Stage 1 concepts in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are developed and applied to problems around characterising, understanding and preparing excited states, organometallic and biological molecules, and general catalytic processes.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 2 2024-25
Module aims
This module explores chemical reactions, reactivity and analysis. 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/physical chemistry concepts at an intermediate level, specifically with respect to the reactivity and properties of organic and organometallic species and electronic excited states.
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
Electronic Spectroscopy & Excited States (MCRC, 10 lectures, central workshop, college tutorial)
Synthesis of biological molecules (LIW, 6 lectures, central workshop)
Organometallic Chemistry (ASW, 8 lectures, college tutorial)
Catalysis (SBD, 8 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
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
100
Module feedback
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 shared with students and 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 Atkin’s 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.