credits Availability Module Cap Location
Tied 3 20 Available in 2005/2006 None. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Ring Chemistry (CHEM2031).

Corequisites

  • Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM3031) AND Biological Chemistry (CHEM2051).

Excluded Combinations

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) AND Chemistry and Society (CHEM3061).

Aims

  • To develop the fundamentals presented in Core Chemistry 2 through in-depth discussion of selected areas of chemistry.

Content

  • Organic synthesis.
  • Organic mechanisms.
  • Transition-state theory and its applications.
  • Introductory polymer chemistry.
  • Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • Employ advanced methods of organic synthesis alongside more basic methodologies learnt in earlier years to solve problems in organic chemistry.
  • describe synthetically useful free radical reactions.
  • describe the principles of transition state theory and to develop equations for rate constants and activation parameters.
  • use simple models to calculate the size of polymers and be able to calculate molecular weight averages and differentiate between the two major synthetic routes for polymers.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Interpret simple 2D NMR spectra and use this evidence in the elucidation of molecular structure using a combination of techniques.
  • carry out advanced experimental work in organic chemistry using modern equipment.
Key Skills
  • Demonstrate key skills in information retrieval, scientific writing, oral presentation and discussion of scientific results.
  • demonstrate problem solving skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Facts and new concepts are introduced in the lecture courses.
  • These are backed up by workshops where the student attempts problems and is helped with any difficulties.
  • Knowledge is tested by examination.
  • Practical work involves the use of complex experimental techniques and report writing.
  • The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to evaluate a small part of the scientific literature and to present their findings.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 33 Twice Weekly 1 Hour 33
Workshops 8 3 per Term 2 Hours 16
Practicals 8 Weekly in Epiphany term 3 Hours 24
Preparation and Reading 127
Total 200

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination 60% examination Three hours 100%
Dissertation 25% dissertation 100%
Practical 15% practical 100%

Formative Assessment

A collection examination in the first week of the Epiphany Term. Workshop problems.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.