CHE-20001: Organic Synthesis and Chirality

School of Physical and Geographical Sciences

CHE-20001

Organic Synthesis and Chirality

Co-ordinator:

Prof Jim Howell Room: LJ1.14, Tel:33041

Teaching Team:

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Level I modules in Chemistry or equivalent

Barred Combinations

None

Description

This is a core module for all chemistry and medicinal degree programmes at Keele and covers key topics in organic chemistry which highlight how familiar chemical processes can be used to synthesize quite complex molecules. Concepts including stereochemistry and isomerism, and synthetic methodology using functional group interconversion and retrosynthesis are taught in an integrated manner through lectures, laboratory practicals and problem classes.

Aims

1. To develop, expand upon and connect key concepts in organic chemistry to provide a deeper understanding of the synthesis and properties of organic molecules.
2. To develop experimental and analytical laboratory skills
3. To develop problem solving and scientific writing skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe the origin, physical and chemical properties of enantiomers, diastereoisomers and conformational isomers. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Describe the chemistry of organic molecules containing reactive functional groups (1, 5)
Apply the principles of mechanism in organic chemistry to solve problems in organic synthesis (1, 5)
Select and apply functional group interconversions in the design and execution of syntheses of organic compounds. (1, 5)
Explain the concept of retrosynthesis as used in the planning and design of syntheses of organic compounds. (1, 5)
Apply appropriate methodology to solve problems in the synthesis of organic molecules (1, 5)
Apply practical chemical, analytical and research skills to solve problems in the laboratory synthesis of organic molecules (2, 3, 4)
Communicate the results and interpretation of a practical investigation in a word processed formal laboratory report that complies with scientific writing conventions and standards. (2)
Communicate the results and interpretation of a practical investigation in an oral presentation that complies with accepted conventions and standards. (3)

Study hours

Lectures: 20 hours
Class tests: 2 hours
Laboratory practicals and problem classes: 36 hours
Independent study, report preparation: 92 hours

Description of Module Assessment

001: Class Test weighted 20%

Students answer questions selected from a bank of seen questions posted on the KLE

002: Laboratory Report weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)

1000 word laboratory report
Students will prepare an individual report based on one of the experiments performed.

003: Oral Presentation weighted 10% (min pass mark of 40)

Students will present orally an individual report based on one of the experiments performed

004: Laboratory Assessment weighted 5% (min pass mark of 40)

Laboratory diary containing written and graphical evidence of achievement of the objectives of each laboratory practical

005: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 35)

2-hour unseen examination
The paper is split into two sections with a degree of choice in each section: Part A short answer questions, Part B long answer questions.

Version: (1.04S) Created: 04/Jun/2010

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.