An Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHEM1009 | Chemistry | 1 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- CHEM1009
- School
- Chemistry
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The first part of the module will provide the theoretical foundation and background necessary for understanding organic chemistry. This will include nomenclature, bonding concepts, orbitals and the shape, stereochemistry and acid-base properties of organic molecules. The second part of the module will focus on reactivity and important reactions and transformation in organic chemistry. Formative feedback is given on the material in this module via the associated tutorials. Summative feedback is provided after the exam by the module convenor.
Target Students
Only available for BSc/MSci Chemistry OR Medicinal and Biological Chemistry students AND Only available for Level 1 students.Grade B in A2 level Chemistry or equivalent, pass in practical component where assessed separately.Cannot be taken with course CHEM1020 or CHEM1017
Classes
- One 1-hour tutorial each week for 4 weeks
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 23 weeks
Assessment
- 5% Coursework 1
- 95% Exam 1 (3-hour): Second re-assessment: If a further re-assessment is allowed by satisfying the conditions of Undergraduate Course Regulation 19, the form of the further re-assessment for this module will be 100% coursework.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To introduce and explain the fundamental principles of organic chemistry from first principles including nomenclature, shapes of molecules and reactivity. To develop an appreciation of orbital concepts that will allow chemical reactions to be described using curly arrow mechanisms. To explain and exemplify fundamental organic chemical reactions using the above concepts. To develop a knowledge of key organic transformations and how they can be utilised in chemical synthesis.Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, a successful student will have gained a good working knowledge of the fundamentals of organic chemistry (bonding concepts, resonance, curly arrow mechanisms), reactivity (HOMO/LUMO approach to reactivity) and important classes of organic reactions (nucleophilic substitution, elimination reactions, reactions of alkenes, reactions involving the carbonyl group, enols and enolates and some pericyclic reactions).
This essential core knowledge will underpin further organic chemistry modules in the second and third year. A successful student will understand the material and be able to apply the knowledge to solve unseen problems.
Transferable/Key skills: problem-solving, scientific deduction and written/communication skills.