Course overview
The aim of this course is to address the central aspects of both structure and reactivity of organic molecules that are fundamental to life on earth and crucial to many industries. The theory component of the course further develops an understanding of chemical structure (including conformation, stereochemistry and structure determination), reactivity and synthetic methods used to make organic molecules (including substitution and elimination reactions, acyl substitution reactions, reactions of aromatics, and reactions involving carbonyl groups). Assisting learners to develop the ‘language’ of organic chemistry (the visual representation of both how and why reactions occur) is a key feature of the course. The laboratory component of the course provides practical training with a strong focus on developing skills to safely manipulate chemicals, control chemical reactivity, synthesise and isolate molecular targets, and characterise their structure and properties. Learners will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in both theory-focused workshops and practical-based laboratory sessions, in addition to technical laboratory skills. These are essential skills for a professional scientist and are highly valued by employers because they directly contribute to the capability to innovate and troubleshoot in a variety of settings.
- Spectroscopy, Structure Bonding, Functional Groups And Acid/Base Concepts
- Nucleophilic Substitution, Elimination, And Conformational Analysis
- Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution; Nucleophilic Addition To Carbonyls
- Enol/Enolate Chemistry
- Aromatic Substitution
Course learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of stereochemistry, nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, structure determination, acyl substitution reactions, reactions of the carbonyl group, aromatic chemistry, alkene and enolate chemistry to analyse and solve conceptual problems
- Demonstrate proficiency in accurately representing chemical structures, formulae, equations and reaction mechanisms
- Demonstrate proficiency in preparing for and undertaking individual and/or team-based preparative laboratory investigations using appropriate apparatus, techniques and safe laboratory practices
- Analyse, interpret and present the results of preparative laboratory experiments
- Communicate results of laboratory experiment in written scientific reports