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
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Group 1
Class number 27922
Section FR01
Size 60
Available 27
Class number 27923
Section WS02
Size 30
Available 11
Class number 27924
Section WS01
Size 30
Available 16
Class number 31823
Section PR04
Size 15
Available 8
Class number 31824
Section PR03
Size 15
Available 11
Class number 31825
Section PR02
Size 15
Available 7
Class number 31826
Section PR01
Size 15
Available 1
Fee calculator
To display course fees for 2027, select your status and program below:
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Social Work program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.