Course overview
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic theoretical and practical concepts of organic chemistry. Organic chemistry: terminology, isomerism, confirmations, reaction pathways, properties and reactions of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds. Stereochemistry. Properties and reactions of haloalkanes, alcohols and ethers, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, amino acids and proteins. Structure and properties of biopolymers. Relationship between acidic and basic groups to structure for small molecules, drugs and amino acids. Introductory spectroscopy and structure determination (infra-red, uv-vis and mass spectrometry). Aqueous equilibria; Buffers and acid-base indicators.
Course learning outcomes
- Collate and interpret the properties of selected organic compounds in terms of their extraction, purification, behaviour in various solvents and utility.
- Propose simple pathways to synthesise a range of organic compounds
- Use equipment in chemistry laboratories to carry out organic chemistry practical procedures
- Prepare a range of organic compounds
- Discuss how acid/base properties of molecules alter structure and behaviour of molecules including drugs, amino acids and proteins
Degree list
The following degrees include this course