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 2025-2026 (archived)

Module CHEM3211: Bioactive Chemistry 3

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3211: Bioactive Chemistry 3

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Tied 3 20 Available in 2025/2026 Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411).

Aims

  • To develop the fundamentals of chemistry through in-depth discussion of selected areas likely to be of most interest to students studying at the interface between chemistry and biology.

Content

  • Pericyclic transformations in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Reactive intermediate in organic processes.
  • Selectivity in organic transformations.
  • Molecular biophysics.
  • Applied spectroscopy.

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, carbenes, nitrenes and ionic rearrangements.
  • Describe methods for introducing stereoselectivity into a variety of organic reactions.
  • Understand pericyclic transformations as a strategy to make new carbon-carbon bonds.
  • Describe how techniques from the physical sciences are used to understand the structure, assembly and dynamics of biomolecular systems.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Interpret simple 2D NMR spectra and use this evidence in the elucidation of molecular structure using a combination of techniques;
Key Skills
  • 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 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 Blackbaord Learn Ultra.
  • 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.
  • 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 problem-solving skills. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
  • 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 32 2 per week 1 hour 32
Workshop 5 2 hours 10 Yes
Preparation and Reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination 100% On Campus Written Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment

Set work for workshops.


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.