Stage 1 concepts in bonding and reactivity are developed and applied to problems involving classes of biological, inorganic and organic molecules.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 1 2023-24
Module aims
The purpose of this module is to introduce more advanced concepts in chemistry through a blend of lectures, tutorials and workshops. The subject matter explored in this module is covered at a more advanced level compared to the foundations courses delivered as part of stage 1 and serves to signal to the students how their understanding of chemistry will be expected to develop in its sophistication throughout the course.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of this module students will be able to:
describe and discuss organic/inorganic/biological chemistry concepts at an intermediate level, specifically with respect to the mechanisms underlying protein biosynthesis and action, metal-ligand bonding, and reactivity of heteroaromatic and carbonyl-containing small molecules;
integrate the principles taught in this module with the skills and strategies developed in Stage 1 Foundations of Chemistry modules;
use principles taught in this module to interpret, critically evaluate and solve unseen problems in tutorials and workshops and to interpret and inform practical work;
communicate their thinking on these topics, both in writing and verbally, and contribute to discussions in small group tutorials and workshops.
Module content
Module content:
Biomolecules in Action (AJW, 8 lectures, college tutorial)
Retrosynthesis and Advanced Carbonyl Chemistry (AFP, 5 lectures, AR, 5 lectures, central workshop, tutorial)
Metal-ligand bonding and inorganic reaction mechanisms (RED, 10 lectures, college tutorial)
Heteroaromatic Chemistry (AJA, 6 lectures, college tutorial)
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
100
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Closed Exam:
Students answer one compulsory question in section A and two questions (out of three) from section B.
The Retrosynthesis and Advanced Carbonyl Chemistry courses are assessed through a single combined question.
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
100
Module feedback
Feedback to Students
Tutorials/workshops: written feedback will be given for tutorial work within a week. Written and/or oral feedback for workshops will be given either during the sessions or within a week.
Exams: closed exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks. Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry VLE sites when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners’ reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry VLE
Indicative reading
Atkins, Overton, Rourke, Weller and Armstrong, “Shriver and Atkins' Inorganic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.
Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers, “Organic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.
Atkins, de Paula, “Atkins' Physical Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.
Skoog, West, Holler and Crouch, “Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry”, Thomson/Brooks/Cole.