Module CHEM3117: ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3117: ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To expand and promote the knowledge of synthetic and mechanistic chemistry.

Content

• Catalysis and mechanism: general principles and applications.
• Natural product biosynthesis: comparison of synthetic reactions with natural reagents, methods to establish biosynthetic pathways.
• Ionic and molecular recognition.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply physical principles to reveal mechanistic information about organic reaction pathways;
• evaluate mechanistic data and develop a hypothesis in terms of a plausible reaction pathway;
• categorise the different types of catalytic reactions;
• understand the importance of intermolecular interactions and how modulation of structure, charge and solvation changes affinity in natural and synthetic systems;
• explain how physical methods have established the synthetic methods and roles of metabolites.

• Problem solving, developed through practice;
• information retrieval and scientific writing, exercised through assignments for workshops;
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

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

• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature.
• Workshops are groups of students where problems are considered and common difficulties shared. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning, and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Set work for workshops.