Module CHEM4311: Frontiers in Molecular Assembly

Department: Chemistry

CHEM4311: Frontiers in Molecular Assembly

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) AND two from [Inorganic Concepts anc Applications (CHEM3097), Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM3117), Molecules and their Interactions (CHEM3137), Practical Chemistry 3 - Synthetic (CHEM3447)].

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Chemistry and Society (CHEM3061).

Aims

• This module builds on material taught at level-3 and provides an advanced overview of more specialised are, of chemistry.

Content

• A collection of 6 research focused courses spanning topics at the forefront of chemistry. Each student will follow 5 out of 6 lecture courses.

Learning Outcomes

• Classify drugs according to their site and mode of action and critically discuss the relationships between structure and activity.
• Describe methods by which drugs may be discovered and optimised.
• Describe and distinguish between the major synthetic routes to polymer molecules.
• Understand the relative merits and limitations of each synthetic route and suggest suitable strategies for the synthesis of key polymer classes.
• Understand and exemplify the key strategies used in the construction of complex chemical scaffolds.
• Devise retrosynthetic strategies and provide forward synthetic routes to the construction of complex targets.
• To Appreciate how artificial systems can mimic enzyme catalysis.
• Understand the role of non-covalent bonding in producing molecular receptors and host-guest systems.
• Understand the role of metals in medicine.

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.
• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra.
• Students' knowledge and understanding is tested by examination.
• Workshops are where groups of students consider problems and explore common shared difficulties. Problem exercises provide students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem­solving skills. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
• Undergraduates are aided in the learning process by workshops where they attempt sample problems.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. 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 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:

Workshop problems.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University