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.
- Essential concepts in organic chemistry
- Substitution, & elimination reactions
- Nucleophilic addition to carbonyls
- Enol/enolate chemistry
- Aromatic Substitution
- Practicals
Course learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of essential organic chemistry concepts (including spectroscopy & structure determination, and representation of structure & reactions), nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, nucleophilic addition to carbonyls, enol/enolate chemistry, and aromatic substitution to analyse and solve conceptual problems
- Accurately represent chemical structures, formulae, equations and reaction mechanism
- Prepare for individual and/or team-based preparative laboratory investigations using safe laboratory practices
- Demonstrate proficiency in conducting individual and/or team-based preparative laboratory investigations using appropriate
- Analyse, interpret and present the results of preparative laboratory experiments
- Communicate ideas that relate to essential organic chemistry concepts (including spectroscopy & structure determination, and representation of structure & reactions), nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, nucleophilic addition to carbonyls, enol/enolate chemistry, and aromatic substitution in written and/or oral form to a specialist audience