CHE-30039 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of FHEQ level 5 modules or equivalent in Chemistry.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Building on key concepts introduced in years 1 and 2, this module will introduce you to some advanced ideas and essential topics in organic chemistry that have real word application. Including transition-metal catalysis, pericyclic reactions and main-group organoelement chemistry, the chemical reaction types covered are at the heart of modern organic synthesis and have led to a number of Nobel prizes. Real-world examples from across the industrial spectrum (e.g. pharmaceuticals, fine-chemicals, materials) will be used to highlight just how useful these reactions are to society.

to build upon theories and concepts in Organic Chemistry introduced at Levels 4 and 5;
to develop skills for the application of Organic Chemistry to the synthesis of high-value products including pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals;
to develop analytical, problem solving and organisational skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the mechanism of a variety of useful transition-metal catalysed organic reactions in terms of a sequence of fundamental mechanistic sub-processes: 1,2
analyse and predict the stereospecific outcomes of a variety of pericyclic organic reactions according to the ¿conservation of orbital symmetry¿ (using both the Frontier-Molecular-Orbital approach and the Woodward-Hoffmann rules): 1
describe and explain how the bonding and electronic structure in a variety of main-group organoelement molecules influences the reaction chemistry displayed by these species: 1
apply knowledge gained of the chemical reaction types covered in the course to the planning and design of efficient syntheses of a variety of industrially important target molecules: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Lectures: 18
Workshops: 6
Interview: 1
Independent Study Hours:
Exam: 3
Preparation for Interview: 20
Directed Independent Learning: 102

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment