610-220 Organic Chemistry

Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 610-221 or 610-225.

One of chemistry 610-141, 610-121 or 610-051 plus one of 610-142, 610-122 or 610-052.

Upon completion, students should have developed skills to synthesise complex organic molecules from smaller components in the laboratory; qualitative laboratory manipulative skills; and skills to record and interpret scientific observations. Students should gain an awareness of safe and diligent laboratory practice. Students should appreciate the importance of rational, critical and independent thought in the molecular sciences and in their understanding of the chemistry of carbon compounds. Students should have an understanding of stereochemistry; the synthesis and some reactions of simple polyfunctional organic compounds, aromaticity; and the basic types of heterocyclic molecules.

The subject covers the topics molecular architecture and its relationship to chemical and biological change; the principles of organic synthesis: C-C bond formation; and the fundamentals of aromatic and heterocyclic chemistry.

The laboratory course will consist of a number of experiments involving techniques for the synthesis of important classes of organic compounds. The experiments are aimed at the exemplification of some of the lecture material.

This subject will provide the student with the opportunity to establish and develop the following generic skills: problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the ability to use conceptual models to rationalise observations, an understanding of the changing knowledge base, a capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in written presentation, and a capacity to manage competing demands on time including self-directed work.

Ongoing assessment of practical work in the form of short reports due during the semester (25%); a 1-hour multiple-choice examination held during the semester (10%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (65%). Satisfactory completion of both theory and practical work is necessary to pass the subject.